Modify name(s) and surname(s)

Names and surnames

Upon your arrival at EPFL, for legal reasons, you are registered with all the names and surnames appearing on your identity documents. These are referred to as your official names. By default, all of them are displayed in the various IT systems.
Any changes (including shortening) are handled centrally via the page people.epfl.ch and are then automatically updated in the other EPFL directories.

Changing first and last names

To modify how your name is displayed, please log in to your People page and click the ‘edit’ icon shown next to your name.

3 modification options:

For example, in cases of multiple first names and/or surnames (e.g., Isabella Ragusa instead of Marina Isabella Ragusa Pietri).
This request does not require validation.

  • Click on ‘Change usual first and last names’
  • Enter the name you wish to display, choosing only from your existing official names
  • You can also shorten your email address if needed (see “Changing Your Email Address”)

For example, when changing the spelling of a (first or last) name, affirming a gender identity, following a marriage, divorce, adoption, or any other reason deemed legitimate by the Civil Registry Office.
This request is subject to validation.

  • Click on “Change official first and last names” If you are a student, you have to contact the Student Services Desk with a copy of your identity documents to request this change.
  • If you are a PhD student, please first contact the HR representative of your lab. Once approved, send an email to [email protected] to ensure the change is reflected in the academic database.
  • If you have a work contract, the request must be approved by the HR representative of your faculty or vice presidency.
  • If desired, you will also be able to update your email address once the change has been validated and processed in the system (see “Changing Your Email Address”).

To request a change of usual (first or last) name, the procedure varies depending on your status at EPFL:

Students:

  • Send an email to [email protected] with the necessary information. Your request will be reviewed by the team at the Equal Opportunities Office (VPH-WINC-EGA).
  • Contact and validation:
    The EGA team will contact you to schedule an in-person meeting to discuss your request. You will then receive an official response, either positive or negative.
  • System update:
    Once the request is approved:
    • The EGA team will update your name in EPFL’s IT systems.
    • A new Camipro card will be ordered for you, free of charge.

PhD Students:

  • First, contact the HR representative of your lab to get your request approved.
  • Once this step is completed, send an email to [email protected] so the change can be reflected in the academic database.
  • The EGA team is available in case of any issues—simply write to [email protected].

Staff Members (with an employment contract):

  • Your request must be approved by the HR representative of your faculty or vice presidency.
  • The person responsible for your accreditation (ACCRED) will carry out the changes in the system.
  • The EGA team is available in case of any issues—just write to [email protected].

Learn more about usual first and last names


How to get a new CAMIPRO card

Once the entity responsible for the (first or last) name change has ordered your new card, you will be able to collect it at the Camipro desk. You will need to return your old card, which will be destroyed and recycled

Gender mention in job titles (as of December 2023)

By default, in French, your job title may indicate your official gender (typically, Ă©tudiante vs Ă©tudiant, professeure vs professeur).
This is also the only mention of your gender on your People page, apart from what could be inferred from your first name, photo, or any custom text you have added.

If you wish to use the gender-neutral form of your job title, log in to your People page and activate the button “Show job names in inclusive form (French version)” This setting will be reflected across the directories.

EPFL is committed to using gender-neutral language in documents and systems wherever possible.

Learn more about gender identity in Switzerland

Messaging

In messaging systems, the displayed format is First name dot Last name at epfl dot ch
Exemple:
Affichage-prenom-nom-outlook
See also change your email address.