Current initiatives ‒ Community & Support ‐ EPFL

Whenever a crisis occurs that affects our community directly or indirectly, such as a war, a natural disaster, an IT risk, EPFL enacts a series of targeted support measures, subject to approval by EPFL’s management.
For a situation to be considered a crisis:
At the start of every crisis, EPFL issues a message explaining what led us to introduce support measures.
That message is not intended to be, and must not be viewed as, a political statement. It’s an initial expression of empathy framed by the Federal Council’s political reading of the crisis. And it’s written in such a way as to encourage tolerance and inclusivity within our community.
Following a cybersecurity alert concerning vulnerabilities affecting PHP, EPFL temporarily restricted public access to some of its servers to protect its infrastructure and carry out the necessary checks.
To date, public access has been restored to most affected services. Access to the remaining services is being restored progressively as security patches are applied and the necessary checks completed.
In the meantime, members of the EPFL community can continue to access the affected services by connecting to the EPFL network via the VPN.
Thank you for your understanding. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.More information
We understand that the current situation, characterized by high levels of tension and uncertainty, may cause anxiety, sadness, and feelings of helplessness. At EPFL, we would like to reiterate our solidarity and commitment to providing you with a peaceful study, work, and living environment. Below, you will find useful resources and contacts to support you.
To better understand what help is needed, we would like to give you the opportunity to inform us about your concerns and the problems that you face currently, which you can do at this address [email protected].
Please feel welcome to share any other requests, questions, or suggestions you may have.
If necessary, please do not hesitate to contact Andreas Osterwalder, Delegate of the Provost for Student Relations.
We remind you that counseling services are available for students (bachelor, master, and PhD) suffering from this stressful situation.
Students and staff should also feel free to call on EPFL’s spiritual care service for support.
Staff members are welcome to contact their HR manager for advice on further sources of support.
Please check the Middle East: help and support webpages
Please check the Ukraine: help and support webpages
For non-EPFL scientists and students who are victims of attacks to scientific and academic communities, we encourage you to contact the Scholars At Risk network and apply for assistance with them.
EPFL has been member of SAR since 2014, and is also part of the Swiss section of SAR, which is supported by swissuniversities and the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences.
The G7 Summit will be held in Évian-les-Bains from 15 to 17 June. Owing to the broad security measures that will be put in place, we expect road travel and public transport between France and Switzerland to be significantly disrupted between 10 and 18 June.
These dates overlap with the first few days of EPFL’s summer exam session, which starts on 15 June.
Owing to the expected disruptions, cross-border workers must speak with their managers about any requests to work from home, in accordance with EPFL’s policy on remote working.
EPFL is monitoring developments closely in association with the cantonal authorities. We will update this page regularly.
The EPFL’s Direction wishes to express its unwavering solidarity with all members of our community who have been affected, directly or indirectly, by the tragedy that occurred in Crans-Montana, as well as with their loved ones.
Those who wish to share a moment of reflection on the EPFL campus are invited to gather with the Chaplains this Friday, 9th January, at the GEODE, between 1:45 pm and 2:15 pm.
For those in need of support in the face of these tragic events, we would like to remind you that resources are available through the Trust and Support Network, which is also accessible via the EPFL Campus app. This network offers the student and doctoral community:
The Student services is also available to assist you.
Staff members can also contact their supervisors and/or HR manager to find out what sort of support and special arrangements are possible, depending on their individual situation.
We strongly encourage you to use any of these services if needed.
Students who are not in a position to sit the winter exam session are requested to not attend the relevant exam and to submit a medical certificate promptly. As part of the pilot year for deferred exams, first-year students will be able to sit the deferred exams. For other students, detailed information is available on the web page dedicated to absences during exams.
We will continue to pay close attention to the needs of the affected members of the community in the days and weeks ahead.
In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the border region between Turkey and Syria, we would first like to express our deep solidarity with you. Our hearts go out to you and your families. And for those of you who have lost loved ones in this disaster, the entire upper management wishes to offer its deepest condolences.
We remind you that counseling services are available for students (bachelor, master, and PhD) which can help you find your way this stressful situation.
You can also reach out to Turcopoly, the association of Turkish-speaking students in Lausanne, and share your thoughts and concerns with its members.
Students and staff should also feel free to call on EPFL’s spiritual care service for support.
Staff members are welcome to contact their supervisor and/or HR manager to find out what sort of support and special arrangements are possible during this period.
If you have any questions, requests or suggestions, please send them to us via the online form.
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