Teaching and learning

Published on December 19th, 2024.

Students already contribute to improving the quality of teaching by taking part in the evaluation of the classes they attend each semester. Teachers’ feedback to their students, and the fact that the results of these evaluations are made available to the sections and teaching staff, ensure a feedback loop and enable the teaching support services to plan any adaptative measures that may be required. From now on, the indicative feed-back will take place earlier in the semester so that those who respond to the survey can benefit directly from the changes. In the interest of transparency, the anonymized results of  in-depth evaluations are published here at the end of each semester (in French only, “Évaluation de l’enseignement” toggle).

Published on July 10th, 2023

EPFL’s projections and forward-looking studies assume an annual increase in student numbers of 2.2% between 2025 and 2028. We’ve rolled out a series of measures to ensure we keep delivering a high-quality education to our growing student body. For instance, EPFL has opened a Propaedeutic Center (CePro) for our first-year Bachelor’s students. The aim of this center is to ensure our large first-year classes run smoothly and the exercise sessions are well-organized. It also trains the teaching assistants who help administer and grade exams. A consultation process is currently under way to adapt the conditions for holders of foreign secondary-school qualifications to enter the first year at EPFL.

Published on July 10th, 2023

Our 19 Master’s programmes in engineering have been certified by the French Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI) and have received the European Accredited Engineer (EUR-ACE) label. These accreditations, which are valid until 2028, will make it easier for our graduates to have their degrees recognized in all EU countries.

Published on July 10th, 2023

The survey of doctoral students revealed that, overall, they are satisfied with their doctoral studies (48% response rate). However, there are growing concerns over PhD students’ mental health and well-being. Moreover, PhD students also stressed that skills development and preparation for future employment could be further improved. In response to this survey, EPFL adjusted the psychological support available to the student body and created the Transversal Skills and Career Center, which aims to strengthen the skills of graduates in the areas of project management, ethics, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

We also started evaluating all EPFL doctoral schools. Following a process of self-assessment by the schools, around 15 external experts divided into four sub-committees visited EPFL in November 2023.

Published on July 10th, 2023

IS-Academia, the central study management platform introduced in 2004–2005, is no longer fully satisfactory to users. Over the next few years, it will be replaced by a series of simpler applications that are more intuitive, more flexible and better adapted to current needs. This development is based on a detailed analysis of all EPFL education management processes (around 100 in total).

Published on July 10th, 2023

In November 2022, EPFL carried out a survey on the mental health of the EPFL community (23% participation rate). One point of attention that emerged was the high level of fatigue felt by the student body. The working group proposed introducing a week-long break during the autumn semester.
autumn semester.