Features of the chosen identity
Is the chosen identity legally recognised?
No, it has no legal validity and may only be used within the University.
How long is the university alias valid and when is it deactivated?
The university alias remains active throughout your academic studies.
If, after graduation, you wish to continue to a higher-level programme, the university alias can be retained via request to the University Alias Service. You can then use your university alias during any subsequent selection processes.
The university alias will be deactivated:
- automatically, upon completion/termination of your academic studies (due to graduation, withdrawal, transfer, or loss of student status due to prolonged inactivity);
- at your request at any time.
I have completed the registration adjustment process. What should I do next?
If you change your name and/or gender during your studies, you must contact the University Alias Service with a copy of your new ID and the official document confirming the change. The University Alias Service will deactivate your current university alias and update your personal data accordingly.
Use of the chosen identity
When can I use my chosen identity?
Your chosen identity is valid only within the University and can be used for all activities related to student life, for example:
- taking exams;
- attending workshops and internships within University of Bologna facilities;
- all activities related to the final examination: the title page of your thesis, the defence, and the graduation ceremony;
- signing attendance sheets in the lecture room;
- applying for ER.GO benefits;
- accessing right to higher education benefits offered by the University of Bologna (such as tutoring grants, student collaboration activities (150 hours) etc.).
If you are doing a training or professional activity at other Universities or at other organisations (such as external internships or international mobility), you must contact the University Alias Service in advance to verify whether and how your chosen identity can be used for that type of study or work.
Who can I contact to use my chosen identity for ER.GO benefits?
For any ER.GO-related matters (student record access, ISEE submission, housing, scholarships, etc.), contact the ER.GO advisor for university alias students. You will receive their contact details when your university alias is activated.
Always inform the University Alias Service so they can coordinate with the offices involved.
Who should I inform if I want to use my chosen identity to obtain right to higher education benefits?
You must always notify the University Alias Service so they can coordinate with the offices involved.
Who should I notify if I intend to request support from the Service for students with disabilities and specific learning disorders (SLD)?
Contact the University Alias Service. They will:
- liaise with the Service for students with disabilities and SLDs and
- ensure data alignment between your Unibo profile with the chosen identity and the legal name and gender shown on medical certificates required to access support services.
Badge
Do I need to get a new badge when the university alias is activated?
Yes, a new QR code will be issued for a badge printed with your chosen identity.
Can I change the photo on the badge?
Yes, you can change it free of charge either when activating your university alias or afterwards.
E-mail and applications
When my university e-mail address @studio.unibo.it is updated with my chosen name, will I lose the e-mails sent and received under my legal name?
When the university alias is activated, only the visual name of the e-mail address is changed, so the contents of the inbox (e-mails already sent and/or received) are not lost. Thanks to automatic forwarding, messages sent to your old address will still arrive in your new inbox, so you won’t need to notify anyone of the change.
To access Unibo applications (Studenti Online, AlmaEsami, Virtuale – Course Materials, EOL – Esami online, etc.), do I need to log in with my chosen identity?
Yes, you must use the credentials with your chosen identity, formatted as firstnamechosenlastname@studio.unibo.it. You cannot use SPID or CIE credentials, as they are linked to your legal identity.
Why does the user profile folder on University computers show my original username?
The user profile folder is created using your original (legal) username. This is due to the way Windows operating systems work and cannot be modified.
Exams
What ID should I show during exams?
You may only be asked to present your badge with your chosen identity. You do not need to show your legal ID.
Services
Can I register with CUSB – Bologna University Sports Centre using my chosen identity?
Yes, you can register online and obtain a CUSB card with your chosen identity, without using your legal identity. Contact the University Alias Service for instructions.
Depending on the facility’s layout, an arrangement will be made with you regarding the use of changing rooms and restrooms.
Can I buy a public transport pass with my chosen identity?
Thanks to agreements with TPER and START, you can buy discounted passes reserved for students using your chosen identity, which will appear on your travel card.
If you need further information, you can contact the University Alias Service.
I am attending a PhD programme
Which data are used in the U-Web Missioni portal?
The system for managing travel reimbursements displays your chosen identity. However, e-mail notifications generated by the system and sent to those who authorise your travel and reimbursements must use your legal identity. This is because financial records and related documents must refer to your legal identity for official purposes.
Can I use my chosen identity on my PhD thesis?
To be admitted to the final thesis defence, you must upload your thesis to the University’s AMS PhD Theses repository, which ensures long-term preservation and, if applicable, public access. The title page of your thesis may include your chosen identity, which means your alias can also be used for official thesis publication.
How do I log in to IRIS?
To complete your PhD, you must log into the IRIS system and enter details of your scientific output. You can activate a chosen identity profile in IRIS by contacting the University Alias Service.
Certificates
Can I use my chosen identity on certificates and self-certifications?
No, because the chosen identity has no legal validity and can only be used within the University. All certificates issued for external use must refer to your legal identity.
How can I obtain a certificate?
If your university alias is active, you cannot use the “Certificates and Self-certifications” function on Studenti Online, as it is linked to your chosen identity.
To request a certificate, contact the University Alias Service. They will issue the certificate with your legal data and send it to you within one or two working days at the latest.
See also
- Alias career Published