Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (12 February 2021):
"Dear students and colleagues,
In a little over a week, on Saturday 20 February, over 400 candidates will celebrate a major milestone as they are presented with their degree certificates in the University Cinema. Due to the restrictions on mass gatherings, instead of a traditional graduation ceremony, candidates are invited to collect their degree certificates at a set time. This means that unfortunately it will not be possible for family and friends to be there when degree certificates are presented.
We will be doing our best to create a ceremonial atmosphere in the University Cinema, although the event will not be the same as usual. We hope to see as many candidates as possible in the University Cinema, because this is a day of celebration and accomplishment for them and the University of Iceland alike.
The presentation of degree certificates will be organised by school, with the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences first up 10 am to 11 am, the School of Humanities 11 am to 12 pm, the School of Health Sciences and the School of Education 12 pm to 1 pm and finally the School of Social Sciences 1 pm to 2 pm. Candidates have already received further information and instructions by email.
The University of Iceland places emphasis on ensuring that the creation and dissemination of knowledge have as wide-reaching an impact as possible on society and industry. For this reason, we are extremely proud of this wonderful group of students now graduating. We are convinced that our graduates will make their mark on society and have a positive influence over the next years and decades.
Official public health restrictions were recently relaxed slightly, enabling us to open the weights room, changing rooms and showers in the University Gym this week, with certain conditions in place. A maximum of 20 people are permitted in each space, i.e. in the sports hall, the weights room and the changing rooms. People will need to book a session in advance. See here for more detail about the rules for using the gym.
Of course we are delighted about the great steps forward we have made this year here in Iceland in our fight against the coronavirus. This success is thanks first and foremost to the way we have all united to control infections. Let's continue in the same way and remain cautious.
Have a good weekend, dear students and colleagues,
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"