Easter greetings

Jón Atli Benediktsson, rector of the University of Iceland sent the following announcement to students and staff today:

"Dear students and colleagues,

The fourth working week of the assembly ban is now drawing to a close and thanks to your sterling efforts, we have succeeded not only in keeping the University operational, but also maintaining the quality of our study programmes.

Everyone has pulled together to ensure that teaching and services continue to be excellent. We have received a lot of questions from you, dear students, regarding your studies, assessment, examinations and application deadlines. The answers to the most frequently asked questions have now been compiled for the University's COVID-19 website. I hope you find the answers you need, but do remember that if you have any further questions you can contact your teachers and faculties, or the Division of Academic Affairs at kennslusvid@hi.is.

I remind you that the application deadline for postgraduate programmes has been extended to 20 May. To help prospective students select a postgraduate programme, experts at the University will hold remote presentations on the available study programmes immediately after Easter. I urge those of you considering postgraduate studies to familiarise yourself with the presentation schedule.

On sunny days like today, we feel spring approaching and we know that the troubles we now face will pass. "Sunnan yfir sæinn breiða, sumarylinn vindar leiða" (From the south across the wide ocean, the winds bring the warmth of summer), wrote the poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum. How fitting this is right now.

As we approach this Easter weekend, let's remember to follow the guidance provided by the Chief Epidemiologist and the Department of Civil Protection. I know not everyone will be able to relax, despite the Easter holidays, since many people have demanding work that will not wait. Still, let us not forget to think of each other and all the good things that make life worth living.

My sincere thanks to you, dear students and colleagues, for the part you have played in bringing about this transformation in these unprecedented circumstances.

Happy Easter.

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"