Focus on keeping education as normal as possible 

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (11 August 2021):

"Dear students and colleagues, 

I hope you have had a wonderful summer. Although much of the country is still enjoying sunny weather and warm temperatures, autumn is not far off and the new academic year will soon be underway at the University of Iceland. 

Unfortunately we are still experiencing a considerable number of new Covid-infections, but we will do everything in our power to protect everyone at the University and guarantee the quality of our study programmes in the spirit of the University of Iceland's ambitious new strategy for the next five years, HÍ26, which was approved at the beginning of the summer and will be presented in detail this autumn. 

Our goals are clear: we want to create a progressive and vibrant knowledge-based society inside and outside the University and this is best achieved by prioritising on-campus learning, combined with distance learning as required. As always, we aim to foster a dynamic community that breaks new ground with diverse ideas and different perspectives that lead to new knowledge. We also intend to maintain high quality, user-centred services at the University this winter. We are resilient and have the courage to adapt and will develop and implement digital solutions as required. 

Yesterday the government announced that the current public health restrictions will be extended by two weeks, in accordance with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist. Teaching and other operations at the University will therefore come under general restrictions until further notice, meaning that there will be a maximum of 200 people permitted in one space and a 1 metre distancing rule until 27 August. Masks must be worn where it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1 metre. 

Over the next few days we will be meeting with the education authorities to discuss implementation of the public health restrictions in more detail. The government has prioritised keeping everything as normal as possible this autumn for all levels of the education system, with the emphasis on onsite teaching. Administrators at all levels of the education system are also united in this goal. However, we are still considering a few points, e.g. how we will respond to infections and how to accommodate those who are unable to attend class due to COVID, including people in isolation. Of course I will keep you updated, dear students and colleagues, about the outcomes of these discussions as soon as any decisions are made. 

As you all know, the situation in our society is not what we had hoped and of course it is a blow to see the spread of the Delta variant. Nevertheless, we are in a strong position thanks to high levels of vaccination, with research showing that the vaccines provide a good defence against new variants and serious illness. If you are yet to be vaccinated, I urge you to book your vaccination at the earliest opportunity. I understand that this is a stressful situation for some people, but we must stand together, not just within the University but as a nation. Keep taking care of one another and yourselves. 

Let's remain true to one of the main principles of the new Strategy of the University of Iceland, HÍ26, and stay responsible and alert, dear students and colleagues. We must take particular care to do what we can to prevent infection. 

I look forward to seeing you on campus over the next days and weeks.   

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"