Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (24 August 2020):
To University Staff:
"Dear colleagues,
We are all now returning to work after the summer holidays to unusual circumstances. Let us remember, though, that this is only temporary and with a united effort we will succeed in maintaining the unique spirit that characterises everything we do here at the University of Iceland.
The restrictions placed on universities this autumn were announced last week, at which point we were able to start planning how to organise the semester. I would like to thank you all for your hard work in ensuring that we can start the term strongly within the framework we have been set.
The University of Iceland places the utmost priority on the wellbeing of our communities, both on campus and in wider society. Due to frequent changes to the official public health guidelines, I urge you to check the University's COVID-19 website regularly. There you can find information on the one-metre physical distancing rule that currently applies and the strategy for dividing buildings into separate sections where more than 100 people will be in the building. As the website also states, face masks that cover the nose and mouth must be worn where it is not possible to follow the physical distancing rule. Staff with underlying medical conditions or belonging to specific high risk groups are urged to consult with their managers regarding working arrangements and the potential to work from home. I urge you to stay up to date with the official public health rules and remember that hand washing is a highly effective way to prevent infection.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the main focus will be on online teaching this autumn, but we will also strive to offer face-to-face teaching where possible. In order to prepare for the autumn semester, a number of steps have been taken to better support students and staff. Schools have welcomed students in smaller groups, a range of informative material has been produced, e.g. videos, in order to make it easier for students to learn the ropes, all classroom equipment has been reviewed and updated as far as possible, and support material for online teaching has been increased. These are just a few examples.
Dear colleagues, You worked extremely hard this spring and achieved an incredible success, despite all the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Now we are being put to the test once more, but we must stay the course as we go into the autumn semester with everyone's safety in mind and the goal of continuing the outstanding work we do here at the University of Iceland.
Good luck to you all.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"
To University Students:
"Dear student at the University of Iceland.
Teaching at the University of Iceland is now fully underway. Higher education is challenging under normal circumstances, but due to COVID-19, it is especially difficult right now. Yet with a united effort, we will foster the incredible spirit that characterises everything we do here at the University of Iceland. We will also be able to maintain the quality of our study programmes, which is absolutely vital.
The University of Iceland places the utmost priority on the wellbeing of our communities, both on campus and in wider society, and has implemented various measures to reduce the risk of infection, as you know. Due to frequent changes to the official public health guidelines, it is recommended you check the University's COVID-19 website regularly. There you can find information on the one-metre physical distancing rule that currently applies and the strategy for dividing buildings into separate sections where more than 100 people will be in the building. As the website also states, face masks that cover the nose and mouth must be worn where it is not possible to follow the physical distancing rule. I strongly urge you to stay up to date with the official public health rules and remember that hand washing is a highly effective way to prevent infection.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the main focus will be on online teaching this autumn, but we will also strive to offer face-to-face teaching where possible. You will receive further information in the next few days about how teaching will be organised at your faculty and department and I encourage you to contact them if you need to know anything else.
Our service units at the University Centre are all open, such as the Service Desk, Student Registration, the Student Counselling and Career Centre, the IT Help Desk and the International Office. In fact, though, it is not necessary to come to the campus to access services because our web chat can be found on the University website.
Effective information technology has been key to your academic progress and will continue to be so. Last semester, we adopted the learning management system Canvas, which has meant significant changes to the way we communicate and access information. You can find a video explaining how to use Canvas here. Students are encouraged to download the Canvas Student app and can find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Higher education requires independent learning and for you to use your initiative. The main role of universities is to help people comprehend complex realities, train them for the workplace, develop their critical thinking and enrich their outlook on the world. The University of Iceland takes this mission very seriously. We will strive to give all students a warm welcome this autumn under challenging circumstances. The University wants to guarantee you a robust, internationally recognised education that will serve you well whatever your future holds.
It is sometimes claimed that tenacity characterises the Icelandic nation above all else and I am certain that it will be your strongest asset right now, and indeed throughout your time here.
We must remember that this situation is temporary.
I wish you all the best in your studies and work.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"