Online presentations on graduate programmes – Negotiations to buy Hótel Saga underway

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (12 March 2021):

"Dear students and colleagues, 

The University of Iceland aims to bring all major operations onto the Vatnsmýri campus. It has therefore been a priority to move the School of Education into new housing on campus. This week, negotiations began regarding the purchase of Hótel Saga, which is extremely well situated in the heart of the University campus, close to the University Cinema, the VR buildings, Tæknigarður, Veröld and the Icelandic Studies Building which is currently under construction. Other buildings on the east side of Suðurgata are connected by an underpass. 

Although Hótel Saga will require renovation and alterations to adapt it to the University's needs, it is clear that it would be both quicker and more cost-effective for the University to acquire the building in its current state rather than constructing a whole new building for the School of Education. It is also clear that the property could be used for various other University operations, so the benefits would be manifold. Negotiations should conclude soon, but at this stage we can't yet say anything definite about the outcome. 

Higher education is the foundation of prosperity and progress and graduate studies at the University systematically prepare students to make vital contributions to industry and the community. I direct your attention to the fact that the University of Iceland will livestream online presentations on a hundred graduate programmes next week. The goal is to give everyone the chance to explore their academic options, no matter where they live. I urge you, dear undergraduate students, to carefully consider the opportunities open to you for further study. 

It is still unclear when we will be able to resume use of classrooms, lecture halls, reading rooms and offices on the ground floor of the University Centre and Gimli, following the flood in January. Work continues on assessing the causes and scale of the damage. This is essential before we can begin repairing and replacing equipment in the University Centre and other affected buildings. The University of Iceland is generally unable to start renovation before court-appointed building inspectors have completed their work. Earlier in the week, the first assessment meeting took place and all efforts will be made to expedite the process as far as possible so that teaching can resume in these classrooms at the start of the autumn semester. 

This week we saw truly springlike weather in the city and around Iceland, as well as uplifting developments regarding the pandemic and the Reykjanes earthquakes. This weekend is the much anticipated spring equinox, when there are equal hours of daylight and darkness. There are brighter days ahead, like the ones we had a taste of earlier in the week.  

Let's enjoy the weekend, dear students and staff, as best we can. We must look out for one another, take care of ourselves, and stay cautious. 

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"