Start of the academic year

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (20 August 2021):

"Dear students and colleagues,

It still looks like summer judging from the weather forecast, although autumn is surely just around the corner. One of the clearest signs of the arrival of autumn in Iceland is the start of the new academic year. Teaching starts next week for many programmes and I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all, especially those of you starting at the University of Iceland for the first time. 

Starting university is a major milestone in your lives and you undoubtedly have many questions, especially with circumstances as they are. We have compiled all the most helpful information for new students on the University website. Do not hesitate to get in touch with University services, in person on campus or through our web chat. We are all eager to help you as best we can and we really look forward to welcoming you to the University.

The current public health restrictions are fairly light, meaning that teaching will be mainly organised as normal, i.e. on-campus learning. The University of Iceland is a large and dynamic community and in-person communication is a major part of the learning experience for all our students. This is why on-campus learning is such an important part of what we do. We will do everything in our power to foster the true spirit of the University of Iceland that normally defines day-to-day life on campus, in spite of the current distancing rules. I urge you to stay up to date with announcements from your faculties and instructors for further details about teaching arrangements.

Here at the University of Iceland, our main priority is the safety of everyone on campus and the steps we can take as individuals to prevent infection. Where it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1 metre, you must wear a mask, although this is not required once you are seated in the classroom. We also recommend, dear students and colleagues, that you wear a mask when moving through shared indoor spaces on campus. 

I encourage everyone who is not yet vaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated to get your vaccination as soon as possible. Research shows that vaccination reduces the likelihood of infection and the severity of the disease. I also encourage everyone who has not downloaded the contact tracing app from the Directorate of Health to do so now; the app is compatible with all major smartphone brands. It is also important to update the app regularly. The contact tracing app helps track infections and supports our efforts to minimise disruptions to University operations if an infection is detected. If you start experiencing symptoms that could indicate COVID-19, do not under any circumstances come to University. Go and get tested immediately. 

Dear students and colleagues, the situation right now is not at all what we had hoped for and many people are anxious and fatigued. Despite the setbacks, we know that this will not last forever. We must encourage one another and keep up the resilient spirit that we have shown over the past months. This spirit not only enabled us to keep the University functioning normally for long periods, but will also be the key to our final triumph over these prolonged difficulties. 

As I said above, the summer is not yet over and we can all enjoy the mild weather over the next few days, as we look forward to the first signs of autumn colours.  

Let's take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Have a good weekend. 

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"