Strength based on quality for 110 years
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (1 October 2021):
"Dear students and colleagues,
Yesterday, the Quality Board for Icelandic Higher Education published an institution-wide review of the University of Iceland, carried out by an independent group of international experts and one student representative. It is particularly gratifying to see that the international review team conclude their report by expressing confidence in the quality of the student learning experience and the academic standards of degrees at the University of Iceland. This is an important acknowledgement for all our staff and students. It affirms that a degree from the University of Iceland is an internationally trusted qualification that will continue to open up new and exciting opportunities for UI alumni in Iceland and around the world.
This is the second institution-wide review of the University of Iceland, the first having taken place in 2015.
As well as the positive overall conclusions, the review team praised many aspects of the University's work in research, teaching and administration. In particular, the team highlighted the high degree of public trust that the University enjoys in Iceland and the international quality of our research. The team also drew attention to the University's successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to effective implementation of digital teaching solutions, a close-knit staff community and short lines of communication.
It is equally important for us at UI that the review team has identified various areas for improvement and opportunities to further enhance quality culture at the University. In this context, the team emphasised the importance of strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between schools and faculties and taking steps to ensure consistent academic standards across different units. The University of Iceland's new Strategy 2021-2026, UI26 will guide the reform work that lies ahead, as it guides all quality enhancement at UI, alongside the external reviews that were used to inform the Strategy.
UI26 emphasises developing an open University, removing barriers to collaboration across units. The new design for the University's publicity materials, developed in line with the new strategy, represents a step in this direction. I urge you, dear students and colleagues, to take a moment to familiarise yourself with the changes, which can be found in the new UI Brand Manual. It was formally launched today, so you can now download the new University logos and all the templates we use on a day-to-day basis.
Dear students and colleagues, this autumn we celebrate the 110th anniversary of the University of Iceland, which was founded by the Alþingi on 17 June 1911, the centenary of the birth of Jón Sigurðsson. In consideration of this milestone, it is fitting that the University Council will hold its October meeting in the Icelandic Parliament building which housed the University for its first 29 years.
The University will build on its history and the remarkable impact it has had on Icelandic society for over a century. But it will also work to influence the present and the future. Each and every one of you has a vital role to play. Let's keep up the good work and make a good University even better.
Have a good weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"
