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20/03/2020 - 17:07

The goal is for students to complete their courses

Announcement from the rector to students and staff 20 March 2020:

"Dear students and staff,

The University of Iceland Emergency Response Board met this morning (20.3.2020), as they have done each day this week and will continue to do. The Emergency Response Board wishes to communicate the following:

  • The University Council of the University of Iceland held a web conference today to discuss the Rector's proposal that schools and faculties should determine arrangements for teaching, exams and course assessment this semester, in consultation with the Division of Academic Affairs. The goal is to ensure that, as far as possible, students are able to complete their courses and that assessment can take place in accordance with existing regulations.

  • This matter was also discussed at a meeting this morning between the Rector, the most senior administrators of the University, and representatives of the Student Council. Next week faculties will continue to work on this matter and a plan for completing the semester will be announced.

  • PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, who are grant recipients and who are facing potential difficulties in meeting their responsibilities under the current circumstances, are directed to the information on the University's COVID-19 page.

  •  In light of temporary difficulties with doctoral defences, all parties concerned are also asked to familiarise themselves with the information on the University's COVID-19 page.

  •  Staff are asked to report quarantine or infection to their manager. Students are kindly asked to report these things to their faculty. Schools will then pass the information on to the Emergency Response Board at neydarstjorn@hi.is.

  •  General information can be found on the University of Iceland's COVID-19 web page. We also remind you of the available web chat services.

 The first working week under the assembly ban in response to COVID-19 is now ending. It has been a huge challenge for students, teaching staff and other staff to adjust to these unfamiliar circumstances at the University. Everyone has done their part to make this work. The results have exceeded expectations and I want to thank you all for your incredible efforts and unity.

Let's use the weekend to rest, recharge and take care of ourselves, our families and our friends. Ahead lies a new week with new challenges and we will face them with determination and humility.

Let's all take care and respect the government's instructions on hygiene and disease prevention. Civil defence is in our hands.

With best regards,

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"