The University's success is based on the wealth it has in its staff and students
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (4 December 2020):
"Dear students and colleagues,
The University of Iceland's success is based on the wealth it has in its staff and students. Four members of University of Iceland staff received an award this week for outstanding contributions to the University in the fields of teaching, research, equality and other work. The awards were presented at an information meeting with the Rector. I offer my warmest congratulations to Amalía Björnsdóttir, Gavin Lucas, Irma Erlingsdóttir and Helga Steinunn Hauksdóttir.
Today, the University of Iceland Student Council celebrates its 100th birthday. Due to the circumstances, the centenary celebrations will be live streamed. This means we can all attend and celebrate with the students who have had such an enormous influence on Icelandic society for a whole century. The celebration will take place in the Aula and starts at 6 pm.
Exam season is now in full swing and everyone has been pulling together to make sure that distance exams and on-campus exams go as well possible under complex circumstances. I would like to thank you, dear students, for your diligent attention to infection control measures in on-campus exams. It is vital that we stay alert throughout the examination period and avoid close contact in connection with on-campus exams. It is also essential that students leave the building immediately once the exam is over. Thorough preparation makes all the difference when it comes to exam performance and I truly hope you all do well.
Advent is underway and Christmas is on the horizon. There are few things as beautiful as lights in the winter darkness, but I want to remind you all to be careful with decorations and ask you please to not burn candles in University buildings.
This week we learned that a vaccine for the coronavirus is in sight and that a vaccination programme could possibly start in Iceland in the first quarter of 2021. Despite this promising news, now is not the time to grow complacent. We must remember that patience and tenacity yield results. We assume that University operations will be largely online for the spring semester, but details about teaching arrangements will be forthcoming as the situation progresses.
Dear students and colleagues, A lot of you will be busy over the weekend revising for final exams. But we mustn't forget to look up from our toils now and then and enjoy Advent as best we can. Let's take care.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"
