Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to new students (19 August 2020):
"Dear new student,
This is an exciting milestone in your life. Higher education is challenging under normal circumstances, but right now it is especially hard to take your first steps as a university student. Due to COVID-19, the situation is completely different to anything we have previously faced. Nevertheless, we will all do our utmost to make sure you have the best experience possible and that together we can foster the incredible spirit that characterises everything we do here at the University of Iceland.
I know that you may have a lot of questions, and our website contains a wealth of useful information to support new students through their first days and weeks. For example, there is a video where members of the Student Council go over all the main support services available. Our service units at the University Centre are all open, such as the Service Desk, Student Registration, the Student Counselling and Career Centre, the IT Help Desk, the International Office and the Student Council. In fact, though, it is not necessary to come to the campus to access services because our web chat can be found on the University website, english.hi.is.
Staff and your fellow students will also do their best to help you. For example, the Student Council has created a special Facebook page in collaboration with the University in order to respond to all enquiries related to UI.
The University of Iceland places the utmost priority on your wellbeing and the wellbeing of our communities as a whole, both on campus and in wider society, and has implemented various measures to reduce the risk of infection. I would like to ask you to take a look at the University's COVID-19 website. There you can find information on the one-metre physical distancing rule that currently applies and the strategy for dividing buildings into separate sections where more than 100 people will be in the building. As the website also states, face masks that cover the nose and mouth must be worn where it is not possible to follow the physical distancing rule. I urge you to stay up to date with the official public health rules and remember that hand washing is a highly effective way to prevent infection.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the main focus will be on online teaching this autumn, but we will also strive to offer face-to-face teaching where possible, especially for new students like you. You will receive further information on teaching at your faculty and department and I encourage you to get in touch with them if you need to know anything else.
Effective information technology will be the key to your academic progress this autumn and indeed for the duration of your time at the University of Iceland. It is vital that you familiarise yourself with all things IT related. The University of Iceland, for example, uses the learning management system Canvas – you can find a video explaining how to use it here. Students are encouraged to download the Canvas Student app and can find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Higher education requires independent learning and for you to use your initiative. I urge you to start strongly in your studies and work hard throughout the semester. This will ensure you get the most out of your programme. The main role of universities is to help people comprehend complex realities, train them for the workplace, develop their critical thinking and enrich their outlook on the world. The University of Iceland takes this mission very seriously. We will strive to give you and your fellow new students a warm welcome in these challenging circumstances and guarantee you a robust, internationally recognised education that will serve you well whatever your future holds.
It is sometimes claimed that tenacity characterises the Icelandic nation above all else and I am certain that it will be your strongest asset in your first weeks at the University of Iceland, and indeed throughout your time here.
We must remember that the current situation is temporary and I wish you all the best in your studies and work.
Welcome to the University of Iceland!
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"