Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (30 October 2020):
"Dear students and colleagues,
Today it was announced that public health restrictions will be tightened across the country as of midnight. The main change is that gatherings of more than ten people are now prohibited. This will have a significant impact on our work, but nevertheless we intend to continue offering practical teaching in line with the new restrictions. Buildings will remain open but people are urged not to come to campus unless absolutely necessary. Staff are encouraged to fully cooperate with the assembly ban and physical distancing rules and to organise their working arrangements in consultation with their immediate superior. The government is currently working on regulations for universities, which will be published this weekend. We will pass on information about the new rules as soon as they are issued.
We are now well into the autumn semester and many people are starting to think about assessment. Decisions about the organisation of final exams in December are being finalised and will be announced shortly. Of course, we will be taking the unique circumstances right now into account.
In light of the situation, never has it been more vital that we stand together in this struggle against the pandemic. COVID-19 has coloured all our work for most of this year and it has been an incredible challenge for us all. Our strength lies in our tenacity and solidarity, systematic infection control and our concern for one another. Remember to look out in particular for those hit hardest by this epidemic.
This week we learned that the University of Iceland was included in the Times Higher Educations rankings of the best universities in the world in nine specific subjects. The University has never before been included for so many subjects. This is of course cause for celebration and evidence of the fruits of your hard work. I am truly grateful to you all.
We are now working on the important task of shaping HÍ26, the comprehensive strategy for the University of Iceland for the period up to 2026. In this strategic planning, we are placing significant emphasis on widespread cooperation within the University community and beyond. This work will be top of the agenda at the University Forum, which is scheduled to take place in two weeks. I urge you, dear students and colleagues, to make your mark on the process as soon as we call for your input.
In these challenging times, it is important to keep our spirits up as far as possible. There are many ways to do this and it is important that we try to get outside during daylight hours and enjoy cultural activities as much as possible. The University concerts recently resumed, with the guitar player Mikael Máni giving the first performance this autumn. The concert was streamed from the Aula and was a huge success. Those who missed the event can still enjoy a high quality recording online.
A new term is on many people's lips right now – COVID fatigue – and there is a lot of talk about the restrictions placed upon us. This is very understandable, but let us bear in mind the words of the Nobel Prize winning poet Bob Dylan, who said that a hero is someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.
Let's enjoy the weekend as best we can. Let's stand together.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"