Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (9 April 2021):
"Dear students and colleagues,
Successful university, thriving society is the title of the current strategy of the University of Iceland. Our community of students and staff works together everyday to make a good university even better. We have resolved to make sure that all aspects of the University's work – teaching, service, research and degrees – fully meet international standards. There are many reasons to place a broad emphasis on quality; we aim to increase student and staff satisfaction and promote the positive development of society as a whole with a focus on better education, dynamic research and enlightenment. In order to evaluate the quality of our University, over the next months we will meet with a team of external experts who will review diverse aspects of our work. The external review team will hold remote meetings with over a hundred students and staff members and I urge everyone involved in this process to prepare carefully in order to ensure that our University receives a fair evaluation.
The University plans to offer summer courses and summer jobs this year with the support of the government, as we did last year. Possible course offerings are currently being considered, with regard to both content and scope. We will have a clearer idea of this year's courses by mid May. The University's Division of Human Resources will manage summer jobs and arrangements will be announced shortly.
The University of Iceland works constantly to guarantee the best possible conditions for students and staff. We also endeavour to ensure that there are simple links between University buildings and that transportation is easy and environmentally friendly. For this reason, we are aiming to move all our main operations to the University campus. Negotiations between the University and Hótel Saga are taking place with the goal of making this possible, i.e. making good facilities better and moving the School of Education and various other operations onto campus. The negotiations are ongoing and a conclusion should be reached in the next few weeks.
Buildings and development have been a focus point recently. Construction of the School of Health Sciences building by the new Landspítali University Hospital is in the planning stages, since it is important that the building is ready when the new treatment centre is opened. Construction of the Icelandic Studies Building is proceeding very well. The University relies on contributions from the University of Iceland Lottery to fund these and other vital building works. This week I appointed a task force led by Ingibjörg Gunnarsdóttir, professor and vice-president of the University Council, to review issues regarding the way the Lottery raises money. The task force will analyse available data, e.g. research into gambling addiction, societal attitudes, and factors relating to the construction of University buildings and legal frameworks, before delivering a joint statement.
Although winter is reluctant to release its grip, spring is most certainly on the horizon and final exams are fast approaching. We know that students are under a lot of pressure during the examination period and the University website contains tips for exam revision that can reduce stress and anxiety. I urge you to read this helpful advice, dear students, which also includes guidance on sitting the exams themselves.
When organising the exams, we will of course take into consideration the situation at the time and comply with all instructions from the public health authorities. We do hope that final examinations will be able to largely take place as previously planned and publicised in the University's examination timetable.
Dear students and colleagues, Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. So said Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, who addressed students and staff at the University of Iceland 10 years ago. Education is most certainly the foundation of progress, but we mustn't get too carried away in the pursuit of knowledge. It is often a good idea to put your notes and assignments aside and take a break to relax before returning to your work. Always look after your mental health.
Have a good weekend.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"