At the end of the first week after reopening the University of Iceland
Announcment from Rector to students and staff on 8 May:
"Dear students and colleagues,
The first working week after buildings at the University of Iceland were reopened is now drawing to a close. Hopefully most people welcomed the chance to return and see their colleagues and fellow students once more. Doubtless it has been a big change for those who appreciated the flexibility of working from home. Some people might have found it hard to come back, perhaps due to the infection prevention measures. We must remember to be conscientious in that regard and follow official guidelines to the letter.
Those who have to keep a greater distance from other people, e.g. due to underlying health conditions, will continue to work from home. I would like to ask you all to give particular consideration to this group and treat them with understanding.
Let us bear in mind that anxiety and worry are often natural responses to unusual circumstances. It is therefore important to remember the importance of exercise, good nutrition, sleep and social contact.
I would like to draw your attention to the Ugla page about working during the pandemic, which includes reminders such as:
- Communicate as far as possible online or over the phone.
- Use communication software such as Teams, Skype, Zoom for meetings and conversations where possible.
- Limit contact with other people in break rooms and other shared spaces.
- Follow strict hygiene practices, wash your hands and surfaces carefully and use hand sanitiser in accordance with the guidelines.
- Work at your own workspace and do not use telephones, headphones, keyboards, mice, computers, monitors or other equipment belonging to other employees. Keep your workspace tidy to facilitate cleaning.
The Velvirk website also features various useful tips on points to consider when returning to the workplace.
Fieldwork
Spring is here and certain groups of staff and students will be heading out to do seasonal fieldwork. I would like to remind you of the special guidelines which have been established for such trips.
Summer jobs for students
One of the government's responses to the COVID-19 pandemic is an initiative to increase the number of temporary jobs for students. The goal is to create around 3,300 temporary jobs for students this summer at public institutions and municipalities. According to a survey conducted by the Division of Human Resources, there is enough demand at the University of Iceland to hire around 350 students this summer. At the end of May, we will know how many positions will be available at the University and the plan will be for students to start work after 8 June.
Summer courses
Summer courses are currently being prepared. They should start around 1 June and finish around 15 August. There will be courses for credit, as well as various courses for those who don't have the background knowledge required for higher education, or those who want to improve in a specific area, e.g. in mathematics, academic writing or English. There will be a wide range of courses on offer with regard to content, credit value and duration.
Special options will also be available for those who speak Icelandic as a second language and wish to pursue higher education here in Iceland. Summer courses will be publicised from next week. Courses are available to all students at the University of Iceland and registration will open shortly.
Dear students and colleagues. We have learned a lot in recent weeks. I wish to once more express my thanks for your invaluable efforts in making sure the University of Iceland continues to function. This is important not only for the University itself, but for society as a whole and our future interests.
Soon we will be able to look back with pride at what we have achieved, faced with what initially seemed to be an overwhelming task. I have faith that we will emerge not only with valuable experience, but also stronger and better able to tackle new challenges. Much of what we have learned will continue to serve us well in our work.
Summer is the time, as Bubbi Morthens sang. Let's enjoy the sunshine over the weekend as best we can, despite the pressures many are still under. We must continue to focus on the things that are most important in life.
Good luck.
Best regards,
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector / President"
