Key to the University of Iceland Handbook for new employees The University of Iceland – University of the Future Dear international colleagues, welcome to the University of Iceland! We are a leading Icelandic University and an active participant in The University of Iceland has always been heavily involved in inter­ the international scientific and academic community. The Uni­ national collaboration and a large proportion of academic staff versity's success in recent years and decades has earned it a place have pursued postgraduate studies at foreign universities all over amongst the very best universities in accordance with recognised the world. It has therefore become a diverse and international international rankings. In order to consolidate this success and university, the like of which is rarely seen. A clear testament to this continue to progress, the University of Iceland is now working is the proportion of scientific papers published by University of according to an ambitious strategy for 2016–2021 under the title Iceland’s researchers as part of international collaborative projects, "Successful University – Thriving Society". which is among the highest in the world. There are 5 schools and 26 faculties at the University, as well as The University of Iceland places a great deal of emphasis on diverse interdisciplinary postgraduate programmes, a large number attracting talented international staff and students, and considers of research institutes and 9 regional research centres. Staff at the them an important asset in creating a diverse workplace where University number around 2,000, including ever increasing equality, professionalism, and academic freedom are the guiding numbers of international staff from all over the world. There are principles. The University of Iceland is situated in the heart of currently around 13,000 students enrolled at the University of Reykjavík and our goal is to develop a green, sustainable campus Iceland, including around 1,500 international students hailing from where the wellbeing of staff and students is paramount. We work over 90 different countries. together to build a university that focuses on quality education and dynamic research and innovation in order to ensure future compet­ Over 50 thousand students have graduated from the University of itiveness, prosperity and quality of life. Iceland since it was founded in 1911, and it is the only comprehen­ sive university in Iceland offering undergraduate, Master's and PhD Jón Atli Benediktsson programmes in all major fields of study. Rector of the University of Iceland 2 Successful University – Thriving Society The strategy of the University of Iceland 2016–2021 focuses on a communicate new ideas and solutions. It is important for the Uni­ progressive vision for teaching and learning that prepares students versity to be an engaging and ambitious workplace that attracts for participation in society, industry and international collaboration. talented staff and students in a competitive international environ­ Emphasis is placed on strong research infrastructure that supports ment. the creation of knowledge that has a wide impact and addresses the challenges of the 21st century. Emphasis is placed on a vibrant and family­friendly work environ­ ment, equality and opportunities for professional development. A great place to work The University cares about the wellbeing of its employees and their families. The administration has thus created a family strategy for The University of Iceland is a dynamic academic community where employees in order for them to balance employment and family a diverse group of staff and students come together to create and responsibilities, whilst being successful in their work. 3 What to expect at the University of Iceland? Whether you are a guest or a new employee, we want your We try to answer most of your questions in this booklet to make experience to be as pleasant as possible. The University of Iceland your time at the University of Iceland as enjoyable as possible right is spread over a large area. However, most of the central admin­ from the outset. Do not hesitate to seek further information or istration is located in the Main Building (Aðalbygging), Setberg, advice from University staff. house of teaching, and the Uni versity Centre (Háskólatorg). We hope you thoroughly enjoy your time at the University of The website english.hi.is provides answers to most questions Iceland and make full use of the opportunities open to you here. concerning University operations, services, and events—either on the school/faculty pages, the main website, or the University’s intranet “Ugla”. 4 In brief The University of Iceland, founded in 1911, is a progressive educa­ tional and international research university. During the 1911–1912 academic year, 45 students were registered at the University, only one of whom was a woman. In 2018–2019, however, almost thirteen thousand students study at the University of Iceland, two thirds of them women. The University employs around 1,600 people (FTE), including 660 academics. A survey on work environment, conducted every other year, reveals that over 80% of employees are satisfied with work­ ing for the University. The University of Iceland is a leading Icelandic university and an active participant in the international scientific and academic communities. The University focuses on progressive research and innovation. Its importance as a research university is evidenced by its inclusion in lists of the highest ranked universities in the world. The University of Iceland has been ranked amongst the 300 best universities (top 2%) since 2011 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. According to general surveys, the University of Iceland is one of the most trusted institutions in Iceland. 5 Structure of the University of Iceland UNIVERSITY COUNCIL RECTOR Jón Atli Benediktsson PRO-RECTOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT Steinunn Gestsdóttir MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION PRO-RECTOR FOR SCIENCE Guðmundur R. Jónsson Guðbjörg Linda Rafnsdóttir CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES HEALTH SCIENCES HUMANITIES EDUCATION ENGINEERING AND Daði Már Kristófersson Inga Þórsdóttir Guðmundur Hálfdánarson Kolbrún Pálsdóttir NATURAL SCIENCES Sigurður M. Garðarsson FACULTIES FACULTIES FACULTIES FACULTIES FACULTIES (6) (6) (4) (4) (6) University Council – Governance of the University lies in the hands rector supervises all University activities, including recruitment and of the University Council and the rector. The University Council the financial affairs of individual schools and institutes. The rector sets overall teaching and research policy and shapes the structural chairs the University Council and, between University Council organisation of the University. The Council is also responsible for meetings, holds decision­making power in all University affairs. general oversight of University, school, and institute operations. The University Forum is a platform for the University community The Rector is the head of University administration and the to debate the development and growth of the University. The role University’s ultimate representative and advocate in relation to of the General Forum is to discuss and participate in the creation of individuals and institutions within and outside the University. The a collective scientific and educational policy initiated by the rector. 6 School of Health Sciences The School of Health Sciences plays a leading role in the development The University of Iceland comprises 5 schools and and growth of the Icelandic health sector. The objective of the School is to educate and train competent health care professionals, ready to 26 faculties offering over four hundred different undertake demanding careers in Iceland and worldwide. study programmes. The University offers undergradu­ » Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition ate and graduate programmes in all major academic » Faculty of Medicine » Faculty of Nursing disciplines, including doctoral degrees in most fields » Faculty of Odontology of study. Each school is governed by a dean as well as » Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences a board comprised of the faculty heads. » Faculty of Psychology english.hi.is/school_of_health_sciences School of Humanities School of Education The range of academic programmes at the University of Iceland’s School of Humanities is highly diverse. The University is the only institu­ The School of Education educates teachers for preschools, primary and tion in the country offering programmes at all levels within the human­ upper secondary schools, sports and health scientists, social educators ities. While each faculty constitutes a separate academic unit, students and leisure professionals. At the School, research is carried out in the can choose to pursue a minor degree or individual courses, not only fields of education, pedagogy and leisure studies, with the purpose of in other programmes within the respective faculty, but also in other creating new knowledge to benefit Icelandic society. faculties, or even at other schools within the University. » Faculty of Education and Diversity » Faculty of History and Philosophy » Faculty of Education and Pedagogy » Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies » Faculty of Health Promotion, Sports and Leisure Studies » Faculty of Languages and Cultures » Faculty of Subject Teacher Education » Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies english.hi.is/school_of_education