The university of Iceland

The University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands) is a state university founded in 1911. During its first year of operation 44 male students and 1 female student were enrolled. Today, the University of Iceland serves a nation of approximately 270,000 people and provides instruction for some 7,000 students (59% of them female) studying in eleven faculties. In addition to the major faculties there are numerous research institutes attached to the University. With its 412 tenured teachers, some 1,800 non-tenured teachers, and about 421 researchers and administrators, the University of Iceland is the largest single workplace in the country.

A modern, diversified and rapidly developing institution, the University of Iceland offers opportunities for study and research in more than 60 degree programmes in the humanities, sciences and social sciences, and in professional fields such as theology, law, business, medicine, odontology and engineering. Some of the resources available at the University are uniquely Icelandic; these include the manuscripts preserved in the Árni Magnússon Institute, Icelandic census records dating from 1703, exceptionally complete genealogical data, and climatological, glaciological, seismic and geothermal records.

The University of Iceland and its staff maintain close contacts with academic institutions abroad. Other less formal but equally important links result from the fact that the great majority of the academic staff of the University has obtained graduate degrees abroad. Through these individual connections, the Icelandic research community has been able to establish and preserve strong relations with academic and research institutions outside Iceland. Indeed, many graduates of the University of Iceland still travel overseas for further specialisation, thus carrying on the tradition of international co-operation.
The University of Iceland is an active participant in many international joint projects and over the past few years it has signed agreements with numerous universities in Europe, North America, Australia and Southeast Asia on collaboration in research and teaching.

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES
The University of Iceland takes part in international co-operative ventures such as the SOCRATES and LEONARDO programmes of the EU, and the Nordic schemes NORDPLUS and NorFA. It also takes part in the American student exchange programme ISEP. In addition, student exchanges take place in connection with bilateral agreements which the University has signed with partner institutions abroad.

FOREIGN STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY
In recent years the number of foreign students at the University has increased steadily. Over 200 foreign students are now enrolled on a regular basis, the majority studying Icelandic for foreign students. Exchange students come to study for shorter periods of time. The Icelandic Ministry of Culture and Education awards a number of scholarships annually to foreign students who come to Iceland to study Icelandic language and literature. A fair number of students are enrolled in other faculties and due to this fact the faculties now offer some courses taught in English. It should be noted however that Icelandic is the general teaching language at the University. Foreign students at the University have their own student union. There is also a special student counsellor for foreign students.

THE RECTOR
The Rector is the executive head of the University. He is ex-officio chairman of the University Senate, and works in conjunction with the other principal administrative officials of the University.


THE UNIVERSITY GENERAL FORUM
The University General Forum is chaired by the Rector and brings together representatives from all of the faculties, the student body, teachers' associations, institutes, and administrative offices within the University, along with representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Education. Its main function is to discuss the role of the University in broad terms and to prepare and shape the University’s research and education policy. It is an advisory body without executive authority, but it is assumed that the University Senate and the Rector will work in accordance with the policies put forward by the General Forum.

THE UNIVERSITY SENATE
The Senate is the highest governing body within the University and works to promote the interests and objectives of the University and its institutes. It prepares matters for presentation by the University to the Icelandic Parliament or to the various government ministries, and supplies relevant information to these bodies.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE FACULTIES
Each Faculty elects a Dean from among its professors. Deans head their respective faculty councils and direct faculty council meetings. Most faculties are divided into several departments. Under the direction of their own chairpersons the departments have considerable autonomy.

STUDENT COUNCIL
The role of the Student Senate is to promote the cultural and social interests of students, and it appoints representatives to the University Senate. The Student Council runs an accommodations service, student rights office and an employment agency. Through the Student Council, access can be gained to sports facilities, entertainment, libraries, and culture and leisure facilities. Within the Council there is a special association for foreign students, www.student.is