Month: December 2020

A couple of days ago The Climate Strike was recognized by the Equality Council! We are thankfulful and sincerely congratulate all those who have been involved in the Climate Strike activism. Such a good ending to this year.

Our own Aðalbjörg Egilsdóttir, former President of the Transportation and Environmental Affairs Committee, accepted the award which Stúdentaráð will have in the office.

Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, thanked students in particular in her speech at the Student Council’s anniversary last week for keeping the government on its toes, saying that students keep on going, fighting and urging the government to take action. The climate crisis this is the biggest challenge we face right now and it is crucial to continue the fight.

The pandemic has weighed heavily on students and it is understandably difficult for many to study free from worry. Learning difficulties may increase and students’ mental health may take a hit. The results of the Student Council’s survey from the 9th – 16th of October were an indication that 67% of students do not feel well in the situation due to the pandemic and 72% of them were experiencing a lot of stress that they thought would affect their academic progress. The results of the Council’s first survey from 22nd of March showed that 54% of Icelandic students felt that they experienced a great deal of stress, as did 42% of international students, and 53.1% said that this would have an impact on academic progress.

It is therefore clear that the situation has been difficult, persistent and even worsening. Since September, waiting lists for psychological services at the University of Iceland have been increasing considerably compared to other years. The demand has been enormous throughout the fall semester and beyond the ability to meet it. Due to this, it is not possible to accept more requests for individual interviews with the school’s psychologists, which are three.

The number of students at the University has increased by over 2,000 this semester and students are now 15,000, which is a record number. The numbers are growing rapidly, the University has received twice as many applications for next spring. It must be possible to service this large number, and the government’s involvement is a key factor, with secure funding that is conducive to strengthening the University’s services permanently.

The Student Council has advocated for improved mental health services throughout the epidemic and urged the government to consider carefully the welfare of students. In its capacity, the Council has had five surveys that shed light on the position of students and strengthen its advocacy. It is therefore very disappointing that students are still excluded and that it does not look like there will be any emphasis on providing students, and all people, with acceptable and important mental health services, which may never have been as necessary as they are right now. It is completely unacceptable and the Student Council hereby challenges the government to keep its promises.

Lets sign the petition!

Dear students

The Student Council’s next meeting will be held on Teams at 5:00 p.m. on the 25th of November. If a student wishes to attend the meeting, a request needs to be sent to shi@hi.is.
According to paragraph 9 of the Student Council’s laws, the Council’s meetings are open to all students at the University of Iceland. Students who are not members of the Student Council may therefore attend meetings and listen to discussions within the Council.

The agenda can be found here.

The meeting will be in Icelandic.
Please contact the office of the Student Council at shi@hi.is if you have questions regarding the meeting agenda. All students are welcome to contact us at 570-0850 or shi@hi.is with inquiries about the Student Council and its meetings. The Student Council also answers questions on student rights, social life and more.

Good afternoon,

We have not opened for applications for the second allocation of the Student fund. You can apply by clicking here. We encourage you to follow the instructions in the application form as well as you can. Failure to meet the requirements of the application can result in the application being turned away.

Before you apply, it is recommended that you read the laws of the fund and code of practice which can be found here, below the Icelandic version, as well as on the Student Council’s website.

Any questions can be directed to Haukur Friðriksson, the fund’s President. He can be reached by email at studentasjodur@hi.is.