Month: May 2024

Agenda Student Council Meeting on May 21st 2024 in room O-201 .

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. Please note that the meeting takes place in Icelandic.

Please contact the office of the Student Council at shi@hi.is if you have any questions regarding the meeting or the agenda. Furthermore, all students are welcome to contact the office with inquiries about their rights.

Meeting agenda

1. The President of the Student Council convenes the meeting 17:00-17:05 
2. Vote on minutes from the Student Council meeting on March 5th 17:05-17:10
3. Annual financial statement of the Student Council 2023-2024 17:10-17:25 
4. Annual report of the Student Council 2023-2024 17:25-17:50 
5. Recorded issues 17:50

The new Student Council 2023-2024 takes over 17:50

1. The President of the Student Council convenes the meeting 17:50
2. Approval of the election meeting minutes 17:50-17:55
3. Practical matters for new Student Council members 17:55-18:10
4. Break 18:10-18:20
5. Remaining nominations for committees and Student Council divisions (vote) 18:20-18:25
6. Proposal for the Student Council to advocate for making student cards digital (vote) 18:25-18:35
7. Proposal to establish a legal committee to review the Student Council laws (vote) 18:35-18:45
8. Proposal for the Student Council to advocate for Oktoberfest to last longer (vote) 18:45-18:55
9. Proposal on the Student Council’s policy regarding the operation of Hámu (vote) 18:55-19:05
10. Proposal for the Student Council to advocate for heated bus shelters on campus (vote) 19:05-19:15
11. Election of SHÍ representatives to the Board of the Student Housing Association (vote) 19:15-19:20
12. Other matters 19:20-19:35
13. Adjournment 19:35

The Student Council of the University of Iceland is seeking applications for the positions of Managing Director, International Officer, and Editor for the 2024-2025 term.

 

Managing Director:

The Managing Director oversees the financial affairs of the Student Council, the operation of the office, and the implementation of the council’s policies. The responsibilities include supervising the Council’s finances, managing the office operations, accounting, and contract negotiations, as well as recording meeting minutes and maintaining information flow between parties.

Qualifications: Interest in student issues, knowledge of finance and accounting, proficiency in interpersonal communication, and the ability to clearly express oneself in speech and writing in both Icelandic and English. Experience with the administration of the University of Iceland and initiative for independent projects. Relevant educational background is an advantage.

Work percentage is variable or negotiable.

 

International Officer:

The International Officer addresses the needs of international students, both in daily communications and in organizing events, and acts as a liaison in cooperation with international university networks like Aurora.

Qualifications: Initiative and independence in working methods, outstanding communication skills, and knowledge of international affairs. Proficiency in Icelandic and English, experience in international work, and participation in the university community are important.

Work percentage is variable or negotiable.

 

Editor:

The Editor is responsible for the publication and content of the Student Paper, manages the editorial team, schedules publication dates, and oversees advertisement collection.

Qualifications: Interest in media and publishing, experience in editing and graphic design, and excellent computer skills. Exceptional language skills in both Icelandic and English and the ability to work both in a team and independently.

Work percentage is variable or negotiable.

 

Application deadline: until May 20, 2024. All applications should be sent to shi@hi.is marked with the position applied for.

For more information visit our website here.

In January 2024, the Student Council International Committee conducted a survey on the challenges of students from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) when applying for a work permit in Iceland. The survey yielded 266 responses and has resulted in a reform proposal directed at the Icelandic government. 

As a result, the Student Council calls for changes to the legislation on work permits for students from outside the EEA. 

The call from Student Council (in Icelandic) can be seen here. 

Read the reform proposal in full here. 

Abstract 

The Icelandic government, and in particular the Minister of Justice, Mrs. Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir and the Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market, Mr. Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, are encouraged to review the legislation surrounding work permits for students from outside of the European Economic Area.

The right to work should automatically be granted alongside student residence permits. This would vastly improve the quality of life of these students, reduce the workload of the Directorate of Immigration and the Directorate of Labour, contribute to the Icelandic economy and ensure cohesion with other European countries.

This suggestion along with the other reform recommendations below are explained in depth in this proposal. 

Recommendations (in order of priority) 

1. Grant the right to work simultaneously with the granting of a student residence permit. 
2. Allow work permits to be tied to the individual, not to a specific job. 
3. Allow applicants (not their employer) to submit their application for a work permit. 
4. Automatically grant the renewal of a work permit if conditions are unchanged. 
5. Let applications be submitted directly to the Directorate of Labour, not the Directorate of Immigration. 
6. Set a deadline for applications to be forwarded from the Directorate of Immigration to the Directorate of Labour.
7. Create an electronic application portal. 
8. Create FAQs and step-by-step videos about how to apply for a work permit. 
9. Improve communication with applicants (including about delays in processing). 
10.  Ensure that case workers have the knowledge and time to offer correct and polite guidance.