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A new position of a labor and rights representative for university students will be established as part of a collaboration agreement between the Student Council of the University of Iceland (SHÍ) and Viska. This is the first time such a service will be available to university students in Iceland. This is not only a milestone in SHÍ’s services to university students but also a new step in the service offerings of Icelandic labor unions.

Arent Orri J. Claessen, President of SHÍ, and Gauti Skúlason, Communications and Marketing Project Manager at Viska, signed the agreement at Háskólatorg recently. The labor and rights representative will provide services and advice, in addition to raising awareness among university students about their rights in the labor market.

“We at SHÍ are incredibly proud to be able to offer students at the University of Iceland a labor and rights-related service, and we believe this position is long overdue. Such a service has never been offered before in Iceland, so this is a historic milestone in student services. The next step is to advertise the position of the labor and rights representative at the SHÍ office, and shortly after, this new service will be available to students at the University of Iceland. We at SHÍ are very happy with our collaboration with Viska and are excited for the future,” says Arent Orri.

At Viska, a special service for university students was established, which works in such a way that students who register with Viska gain access to all of its services, including free smart insurance for computers, phones, and bikes.

“The position of the labor and rights representative for university students is based on a Nordic model, where it has proven its importance. In conversations with university students, we have found that there is significant demand for education on labor rights and conditions among young people, and we want to respond to that call. By establishing this position, we aim to emphasize support for young people who are acquiring knowledge and higher education, as they are a crucial group for the future. In this way, we are demonstrating in practice that university students matter,” says Gauti.

The Student Council of the University of Iceland will hold a meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 5:00 PM in HT-102, Háskólatorg. Student Council meetings are open to all University of Iceland students, and interested students are encouraged to attend and stay informed on the council’s activities.

The agenda includes key proposals and presentations of action plans, along with discussions on various matters affecting student life at the university. Interested students can contact the Student Council office for more information.

Agenda:

I. Meeting called to order 5:00 PM – 5:05 PM
II. Approval of the minutes from September 26, 2024 5:05 PM – 5:10 PM
III. Review of ongoing issues 5:10 PM – 5:20 PM
IV. Proposal for the Student Council office to establish an environmental policy 5:20 PM – 5:30 PM
V. Proposal for a more efficient room booking system at the university 5:30 PM – 5:40 PM
VI. Proposal to submit comments on public university law changes 5:40 PM – 5:50 PM
VII. Presentation of the International Committee’s action plan 5:50 PM – 6:00 PM
VIII. Break 6:00 PM – 6:10 PM
IX. Presentation of the Environment and Transportation Committee’s action plan 6:10 PM – 6:20 PM
X. Presentation of the Bylaws Amendment Committee’s action plan 6:20 PM – 6:30 PM
XI. Presentation of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee’s action plan 6:30 PM – 6:40 PM
XII. Proposal to increase the availability of menstrual products in university buildings 6:40 PM – 6:50 PM
XIII. Proposal for health program entrance exams beyond Reykjavík 6:50 PM – 7:00 PM
XIV. Proposal for annual funding to SHÍ committees to enhance social activities 7:00 PM – 7:10 PM
XV. Recorded matters and announcements 7:10 PM – 7:15 PM
XVI. Other matters 7:15 PM – 7:20 PM

Applications are now open for the first allocation of the Student Fund. You can apply for grants here until 2:00 PM on November 3rd. We strongly encourage you to follow the guidelines in the application form as closely as possible, as deviations from the rules will result in the application being rejected.

Before applying, we urge you to familiarize yourself with the Student Fund on the Student Council’s website, particularly its laws and code of practice. Please note that research grants and maintenance grants will not be awarded in this allocation.

Questions should be directed to Viktor Pétur Finnsson, the Chairman of the Fund, at studentasjodur@hi.is, or to the Student Council’s Rights Office.

Student Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 5:00 PM in room N-132, Askja.
According to Article 9 of the Student Council’s laws, the meetings of the council are open to all students of the University of Iceland. These meetings will be advertised among students, and anyone interested is welcome to attend.
Please contact the Student Council office by phone at 570-0850 or by email at shi@hi.is if you have any questions about the meeting or its agenda. Likewise, all students are welcome to contact the Student Council office if they have any questions regarding their rights.

Agenda:
I. Meeting called to order 5:00 PM – 5:05 PM

II. Minutes of the meeting on August 26, 2024, presented for approval 5:05 PM – 5:10 PM

III. Presentation of new meeting procedures 5:05 PM – 5:10 PM

IV. Presentation from Laufið 5:10 PM – 5:30 PM

V. Proposal for a review of the definition of organizations operating within the university 5:30 PM – 5:40 PM

VI. Proposal to limit liability for Oktoberfest 5:40 PM – 5:50 PM

VII. Proposal for an assessment of student well-being 5:50 PM – 6:00 PM

VIII. Break 6:00 PM – 6:10 PM

IX. Proposal for the registration of the Student Council office’s work 6:10 PM – 6:20 PM

X. Action plan of the Family Committee 6:20 PM – 6:30 PM

XI. Action plan of the Finance and Employment Committee 6:30 PM – 6:40 PM

XII. Action plan of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee 6:40 PM – 6:50 PM

XIII. Action plan of the Equality Committee 6:50 PM – 7:00 PM

XIV. Break 7:00 PM – 7:10 PM

XV. Proposal for water and coffee machines 7:10 PM – 7:20 PM

XVI. Proposal for increased access to psychological services 7:20 PM – 7:30 PM

XVII. Proposal for the Student Council to advocate for the introduction of a transportation card 7:30 PM – 7:40 PM

XVIII. Proposal for improving Eduroam and the Internet Services at the University 7:40 PM – 7:50 PM

XVIII. Recorded matters and announcements 7:50 PM – 8:00 PM

XIX. Other matters 7:50 PM – 8:00 PM

 

 

Wristbands and beer vouchers can be picked up at Háskólatorg from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM tomorrow, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Wednesday, and from 10:00 AM to 3:40 PM on Thursday and Friday.

Please note that wristbands will be applied directly to the ticket holders by staff, so it is not possible to collect wristbands on behalf of others. Remember to bring your student ID when picking up your wristband.

Wristbands will also be available for pickup in front of the festival area starting at 5:30 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Council’s office via email at shi@hi.is or by phone, +354 570 0850.

Agenda Student Council Meeting on August 27th 2024 in room HT-101 in Háskólatorg.

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:

• Meeting Called to Order – 17:00 – 17:05
• Approval of the Minutes from the Meeting on May 21, 2024 – 17:05 – 17:10
• Approval of the Minutes from the Last Meeting on August 8, 2024 – 17:05 – 17:10
• Draft of the Autumn Semester Meeting Schedule – 17:10 – 17:15
• Proposed Amendments to the SHÍ Bylaws, Phase 1 – 17:15 – 17:35
• Nominations for the Student Fund Board – 17:35 – 17:40
• Meeting Break – 17:40 – 17:50
• Proposal for a Student Council Campaign – 17:50 – 17:55
• Proposal for Gender-Neutral Restrooms – 17:55 – 18:05
• Proposal for the Installation of Electric Charging Stations at the University of Iceland – 18:05 – 18:15
• Proposal for the Student Council to Advocate for the Sale of Nicotine Pouches at Hámu – 18:15 – 18:25
• Proposal for the Student Council to Demand Improvements in Public Transportation – 18:25 – 18:40
• Meeting Break – 18:40 – 18:50
• Proposal for Food Trucks During Exam Period – 18:50 – 19:00
• Proposal Regarding Office Work Hours – 19:00 – 19:10
• Proposal for Increased Lead Time in the Work of the Student Council – 19:10 – 19:20
• Recorded Matters and Announcements – 19:20 – 19:25
• Other Business – 19:30 – 19:35

 

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.

 

Due to pressure from the Student Council, the University of Iceland is looking for ways to replace the payment system for collecting registration fees. Until then, students who want to bypass Rapyd can choose between transferring the fee or paying in cash.

Transfer:

The fee must be transferred to the bank account of the University of Iceland:

bank no: 0137-26-000174 and kennitala: 600169-2039

It is very important that an e-mail is sent to nemskra@hi.is, where all the information about the transfer is specified, i.e. date, time, amount and kennitala of the student for whom the registration fee is paid.

Cash:

You can pay the fee in cash at the service desk on Háskólatorg.