Moving forward after COVID-19

Photo: Mercedes Mehling

Translation: Lísa Margrét Gunnarsdóttir

The university society in all its diversity has been completely different from what we’re used to these past two years. A worldwide pandemic and its restrictions forced us all, students and teachers alike, to adapt quickly to unforeseeable and ever-changing conditions. As things are returning to normal, it is critical that we reflect on what these circumstances have taught us, preserve the knowledge we’ve gained and utilise it to target how we can do better when it comes to matters of equality.

DIGITAL TEACHING METHODS

The University of Iceland emphasises onsite learning and has been slow to adapt to digital teaching methods in comparison to other universities in the country. Distance learning became a necessity while nationwide restrictions were in place, but the next step as we return to our normal state of living and learning is to preserve and develop the knowledge gained while subject to these restrictions. Recording lectures is by no means considered a necessity and rests on each teacher’s preference, but we must consider how beneficial it is to different groups of students. Access to recordings can be immensely beneficial for those who struggle with attention deficit. For student parents, juggling their home life and studies can be a challenge, and the flexibility created by online access to lectures can make juggling student-parent roles a little easier. Online access to study material also makes a huge difference for immunosuppressed or chronically ill students, as well as students who have difficulty navigating university buildings because of disabilities… The list goes on and on. 

Icelandic higher education law states: “Universities are independent educational institutions involved in teaching, research, preservation of knowledge, the search for knowledge and innovation in the fields of science, studies, technological advancements or arts. The role of universities is to promote the cultivation and administration of knowledge and skills to students and society as a whole. University operations have the purpose of strengthening the infrastructure of Icelandic society as well as its position in an international sense, with future generations’ interests in mind. Universities are centres of knowledge and an integral part of an international academic and scientific society.” 

To ensure equal access to higher education for all students, it is of the utmost importance to emphasise digital access to study material. Digital teaching methods are an important tool when it comes to accommodating the differential needs of university students, and by emphasising accessibility the school’s administration would acknowledge the diversity of the student body. The new Strategy of the University of Iceland 2021-2026 states that in the next few years, the University plans to develop new distance learning-based study programs. While this is definitely a step in the right direction, the University’s long term goals should be that all study programs at the University are accessible to all members of society.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

The University’s Student Counselling & Career Centre offers psychological services for all students, free of charge. This is an exemplary way of accommodating students’ mental wellness, but currently, there are only four psychologists available to over fifteen thousand students. Waiting lists are long, and students wait weeks, sometimes months, for therapy sessions. The Covid-era was immensely stressful and strenuous for many students, which brought to light the need to do better to meet the psychological needs of university students. Now, at the end of a pandemic, is exactly the time to value both students’ and teachers’ mental health by adding more psychological resources and by increasing the number of psychologists available. For more information about available resources, visit the University’s website, hi.is, and select Study → Services → Student and Career Counselling → Psychological Services. Additionally, the Faculty of Psychology offers treatment via their Student Psychology Clinic, where each interview costs 1.500 ISK. 

University psychologists: salfraedingar@hi.is

Student Psychology Clinic: Accessible via the University’s website, hi.is, select Study → Schools and Faculties → School of Health Sciences → Faculty of Psychology → The Faculty → Student Psychology Clinic

QUEER RIGHTS AND THE UNIVERSITY’S EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

The University’s equality action plan 2021 - 2023 states its emphasis on considering changes happening in Icelandic society. It also states that the University’s role in developing our democratic society is to ensure diversity both within the student body as well as staff. 

One of the loudest calls for action from university students this year has been to offer more information and education regarding LGBTQIA+ matters and to ensure equal rights for those whose identities are outside the female/male gender binary - such as gender-neutral bathrooms in university buildings. The students’ calls for gender-neutral bathrooms have thus far not been responded to by the university, even though it’s a relatively easy change to make as all the infrastructure is already there. This would improve the quality of life for students and teachers significantly, and it has been several years since calls for this change started surfacing. The University has to improve its communications with students, especially since the school’s public action plan emphasises diversity. 

To accommodate queer students and act on the school’s aim towards diversity, it’s important to introduce regular, professional education regarding LGBTQIA+ matters, especially for teachers and those in positions of power. The School of Education is without a doubt in the lead when it comes to increased queer education within the University, since entering a collaboration agreement with the National Queer Association of Iceland (Samtökin ‘78) in 2021. The agreement includes education and guidance within the School on matters regarding gender, equality and queer studies, an annual consultation meeting with teachers as well as education programs for Bachelor students regarding gender expression, sexuality and gender awareness. The other Schools of the University need to follow in the School of Education’s footsteps and prioritise equality matters. 

If you want to discuss a matter relating to equality, you can contact the Student Council of the University of Iceland’s Equality Committee, as well as the University’s two Equality Officers. The Student Council’s Student Interest Representative is also available to you on the third floor of Háskólatorg. You can also reach out to Q - Queer Student Association regarding LGBTQIA+ matters.

The Student Council’s Equality Committee: jafnrettisnefndshi@gmail.com

The University of Iceland’s Equality Officers: jafnretti@hi.is

The Student Council’s Student Interest Representative: hagsmunashi@hi.is 

Q - Queer Student Association: queer@queer.is