March 7, 2025
Þórkatla Eggerz Tinnudóttir, a student at the University of Iceland, writes
Soon, staff and students will be voting for the next leader and face of the University of Iceland, and all candidates have many years of experience working within the walls of the university. However, the emphases of the candidates are different, and it is therefore worth studying each candidate. I believe that Silja Bára's candidacy looks to the long term with the interests of students and staff as its guiding principle.
Funding for research and teaching
For a long time, state universities have been underfunded, and despite many promises from many governments, this has not changed so far. Underfunding not only has a negative impact on research work at universities. Work that is the basis for future technological and societal development on our own soil as well as in collaboration with other nations, thereby strengthening our international ties as a state. Underfunding also affects teaching, which is the basis for educating the nation's future specialists, future scientists, doctors, nurses, teachers and other scholars. Silja Bára has advocated for increased funding and has come up with solutions immediately. She is one of the most solution-oriented people I have met, and her emphasis on the future development of the University of Iceland is essential for the future of the university.
Human approach and relationships with students as well as staff
Silja Bára has one of the warmest presences I have ever experienced from a teacher. From my first lesson with her, I have seen her approach students with respect and understanding. It is obvious to anyone who has had the opportunity to sit in on a class with Silja Bára that she cares about students gaining a real understanding of the subject matter, not just memorizing some concepts and who said what, but how future members of society can use what they have learned in the real world to improve society and themselves. As a student, I have not felt much connection to the rector's office, I could not say where the rector's office is located. But I know that with Silja Bára in that chair, that experience would change for all students, as she emphasizes connection and a human approach in everything she does. The same can be said about her relationships with her colleagues, where I have witnessed the immense respect she shows her colleagues and the respect she receives in return. After 20 years of work and countless research, articles, and book chapters that she has written in collaboration with other experts in various fields, Silja Bára has established a wide network of people who contribute to the development of scholarship and science both in Iceland and abroad.
The image and face of the University of Iceland
The office of rector is the face of the university, and it is of utmost importance how the rector conducts himself because it is important for the image of the university. Silja Bára has shown diligence, practiced open communication and professionalism in her work for the last 20 years, and with her as rector, this will be the guiding principle at the University of Iceland. This guiding principle can contribute to more people seeking a university education and will strengthen the university's position internationally. With more university graduates in society, we can build a stronger future as a state, which is necessary in times of uncertainty like these in the international community.
Student interests
Students and young people are the future, and universities in Iceland are working hard to prepare for the future in a challenging, underfunded environment. Various issues such as transportation, accessibility, flexibility and housing are of great importance to students and have been much discussed, especially by student interest groups and student councils. The University of Iceland is no exception and it is clear that much needs to be improved in the interests of students at the University of Iceland. Accessibility for the disabled, lack of affordable housing, flexibility in studies such as part-time studies for parents in university studies and more favorable student loans are challenges that are most urgent and the rector's involvement in these areas varies. The rector can have an influence there, either through decision-making or simply by supporting students in their struggle. I have no doubt that Silja Bára will keep student interests at the forefront of her mind as rector, just as she has done as a teacher.
The future and resurrection of higher education
It is often said that the future is bright and lies on the shoulders of today's young people, but it is no less important that young people's teachers enjoy support. There is no doubt in my mind that Silja Bára is the best choice to lead the university's teachers into the future. When teachers are safe, students are safe. The chain reaction that occurs when teachers are paid a decent salary and receive good vocational training and the opportunity to develop new teaching methods and thereby develop teaching with social change is extremely important. Investing in teaching and teaching development is the best investment the state can make for the future. This applies to all school levels. Silja Bára is, in my opinion, the best advocate for teachers and research at the university level with her experience and knowledge, but also her approach and presence. With a stronger university environment, we create a stronger society and, in my opinion, there is no one better to lead the University of Iceland to a brighter future.
