The HR board does not consider it appropriate to reduce the school's operating income
The Board of Reykjavik University does not consider it an option to reduce the operating income of the University by 1200 millions ISK per year by accepting the suggestion of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation for increased state contribution and no tuition fees.
In a resolution from the Students' Union of Reykjavík University (SFHR) today, it is stated that the students want to maintain the distinctive character and culture of the university that was marked when it was founded 26 years ago.
During an open consultation meeting of RU students regarding the offer, it was strongly stated that RU students emphasise good facilities, personal teaching, modern teaching equipment and excellent service to students. We in the student council believe it is impossible to maintain this special status that the students in RU choose with such budget cuts. RU is unique, largely because of being adequately funded,
says the SFHR conclusion.
We on the board of Reykjavik University are very proud of the work that takes place within the walls of RU, but the University graduates the majority of technical students in engineering, computer science and applied engineering, and proportionally more men than other universities. We want to continue our good work; to continue to offer excellent teaching, facilities and service to students and to conduct world-class research,
says Guðbjörg Edda Eggertsdóttir, chairman of RU’s board.
Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, RU’s president, says that the board and the University’s management want to continue to be able to offer students the choice they have today.
Students at RU can for the most part opt for similar programs at other universities but choose to come to us even though we charge tuition fees, which this school year are 288 thousand ISK per semester, and enjoy what RU offers. We want it to continue to be available to them,
says Ragnhildur.
In this context, she points to the SFHR's resolution, where students clearly convey the distinctive character and culture of RU.
It is the assessment of the students that it would be impossible to keep this unique position that the RU students prefer, with the budget cuts that the University would face with the change, but the ministry’s own calculations show a loss of1.1-1.2 billion ISK on an annual basis. The Board and management of RU agree with the student's assessment. It is also important to note that the funding that goes into the university system as a whole is not being increased, but the way the pie is divided is being changed. In other words, this means that the total funding for the universities would decrease by more than 3 billion ISK, if all universities accept this offer. That would seriously affect the operations of all universities,
says Ragnhildur.
