Approved at a meeting of the Board of Governors on 20 August 2007 and later
CHAPTER 1 – OBJECT, MISSION AND ORGANISATION
1. Object and mission
2. Composition and role of the Board of Governors
3. The Rector
4. Composition and role of the University Council
5. Role of faculties
6. Administration of faculties
CHAPTER 2 – TEACHING AND EXAMINATIONS
7. Responsibility for and conduct of teaching
8. Register of students
9. Course description and course plan
10. Principal teaching obligations
11. Evaluation of performance and conduct of such evaluation
12. Examinations
13. Grades
14. Minimum requirements for students
15. Viewing of examinations
16. Evaluation of examinations
17. Minimum progress and expiry of studies
CHAPTER 3 – STUDIES IN DEPARTMENT AND FACULTIES
18. Admission requirements for the Preparatory Department
19. Teaching in the Preparatory Department
20. Priority of Preparatory Department students to university studies at Bifröst
21. Number of credits and progress of studies
22. Degrees in core studies
23. Admission to core studies
24. Teaching arrangements in core studies
25. Lectures and assignment classes in core studies
26. Assignments in core studies
27. Seminars and tutors in core studies
28. Semester assignments in core studies
29. Final assignment in core studies
30. Distance learning
31. Lectures, discussions, projects and working weekends in distance learning
32. Objectives and degrees in master’s studies
33. Credits in master’s studies
35. Organisation of studies and teaching in master’s studies
36. Final thesis in master’s studies
CHAPTER 4 – RESEARCH AND QUALITY MATTERS
37. Independence of research, work on research and research report
38. The Bifröst University Research Institute
39. Research centres
40. Quality Board
41. Quality management
CHAPTER 5 – STAFF
42. Appointment of staff
43. Employment contracts and staff interviews
44. Evaluation committees
45. Assistant Professors and Associate Professors
46. Professors
CHAPTER 6 – STUDENTS
47. Applications for admission to the University
48. Conditions for admission
49. Equality in admissions and students’ rights
50. Confirmation fee and school fee
51. Sanctions for violations of the rules
CHAPTER 7 – OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ENTRY INTO FORCE
52. Student housing and participation in undertakings
53. Fiscal year, Annual General Meeting and University Meeting
54. Amendment of the Regulation
55. Entry into force, interpretation and publication
CHAPTER 1 – OBJECT, MISSION AND ORGANISATION
1. Object and mission
a. The University of Bifröst has its headquarters at Bifröst. The mission of Bifröst University is the creation of knowledge through research, and the dissemination of knowledge through teaching, on campus and through distance learning, for the benefit of students, the community at large and the economy.
b. The activities of Bifröst University will aim to provide a high level of service in teaching, research and services to students, teachers and other staff.
c. The University will provide its students first class education according to international standards, regardless of financial and social position. It is the role of the University to create optimal conditions for every student to conduct his or her studies and for researchers to engage in research.
d. The University offers first class facilities for studies, life and work for students, staff and their families in the University Village of Bifröst. Both in on-site and distance learning, the newest technologies are employed.
e. Bifröst University runs branch offices which may, according to the decisions of the University Board, be administratively independent operations under University responsibility.
2. Composition and role of the Board of Governors
a. The Board of Governors of the University is composed of five members with one alternate designated for each principal member. The University Council will elect one, the Alumni Society of the University will appoint one and the Confederation of Icelandic Employers will appoint three. Members of the Board of Governors are elected or appointed for a term of two years before the end of August of the year of the election, with a new Board taking over in September. The Board of Governors elects a chairman and vice-chairman at the first Board meeting.
b. The Board of Governors is the guardian of the mission and role of the University pursuant to the University Charter.
c. The Board of Governors shall at all times respect the professional and academic independence of the University.
d. The Board of Governors is responsible for the operation, finances and assets of the University.
e. The Board of Governors will draw up this Regulation for the University in accordance with its Charter.
f. The Chairman of the Board of Governors will annually submit a proposal on the remuneration of the Board at the start of each academic year.
g. The Board of Governors will elect a chartered auditor at the first meeting of the Board each academic year.
3. The Rector
a. The Board of Governors has the authority to appoint and dismiss the Rector.
b. The Chairman of the Board of Governors, acting for the Board, will negotiate the terms of the Rector’s employment.
c. The Rector is responsible for the management and operation of the University under the authority of the Board of Governors, to which he or she reports. The Rector’s responsibility is to ensure that all working arrangements are consistent with the University mission, objectives and quality requirements.
d. The Rector is responsible for the appointment and dismissal of administrators.
e. The Rector is responsible for all the finances of the University under the authority of the Board of Governors. The Rector will submit a financial and operating budget for the following fiscal year to the Board of Governors of the University no later than 15 January of each year.
f. The Rector represents the University in external relations and leads the University’s development work and strategic planning.
g. The Rector is the principal authority in quality matters.
h. The Rector is authorised to make any decisions that need to be made, but shall consult with the Chairman of the Board between meetings of the Board of Governors with regard to all strategic or extraordinary decisions. Such decisions shall be submitted to the Board of Governors as soon as possible.
i. The Assistant Rector shall act as an alternate for the Rector in the latter’s absence.
4. Composition and role of the University Council
a. The University Council is the supreme authority in the internal affairs of the academic community. The University Council is composed of the Rector, the Vice-Rector, the Faculty Deans, the Director of Academic Services, one representative of the permanent teaching staff of each University faculty, one representative of the other staff of the University, one representative of the students of each faculty, one representative of the master students and the Chairman of the Students’ Association. One alternate member shall be elected for each principal member. The Financial Manager, Housing Manager and Representative of Resident Interests have the right to attend meetings of the University Council and to speak and make proposals, but do not have voting rights.
b. The University Council decides on the following matters:
1) The University policy as regards teaching and research
2) The general teaching practices of the University
3) Quality matters
4) Matters concerning relations within the campus in general or the academic community as a whole
5) Appeals of decisions of faculty meetings
6) Rulings and opinions of the Ethics Committee and sanctions for violations of the code of ethics
7) Enforcement of University Rules and sanctions for violations
8) Election of honorary doctors; on the recommendation of the University Council, the Board of Governors may confer on an individual the degree of Honorary Doctor of Bifröst University
c. The University Council is also a forum for discussion and decisions on other affairs of the academic community.
d. A quorum is achieved at meetings of the Council if the majority of those entitled to attend a meeting is present; meetings shall be called with at least twenty-four hours’ notice. Decisions are made by majority vote, with the Rector casting the deciding vote in the event of an equality of votes.
e. Meetings of the University Council must be called if requested by two-thirds of the members entitled to attend its meetings.
f. Minutes of meetings of the University Council shall be posted on the University website.
5. Role of faculties
a. The faculties are the basic units of teaching, research and administration of the University. The faculties are independent within the limits established in the University Regulation.
b. The administration of the faculties is entrusted to the Deans of Faculties and faculty meetings.
c. The University has the following faculties:
1) Faculty of Business
2) Faculty of Law
3) Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics
d. In addition, the school has a Preparatory Department, which offers students who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the University a year of studies in preparation for studies in any of the University faculties. The Dean of Studies manages the Preparatory Department under the authority of the Rector.
e. The University is permitted to offer other studies, longer or shorter, such as in retail management, small business operation and Máttur kvenna, a business management programme for women.
6. Administration of faculties
a. The Deans of Faculties, working under the authority of the Rector, are the general managers of the faculties and responsible for their activities and operation as well as strategic planning. Deans of Faculties are the spokesmen of their respective faculties and shall represent their faculties in internal relations within the University and externally.
b. The Rector appoints Deans of Faculties in accordance with Article 3. Deans of Faculty appoint staff, part-time teachers and adjuncts, and submit recommendations to the Rector concerning the appointment of assistant professors, associate professors and full professors.
c. The professional matters of the faculty are decided by faculty meetings. Faculty meetings address matters relating to research within the faculties, the organisation of teaching and, as applicable, matters involving individual students of the respective faculties. Faculty meetings shall also address quality matters in teaching and research.
d. Faculty meetings are attended by Faculty Deans, permanent teachers at the faculty and other staff, together with two representatives elected by the students of the faculty. One student shall be enrolled in undergraduate and the other in graduate studies.
e. A quorum is achieved at faculty meetings if the majority of those entitled to attend a meeting is present; meetings shall be called with at least twelve hours’ notice. Decisions are made by majority vote, with the Faculty Dean casting the deciding vote in the event of an equality of votes.
f. The Faculty Deans shall call and preside at meetings. Minutes of faculty meetings are subject to the provisions of the Regulation concerning minutes of University Council Meetings.
CHAPTER 2 – TEACHING AND EXAMINATIONS
7. Responsibility for and conduct of teaching
a. Deans of Faculty and faculty meetings are responsible for the educational affairs of their respective faculties. Deans of Faculty shall organise and supervise the teaching within their respective faculties. Deans of Faculty are responsible to the Rector and the University Council for their respective faculties meeting the University quality requirements.
b. The Director of Academic Services is responsible for the organisation of teaching and co-ordination between faculties under the authority of the Rector and in consultation with Faculty Deans.
8. Register of students
a. The University maintains records of the progress of each student and preserves the records after studies have been concluded.
b. Students should register for the courses of each semester with the advance notice decided by the Director of Academic Services. The same applies to withdrawals from courses.
c. Students have access to their registrations for courses and are responsible for ensuring that they are correct.
9. Course description and course plan
a. Course descriptions list the course's main themes, goals, format, and readings. The description is posted on the University's external website.
b. Teachers shall submit a course description to the Director of Academic Services at least two weeks before the start of teaching each semester. The course description should include information on the content of lectures, assignments and their weight, required reading and secondary reading and the arrangements and weight of examinations. Course descriptions should comply with the University Rules and its pedagogical objectives.
c. The course plan shall be confirmed by the respective Faculty Deans and the Director of Academic Services and shall be published on the inner web of the University. On the basis of the course plan for each field of study, teachers shall submit to the Faculty Dean a list of the reading material for the course at the latest two months before the start of teaching.
10. Principal teaching obligations
a. Teachers should show fairness in their presentation of material and respect for normal academic viewpoints in all their teaching. Teachers shall ensure that students know the rules to be observed and the requirements that they must meet concerning participation, attendance, handing in assignments and other work.
b. Teachers shall keep records of the submissions and attendance of students in the courses that they teach and report to the Dean of Studies.
c. Teachers shall monitor the integrity of the work and assignments of students and take disciplinary action as applicable if they become aware of any dishonest work.
d. If a student takes no action when he or she knows that another student has used his or her assignment that both were intended to complete independently, both will be regarded as equally guilty and receive a grade of 0, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Students may appeal a teacher’s decision to the Rector.
11. Evaluation of performance and conduct of such evaluation
a. Teachers have the final authority and responsibility regarding evaluation and grades, unless an outside examiner is involved.
b. Teachers shall return examination questions and complete the evaluation of assignments and examinations according to the dates and deadlines decided by the Director of Academic Services.
c. The student must refer to all their sources in term projects and assignments. Otherwise the grade for the term project, the assignment or the cource can be 0. See also article 52 of the regulation.
12. Examinations
a. Examinations can be written, oral or practical. Written examinations are normally two to four hours.
b. Examinations may cover all material presented by a teacher in lectures, interviews or assignment classes.
c. Students will normally have access to all study material in their examinations and are permitted to use a laptop computer. Examinations without access to study materials and/or a laptop computer are permitted with the consent of the Faculty Dean; this shall be specified in the course plan. Students may bring with them other aids which do not cause annoyance or disturbance for other students. The University shall provide all students with comparable facilities for taking examinations.
d. If a student violates examination rules or cheats, the student shall receive the grade of 0 and be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.
e. If a student does not present himself/herself for an examination, or abandons an examination, he/she shall receive a grade of 0 and be required to take a make-up examination to pass the course. In the event of confirmed illness, the student is permitted to take a make-up examination for which an application should be submitted to the Director of Academic Services.
f. Students who are disabled according to Article 2 of Act No. 59/1992 on the affairs of the disabled are entitled to special arrangements when they take their examinations.
g. Students whose native language is not Icelandic are entitled to special arrangements when they take their examinations in courses which are taught in Icelandic.
13. Grades
a. Final grades in cources and for final assigments at the University are given in increments of 0.5, as follows:
1) 10 for perfect command of a subject. This grade is awarded only for outstanding performance.
2) 9–9.5 for excellent understanding and ability.
3) 8–8.5 for very good knowledge and understanding.
4) 7.0–7.5 for clear knowledge.
5) 5.5–6.5 for fair knowledge of the basics.
6) 5 for minimum knowledge of the basics.
7) 0–4.5 for unacceptable results.
b. With the approval of a faculty meeting, a teacher may give only the grades of pass or fail for performance in a course as a whole or for individual assignments, provided that this is specified in the course description.
14. Minimum requirements for students
a. Grades normally consist of an assignment component and an examination component, and students need to meet the minimum grading requirement for each component separately.
b. Results of examinations shall meet the minimum requirement of a grade of 5; if this is not achieved, the student will need to take a make-up exam for which a maximum grade of 5 will be given.
c. In required courses, the grade will normally consist of an assignment component and an examination component, and the student shall achieve the minimum grade in each part. If a student does not receive a passing grade in the assignment component of a course, the course has been failed and the student is not entitled to take the examination.
d. If a student receives a grade lower than 5 for a course following a make-up examination, the student shall be permitted to take the course again when it is next offered by the University. Students shall meet requirements concerning attendance and return of assignments. If a student does not pass the course then, with the normal make-up options, this is equivalent to withdrawal from the University.
15. Viewing of examinations
a. Students are entitled to view their corrected written examinations.
b. Viewing of examinations will take place in the manner and at the time decided by the Dean of Studies. The viewing shall be advertised with adequate advance notice on the University website, and students shall have the opportunity to discuss their examinations with their teachers.
16. Evaluation of examinations
a. At the discretion of the Rector, an external examiner may be called in to resolve disputes concerning assessment of written examinations. Students are entitled to such evaluation if the following conditions are met:
1) The examination received a grade under 5.
2) The examination remains in the constant custody of the teacher or other University staff until it is delivered to the examiner.
3) The request from the student is submitted in writing to the Rector within 96 hours from the time that the student was informed of his/her grade and/or had the opportunity to view the examination at a viewing. A student wishing to appeal an evaluation may obtain a photocopy of his/her examination from the teacher.
b. The examiner shall submit a grade as soon as possible; the examiner’s grade is final.
17. Minimum progress and expiry of studies
a. If a student is attempting to complete his/her studies after the regular time to complete studies has passed, each individual grade will remain valid for five years from that time, after which the course, or a similar course, has to be retaken.
CHAPTER 3 – STUDIES IN DEPARTMENT AND FACULTIES
18. Admission requirements for the Preparatory Department
a. For admission to the Preparatory Department, an applicant must have completed studies at a vocational intermediate school recognised by the Student Loan Fund, or three years at the secondary school level, regardless of major field, or other comparable studies. Normally, priority will be given to applicants who have reached the age of 25 and have gained employment experience.
b. Admission to the Preparatory Department may be granted to applicants who have not completed the required number of years at the secondary school level, but have instead gained significant work experience which is regarded as comparable to the required number of credits.
19. Teaching in the Preparatory Department
a. The rules governing basic studies apply as applicable to studies in the Preparatory Department.
b. Each semester of on-site teaching in the Preparatory Department is normally 14 weeks, with 13 weeks of traditional teaching and one week of end-of-semester examinations.
c. Students are required to complete 9 independent assignments weekly during on-campus study in mandatory courses, and submit the assignments to their teachers at the appointed time. The final grade for the assignments is an average of the 8 best assignments.
d. In distance learning classes there are normally 6 weeks term with 12 lectures and assignments and exams.
e. Students are required to complete 8 independent assignments weekly in distance learning classes, and submit the assignments to their teachers at the appointed time. The final grade for the assignments is an average of the 7 best assignments.
f. Students who turn in fewer homework assignments than the number from which the assignment grade is calculated receive a grade of 0 for those assignments that they do not turn in. The assignment grade makes up 60% of the total course grade and the examination grade makes up the remaining 40%.
g. Students who do not have an 80% attendance record in assignment classes in on-site courses do not have the right to take the exam.
h. A special summer semester can be organized in the Preparatory Department.
20. Priority of Preparatory Department students to university studies at Bifröst
a. Students who have completed studies in the Preparatory Department with a grade of 7.25 or higher, up to a maximum of 30 students, have priority of access to university studies in the following academic year.
b. Students who complete their studies in the Preparatory Department with results that are short of the above are assessed separately together with other applicants.
21. Number of credits and progress of studies
a. Credits for university-level studies at Bifröst University are awarded pursuant to ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
b. Studies for a diploma in Business Management shall be 90 credits.
c. The required study for a B.A. or B.Sc. degree is 180 credits.
d. A full-time student’s traditional working week will normally correspond to 2 credits.
e. In addition to exchange studies abroad under the auspices of the University, students may take up to 90 credits outside their respective faculties in foreign or Icelandic universities and have such credits assessed as part of their studies.
22. Degrees in core studies
a. Bifröst University confers the following degrees following core studies at the University.
1) Diploma in Finance and Management and Diploma in Commercial Studies from the Faculty of Business
2) BS degree in Business Administration (Icelandic) from the Faculty of Business
3) BS degree in Business Administration (English) from the Faculty of Business
4) BS degree in Business Law from the Faculty of Law
5) BA degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from the Faculty of Social Sciences.
6) BA degree in International Studies from the Faculty of Social Sciences
23. Admission to core studies
a. For admission to core studies, applicants must have completed a secondary matriculation examination or other comparable secondary studies.
b. Deans of Faculty are permitted to grant exemptions from the above provision if an applicant possesses experience and/or knowledge that can be assessed as equivalent to completion of secondary school.
24. Teaching arrangements in core studies
a. There are normally three semesters of core studies per year. The autumn semester is 15 weeks, starting at the end of August/beginning of September, and the spring semester is 15 weeks, starting in early January. This is followed by a summer semester in stages lasting about nine weeks.
b. A separate summer semester may be scheduled in addition to the traditional summer semester.
25. Lectures and assignment classes in core studies
a. In lectures, students receive an overview of the principal elements of the field of study, methods and tasks, in addition to taking part in discussions.
b. Weekly assignment classes should be used, among other things, to deepen students’ theoretical knowledge through discussions.
c. Students who do not have an 80% attendance record in assignment classes do not have the right to take the examination.
26. Assignments in core studies
a. In courses in the autumn and winter semesters, nine projects will normally be assigned, and the grade for assignment work is the average of the eight best assignments. In courses in distance learning in the autumn and winter semesters, eight projects will normally be assigned.
b. If a student submits fewer than 8 assignments, the grade of 0 will be given for each assignment that is not submitted. The grade for assignments corresponds to 40–60% of the final grade for a course against the examination grade, which corresponds to 40–60%.
c. Weekly assignments can be written, oral or practical, and may be completed during assignment classes or during students’ other working hours. Weekly assignments are the mainstay of the schoolwork while they are in progress; the assignments have the purpose of training students in the practical use of sources and data. Group assignments may not make up more than 40% of the total number of assignments in a course. The weight of individual assignments in each course should be at least 40%.
d. At the discretion of the teacher, in-class assignments may involve the use of external aids or not. Teachers may also restrict the use of software or computers in assignments when warranted.
27. Seminars and tutors in on-site core studies
a. Every fall and spring semester, the University will organise seven to nine seminars which are divided between faculties, where leaders in academic fields, sciences, business and politics will give talks. In order to pass a course, students need to attend a minimum of three to seven such seminars.
b. Tutors are selected from among the academic staff to provide guidance to students. Students meet with their respective tutors and five to six other students once a week in the autumn and spring semesters. Meetings with tutors will normally take 40 minutes.
c. The objective of tutorial meetings is to broaden the academic discourse among students and teachers and to strengthen ties with the business community.
d. The Director of Academic Services will assign tutors to first-year students, but more advanced students can apply for a specific tutor. Attendance and other matters are subject to the procedures of autumn and spring semester courses. Students have to attend 85% of the meetings with tutors. Satisfactory attendance at tutorial meetings and seminars gives two credits per year.
28. Term projects in core studies
a. In the fall and spring semesters, but not in the first semester, the students normally work on a term project in a group. In order to graduate, students must complete three term projects, with the exception of those who participate in study abroad at a foreign university. They must complete at least two term projects.
b. The goal of term projects is to give students an opportunity to apply the knowledge they gain in their studies to solve real-life questions. Careful scholarly working methods are required.
c. Students propose groups which must be approved by the Director of Academic Services. Each group works on its term project together. An attempt must be made to have a balance of students from different class years in these groups.
d. In order to begin work on the term project, students need to submit a research plan and the Faculty Dean must approve it.
e. Students submit their term project in the form of a written report, and defend it in the presence of teachers who evaluate the project and grade it. Each term project group must also actively take part in the defence of one other term project group.
f. In the assessment of term projects, the report counts for 75%, students’ performance in their own defence, 15%, the research plan, 5%, and contribution to other defences, 5%.
29. Final assignment in core studies
a. The purpose of the final assignment is to obtain confirmation that a student is able to select, prepare and complete an assignment which has academic value and adds to the knowledge and training of the student.
b. The final assignment may be a scholarly thesis or other comparable project approved by the Faculty Dean and advisor. Students will complete their assignments on their own and the assignments shall meet all requirements normally made concerning work at this level of university study.
c. A final assignment may be from 8,000 to 18,000 words in length and shall explain its objectives and present a theory or question, as applicable. There shall also be a section on sources and their research.
d. The final project corresponds to 8–18 credits.
e. The Faculty Deans approve the choice of topics for final assignments and appoint an advisor for students. Advisors supervise the preparation of, and work on, final projects and provide guidance and assistance to students. Students shall familiarise themselves with the University rules on preparing such assignments and observe them in their work.
f. The Faculty Deans appoint examiners, who will normally be members of the University academic staff, to assess final projects. The grade for final projects is the average of the grade given by the examiner and supervisor.
30. Distance learning
a. Through distance learning, the University provides people who are unable to pursue traditional studies on campus with an opportunity to pursue university studies.
b. Distance learning students shall meet all the same requirements as students on campus and shall, to the extent possible, enjoy similar teaching and service.
c. Distance learning is subject to the rules of campus studies, as applicable.
31. Lectures, discussions, projects and working weekends in distance learning
a. Lectures are displayed on the University distance learning website, the Námsskjár.
b. Discussion and assignment classes are conducted during weekends and on the University distance learning website.
c. Instead of the traditional semester projects used in on-site courses, special group projects are assigned during working weekends.
32. Degrees in master’s studies
The University offers the following degrees following master’s studies:
1) MS (Master of Science) degree in International Finance and Banking from the Faculty of Business
2) MIF (Master of International Finance) degree in International Finance and Banking from the Faculty of Business
3) MS (Master of Science) degree in International Business from the Faculty of Business
4) MIB (Master of International Business) degree in International Business from the Faculty of Business
5) MS (Master of Science) degree in Management of Health Services from the Faculty of Business
6) MHA (Master of Health Administration) degree in Management of Health Services from the Faculty of Business.
7) MS (Master of Science) degree in Management from the Faculty of Business
8) ML (Master of Law) degree in Law from the Faculty of Law
9) MA (Master of Arts) degree in Tax Administration from the Faculty of Law
10) MTA (Master of Tax Administration) degree in Tax Administration from the Faculty of Law
11) MS (Master of Science) degree in Business Law from the Faculty of Law
12) LLM (Master of Laws) degree in European Corporate Law from the Faculty of Law
13) MA (Master of Arts) degree in European Studies from the Faculty of Social Sciences
14) MA (Master of Arts) degree in Cultural Management from the Faculty of Social Sciences
15) MA (Master of Arts) degree in Educational and Cultural Management from the Faculty of Social Sciences
16) MA (Master of Arts) degree in Applied Economics from the Faculty of Social Sciences
33. Credits in master’s studies
a. Studies for a diploma degree require 60 credits.
b. Graduate studies for an MS, MA, ML, MIF, MIB, MHA, MTA and LLM degree require 90–120 credits.
34. Admission requirements for master’s studies and assessment of credits
a. The requirement for admission to master’s studies is a basic university degree (baccalaureum) or equivalent.
b. The Faculty Dean may, in addition to exchange studies organised by the University, assess up to 30 credits from other university faculties, Icelandic and foreign, as part of master’s studies at the University.
35. Organisation of studies and teaching in master’s studies
a. Studies for a master’s degree at the University will normally take one or to years, up to a maximum of three years.
b. Teaching in the master’s programme is conducted in two semesters. The autumn semester generally begins in mid-July and is divided into a 4–6-week summer session and a 15-week autumn session. The Spring semester is 15 weeks, starting in early January.
c. Teaching in the summer session of the autumn semester is normally conducted on campus and students can complete a maximum of 12–18 credits. Teaching in the autumn session of the autumn semester may be conducted on campus and/or in distance learning, with predetermined working weekends.
d. Courses from basic university studies cannot be assessed as credits in master’s studies at the University.
e. The Director of Academic Services will decide on timing schedules of master’s studies and these will be displayed on the University website.
f. Degrees in master’s studies with a final thesis include MS (Master of Science), MA (Master of Arts) and ML (Master of Law). Students in International Finance and Banking, International Business, Management of Health Services and Tax Management can finish their master’s studies without writing a final thesis by completing additional courses instead. Degrees in master’s studies without a final thesis include MIF (Master of International Finance), MIB (Master of International Business, MHA (Master of Health Administration) and MTA (Master of Tax Administration).
g. Students can apply for permission from the Dean of Faculty to complete their masters studies with a diploma without submitting a masters thesis. The condition for such permission is that the student most have completed at least 60 credits of a 90-credit programme or 90 credits of a 120-credit programme.
h. Students can apply for permission to the Dean of Faculty to complete their studies in a longer time than three years if studies cannot be completed within the allotted time.
36. Final thesis in master’s studies
a. The final thesis in master’s studies shall be 18, 20, 30 or 60 credits. The difference between the number of credits awarded for a final thesis is based on scholarly depth.
b. Advisors of master’s candidates shall have a master’s degree, at a minimum, and shall possess specialist knowledge of the field of the student’s thesis.
c. A research plan approved by the advisor and Faculty Dean shall be prepared before formal work on writing the thesis can begin. Work on a research plan may be considered to correspond to up to one half of the total number of credits of an anticipated thesis.
d. During the course of the writing, master’s students shall present their work at a seminar with the advisor, representative of the faculty and peers.
e. The final thesis shall be submitted in six copies to the University Office two weeks prior to the defence.
f. The master’s thesis in its final form shall be defended before the advisor and two other examiners appointed by the respective Dean of Faculty.
g. Examiners shall be specialists in the field in question and shall have concluded a master’s degree, at a minimum.
h. The defence shall take place in one hour. Following the defence, the examiners and advisors shall agree on a grade.
i. If the members of the evaluation committee are of the opinion before the defence that a thesis is not likely to meet the requirements of the committee, they shall inform the student and give him/her an opportunity to make improvements within a fixed time limit. If the thesis does not, following the improvements, meet the requirements of the committee, the student must write another thesis with a new advisor.
j. If, in the course of the defence of a thesis, such flaws are revealed that it is clear that the thesis will not meet the requirements of the committee concerning master’s theses, the process under subsection (i) shall apply.
CHAPTER 4 – RESEARCH AND QUALITY MATTERS
37. Independence of research, work on research and research report
a. Independence of research shall be observed at the University.
b. Members of the permanent teaching staff pursuant to Article 50 shall normally devote a minimum of 24% of their employment time to research.
Deans of Faculty may negotiate another proportion with individual staff members. Furthermore, the Rector may appoint scholars who engage only in research without any teaching assignments.
c. Before 1 February of each year, each staff member engaging in obligatory research shall submit to the Rector a research report for the past year along with one copy of publications.
38. The Bifröst University Research Institute
a. The Bifröst University Research Institute is an independent research and consultancy institution operated by the University. Its role is to promote research activities within the University.
b. The Head of the Research Institute reports to the Rector concerning its activities and operation.
c. Among other things, the Research Institute shall:
1) Assist teachers and students in applying for research grants and disseminate within the University information on grants and research cooperation in Iceland and overseas.
2) Seek grants for research conducted in the University’s academic fields and engage in research in these fields.
3) Conduct research and service projects.
4) Publish books, reports and other works and research material produced within the University, the Institute or other parties affiliated with the University research activities.
d. The Research Institute shall publish an annual report on its activities.
39. Research centres
a. The Rector is authorised, with the approval of the Board of Governors of the University, to establish research centres in the University's academic fields.
b. Research centres shall work in limited fields and are included in the operation of the University; their work is funded by revenues that they generate themselves. The head of each respective research centre reports on its operation to the Rector.
c. Research centres shall publish an annual report on their activities.
40. Quality Board
a. The University Council will annually, at the first meeting of the academic year, elect a Quality Board. The Board shall be composed of two members elected at a faculty meeting of each faculty, one a teacher and the other a student, together with a chairman appointed by the Rector.
b. The Quality Board will draw up rules on quality standards, quality control and quality reviews and submit them to the Rector for approval.
c. The Quality Board is responsible for the quality management of the University and reports to the Rector and the University Council.
d. The Quality Board will submit to the Rector and the University Council an annual report on its work and the quality affairs of the University.
41. Quality management
a. The division managers will conduct reviews and audits of the University work as decided by the Quality Board, under the authority of the Rector.
b. Deans of Faculties report to the Rector and the University Council concerning the quality of studies, teaching and research within their respective faculties.
c. Division managers report to the University Council and the Rector concerning the quality of services and other work of the university.
CHAPTER 5 – STAFF
42. Appointment of staff
a. The Rector appoints Faculty Deans, Division Managers and other managers, as well as Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors on the recommendation of the Faculty Deans; the Rector will account for such appointments to the Board of Governors.
b. The Rector may delegate to managers contract negotiations with other staff.
c. Employment contracts are confidential between employees and the University.
d. Employment contracts with staff members are generally not fixed-term contracts, but have normal termination provisions, except as otherwise agreed.
e. Part-time teachers and other staff responsible for single, delimited projects may be hired as contractors.
43. Employment contracts and staff interviews
a. Managers will negotiate an employment contract with each employee.
b. The place of employment of those who are employed at the University's branch offices shall be specified in the employment contract.
c. In May of each year, directors will interview each member of the staff and discuss performance and working conditions.
44. Evaluation committees
a. The Board of Governors will annually appoint a committee for each faculty to assess the qualifications of applicants, where the faculty appoints one member, the Board of Governors one and the Minister of Education one.
b. Only those who have completed a university master's degree or the equivalent may be nominated to evaluation committees, and the chair of an evaluation committee must have the same or higher qualifications as those of the applicants considered, if possible. At least two of the evaluation committee members must not work at Bifröst University.
c. On appointments to the positions of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor, an evaluation committee shall first discuss the qualifications of applicants for the position.
d. Teachers at the University should have titles which are comparable to those of their colleagues at other Icelandic universities. Granting of tenure to teachers shall be based on the conditions of Article 18 of the Universities Act No. 63/2006.
e. Evaluation committees shall discuss research reports and assess their value. Evaluation committees shall evaluate teaching, research and administration in a comparable manner to other Icelandic universities.
45. Assistant Professors and Associate Professors
a. In order to qualify for the position of Assistant Professor, an applicant needs to meet the conditions of Article 18 of the Universities Act, in the opinion of the evaluation committee.
b. An Assistant Professor can apply to the Board of Governors for promotion to the position of Associate Professor provided that he/she meets all the conditions for that position. The evaluation committee shall take account of all relevant aspects of the education and work experience of the applicant, both at Bifröst University and at other universities or in other comparable work. Applicants shall demonstrate satisfactory performance through research, publications, university teaching or other academic work, to the satisfaction of the evaluation committee.
c. Associate professors shall normally have completed more than five years of university studies at a recognised Icelandic or foreign academic institution or demonstrate comparable qualification through research, publications, university teaching or other academic work, to the satisfaction of the evaluation committee. Furthermore, account shall be taken of other specified postgraduate work, courses etc. that the applicant has completed in addition to two years’ academic training.
46. Professors
a. Professors shall normally possess a Ph.D. degree from a recognised Icelandic or foreign academic institution or demonstrate comparable qualification through research, publications, university teaching or other academic work, to the satisfaction of the evaluation committee. Applicants for the position of professor shall be active in research and shall have shown significant quality and initiative in scientific work. In addition to research, account should be taken of other writings, university teaching or other academic work.
b. An Associate Professor can apply for promotion to the position of Professor provided that he/she meets all the conditions for that position. The evaluation committee shall take account of all relevant aspects of the education and work experience of the applicant, both at Bifröst University and other universities or in other comparable work. Applicants shall demonstrate satisfactory performance through research, publications, university teaching or other academic work, to the satisfaction of the evaluation committee, to qualify for the position of professor.
CHAPTER 6 – STUDENTS
47. Applications for admission to the University
a. The Rector is responsible for processing and responses to applications for admission to the University. Applications shall be treated as confidential.
b. Faculty Deans or supervisors of individual departments are responsible for the implementation of admissions.
48. Conditions for admission
a. Admission to faculty requires a secondary school matriculation examination, Icelandic or foreign.
b. Faculty Deans are permitted to grant exemptions from the above provisions, provided that the Dean is of the opinion that the applicant has corresponding maturity and abilities.
49. Equality in admissions and students’ rights
a. The University shall attempt at all times to grant equal opportunity to studies, regardless of gender, finances, disability or domicile.
b. The interpretation of the University Regulation should allow scope for pregnancy and childbearth in studies and examination schedules
c. Accordingly, the University shall in its admission policy endeavour to attract a broad group of students who reflect the community at large.
d. Students at the University shall at all times enjoy rights pursuant to the rules on appeals committees in university students’ complaints No. 73/1999.
50. Confirmation fee and school fee
a. In confirmation of admission, applicants shall pay a confirmation fee.
b. For studies at the University, students shall pay a school fee decided by the Rector in consultation with the University Council and the Board of Governors.
51. Obligations of the academic community
a. Mutual respect, courtesy and honesty shall be observed in communications between students and University employees.
b. Every member of the academic community shall defend the school’s honour. Students and employees shall avoid engaging in any behviour in the University Village, their studies or teaching, within and outside the school, which could dishonor them, damage their reputation or discredit their studies, teaching or the University.
c. The University Council shall establish rules on the rights and obligations of students, including their right of appeal within the University, upon receiving the opinion of the University’s Students’ Association.
52. Sanctions for violations of the rules
a. The Rector may admonish students or expel them from the University temporarily or permanently if they have broken the law or the rules of the University.
b. Decisions on expulsion require the approval of the University Council, where the student in question shall be given an opportunity to state his/her case, in writing to the Rector and orally at a meeting of the University Council.
CHAPTER 7 – OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ENTRY INTO FORCE
53. Student housing and participation in undertakings
a. The role of the Student Housing Authority is to administrate the funding, construction and renting of residential housing for students and staff at Bifröst.
b. The Board of Directors of the Student Housing Authority is composed of three members elected by the University Council, two on the recommendation of the Rector and one representing students.
c. The University may be committed to participation in undertakings with the approval of the Board of Governors. Such undertakings may be companies or institutions which are wholly or partly owned by the University, with limited or unlimited liability, depending on the decision of the Board of Governors at any time.
54. Fiscal year, Annual General Meeting and University Meeting
a. The fiscal year of the University is the calendar year.
b. In April of each year, the Rector shall organise an open Annual General Meeting pursuant to Article 23 of the Universities Act No. 63/2006 in order to present the finances of the University and the principal features of its operating budget.
c. In May of each year, the University Council shall organise a University Meeting pursuant to Article 16 of the Universities Act No. 63/2006.
55. Amendment of the Regulation
a. The Board of Governors of the University may amend this Regulation by a simple majority of votes. The Rector, University Council or individual members of the Board may, jointly or separately, submit proposals for amendment of these Articles to the Board.
56. Entry into force, interpretation and publication
a. This Regulation is established on the basis of the Charter for Bifröst University and is subject to the provisions of the Charter.
b. The Board of Governors of Bifröst University establishes the Regulation.
c. The Rector is responsible for interpreting its provisions and determining its enforcement.
d. Amendments to the Regulation take effect on their publication.
e. The Rector shall publish all amendments formally on the University website no later than one week following their approval.
f. With the establishment of this Regulation, the previous Regulation and reiterations based on that regulation are repealed.