Bifröst University Regulations

Approved at a meeting of the Board of Governors on May 2, 2016

Amended by a resolution of the Board of Governors on December 3, 2018

CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

Article 1

Bifröst University is a private non-profit institution that operates on the basis of its Charter. The University operates in accordance with legislation on higher education institution and the Rules for Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions.

Article 2

The Board of Governors is responsible for the operation, finances and assets of the University. The Board of Governors shall uphold the mission and role of the University pursuant to the University Charter and shall at all times respect the University’s academic independence. The Board of Governors has the authority to appoint and dismiss the Rector. The Chair of the Board of Governors shall negotiate the terms of the Rector’s employment on behalf of the Board.

Article 3

The Rector is responsible for the management and operation of the University under the authority of the Board of Governors and is accountable to the Board. S/he has a responsibility to ensure that working arrangements are consistent with the role, objectives and quality requirements of the University. The Rector has the authority to appoint and dismiss employees. The Rector is responsible for the finances of the University under the authority of the Board of Governors. S/he must submit a financial and operating plan for the coming fiscal year to the Board of Governors in a timely enough manner for the Board to be able to discuss the plan at two meetings of the Board prior to the end of the calendar year.

The Rector is the University’s representative in external relations and takes the initiative in development activities and policymaking.

The Rector is responsible for quality management at the University.

The Rector manages the day-to-day operation of the University; s/he will, however, consult with the Chair of the Board of Governors between meetings of the Board on all policy decisions or extraordinary decisions. Such decisions shall be submitted to the Board of Governors at the first possible opportunity.

Article 4

The Rector appoints her/his substitute from among the University’s academic employees.

Article 5

The University Council acts as an advisory body on the internal affairs of the academic community and has the right to appoint members to the University’s Board of Governors and the Council of Representatives pursuant to the University Charter. The University Council comprises the Rector; the Director of Academic Services (Director of Curriculum); three representatives of the teaching staff, appointed by the Education and Research Board; one representative of the University’s non-teaching staff, nominated at a staff meeting; three undergraduate students; one representative of students in the Department of Preparatory Studies; and one representative of Master’s students. Student representatives are elected by students. One alternate member shall be elected for each principal member. The Rector is permitted to offer further parties the right to sit in the University Council as needed. These parties have the right to speak and make proposals, but they do not have voting rights.

University Council meetings discuss major issues concerning the University at any given time, its internal operations, amendments of its rules and regulations and its strategy. The University Council has the competence to make decisions and may submit proposals to the Rector or the Board of Governors. The Rector shall take initiative in setting the agenda for University Council meetings; however, each member of the Council is permitted to place an item on a meeting’s agenda.

A quorum is achieved at meetings of the University Council if the majority of those entitled to attend a meeting are present; meetings must be called with a minimum of twenty-four hours’ notice. Decisions are taken by a simple majority vote; the Rector shall cast the deciding vote in the event of an equality of votes.

A meeting of the University Council must be called if a third of all persons entitled to attend its meetings so request.

The minutes of University Council meetings shall be published on the University website.

Article 6

Bifröst University offers studies in the Departments of Business, Law and Social Sciences. The University also operates a Department of Preparatory Studies, Háskólagátt (‘The University Gateway’), for students who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to undergraduate programmes and a continuing education programme offering shorter study programmes and community- and work-related subjects. Departments (deildir) offering university-level studies take the initiative in academic policymaking and development of study programmes, and they have responsibility for course content and quality of studies. Heads of Departments direct departmental policy for their respective department, and they manage and have responsibility for professional matters within their department, quality management included. Heads of Departments likewise have responsibility for finances, within the scope defined in the budget. Each department has a department board, consisting of the Head of Department; one teacher, appointed by the department’s teachers; and one student, appointed by the department’s student union. The department board acts as an advisory body to the Head of Department. The Head of Department calls department meetings at least six times a year, which function as a discussion venue for permanent members of the teaching staff on departmental matters.

The Rector sets rules and regulations on the admission of students, course assessment, examinations and other issues concerning study and teaching at the University. Furthermore, s/he lays down rules and decides procedures concerning the development of new study programmes or new courses, as well as concerning other issues relating to the work of teachers, as needed. Proposals for amendments of the University’s rules and regulations and drafts thereon that pertain to internal affairs and processes must be discussed and handled in due consultation with all parties concerned. The Rector consults with the University Council prior to making decisions.

Should complaints arise concerning the admission of students, course assessment, the arrangement of examinations and other matters involving the implementation of University rules, they shall follow defined procedures for appeals within the University.

Academic Services receives formal matters from students and decides accordingly as relevant. Should a student not accept the decision, s/he is entitled to appeal to the Appeals Committee.

The Rector appoints the Appeals Committee, consisting of three members, who are appointed for a period of two years. One of the members shall be nominated by the Education and Research Board, and one jointly by the student unions at the University. The Rector shall appoint one member without nomination, who shall act as the Chair of the Committee. Alternates shall be appointed in the same way. Rules on the operations of the Appeals Committee must be approved by the Bifröst University Board of Governors.

Should the decision of the Appeals Committee not be accepted, the case may be remitted to the Rector as the final arbiter within the University.

The Rector establishes a Code of Ethics and rules addressing the University’s response to gendered and sexual harassment and violence. These rules may be issued jointly with other higher education institutions, as applicable. Due consultation shall take place in formulating these rules, cf. paragraph 2.

Article 7

The Executive Board is a consultative forum for the Rector and administrators on issues relating to the day-to-day operation of the University. It consists of the Rector, Heads of Departments and the Directors of administrative and service divisions. Meetings of the Executive Board shall be held as required; these meetings shall also be attended by other employees of the University, at the discretion of the Rector.

Permanent committees for departmental cooperation and consultation operate as required for the coordination and harmonisation of the University’s operations. Workgroups are appointed for working on specific tasks as needed. The Rector issues letters of appointment for committees and workgroups.

Article 8

The Education and Research Board is a consultative forum for the academic staff of the University and nominates representatives of the teaching staff for boards and committees within the University as required. The Rector calls at least two meetings of the Education and Research Board each year, where policy decisions relating to education and research shall be presented and discussed.

Article 9

The Rector is responsible for the development and implementation of the University’s quality policy. S/he hires a quality manager for the University, who is Director of Quality Management and shall cooperate with department boards and call meetings with them as necessary.

Department boards are accountable to the Rector for the implementation of the University’s Quality Assurance Policy in their respective departments. Furthermore, they shall take initiative in the development of quality management at the University and submit their proposals pertaining thereto to the Rector and the Director of Quality Systems as relevant. Department boards shall cooperate with the Director of Quality Systems and with one another as needed in order to promote the best possible implementation and development of quality management at the University.

The Director of Academic Services is responsible for carrying out regular evaluation of teaching and reports on the results to the Rector, Heads of Departments and department boards. Teaching evaluation results shall be presented to the University Council. The Director of Quality Systems is responsible for the University’s Quality Handbook and shall take initiative in its development. Proposals for amendments to the University’s regulatory environment shall be submitted directly to the Director of Quality Systems. S/he shall submit an annual report to the Rector on her/his work and the work of department boards regarding quality management at the University.

CHAPTER 2 – EMPLOYEES

Article 10

It is a matter of utmost importance for Bifröst University that staff members are competent in their field of work. The University shall establish a personnel policy that addresses its objectives and emphases regarding personnel issues.

The professional titles of teachers at Bifröst University shall be professor (prófessor), associate professor (dósent), assistant professor (lektor) and adjunct lecturer (aðjunkt). The Rector appoints an evaluation committee for evaluating the qualifications of professors, associate professors, assistant professors and specialists. Those who carry the aforementioned professional titles shall have both knowledge and experience in accordance with international guidelines on the respective professional titles in their field of study, attested by the Evaluation Committee or by way of a doctoral degree from a recognised university. Furthermore, they shall have demonstrated sufficient achievement in their work to enjoy recognition in the respective field of study.

Only those who have completed a doctoral degree from a university or have equivalent knowledge and experience may be appointed to the Evaluation Committee. The Evaluation Committee must include at least one member who is not an employee of Bifröst University.

The appointment, functions and conclusion of the Evaluation Committee shall occur in accordance with the provisions of Article 18 of the Higher Education Institutions Act No. 63/2006, as well as in compliance with rules laid down by the Board of Governors. These rules shall ensure that all applications are processed in an impartial and professional manner.

Heads of Departments shall take initiative in hiring academic employees. The Rector hires academic employees, i.e., professors, associate professors, assistant professors, adjunct lecturers and specialists, cf. the foregoing. Recruitment shall be based on experience and testimonials, as well as the opinion of the Evaluation Committee (except in the case of the position of adjunct lecturer).

Vacant positions for university teachers and those who are solely hired for scholarly and research work (i.e., specialists) shall be publicly advertised. In order to ensure the University’s access to the most competent employees at any given time, vacant positions shall be advertised in domestic newspapers, in other media and in international forums as required. A position shall not be advertised in the case of promotion or transfer to another professional title.

Following the publication of an advertisement, the Rector hires managing directors and other University managers, based on their career, work experience, managerial experience, relevance of education for the respective position and testimonials. Heads of Departments hire sessional lecturers in consultation with the Rector. Directors of the Department of Preparatory Studies and of the Continuous Education Programme take initiative in hiring teachers for their programmes.

The Rector shall report on recruitments under this Article to the Board of Governors.

Article 11

In accordance with an agreement between the University of Iceland and Bifröst University, the University of Iceland will perform an annual evaluation of the academic competences of Bifröst University’s academic employees. The evaluation is based on Article 18 of the Higher Education Institutions Act No. 63/2006 and is performed in accordance with the Evaluation System for Public Universities in force at a given time.

For the purpose of this Article, academic employees shall refer to professors, associate professors, assistant professors and specialists. They shall hand in a research and teaching report for the previous operating year prior to 1 February of each year. Heads of Departments submit evaluation results to the Rector.

Article 12

An assistant professor may apply for promotion to the position of associate professor, given that s/he fulfils other requirements for holding that position pursuant to the Evaluation System for Public Universities.

An associate professor may apply for promotion to the position of professor, given that s/he fulfils other requirements for holding that position pursuant to the Evaluation System for Public Universities.

Requests for promotion shall be directed to the Head of Department, who will submit them to the Bifröst University Promotion Committee.

Article 13

The Rector appoints a permanent promotion committee, which evaluates applications for promotion on the basis of existing data and the Evaluation System for Public Universities. The Promotion Committee shall submit a proposal to the Rector regarding whether the applicant should be promoted. The Rector shall make the decision about promotion on the basis of this evaluation. Where applicable, the provisions of Article 10 on evaluation committees shall apply to the appointment and procedure of the Promotion Committee.  

 

CHAPTER 3 – RESEARCH

Article 14

Academic staff members of Bifröst University enjoy freedom of research. They determine their research topics and the focus of their research activities independently.

Heads of Departments, in consultation with the Rector, negotiate the proportion of employment time that academic staff members spend on research as part of their job requirements and negotiate minimum output requirements in keeping with this proportion.

Article 15

The Bifröst University Research Institute is an independent institution, under the auspices of the University, engaging in research and consultancy activities. Its operations are in keeping with the University’s research policy.

The Director of the Bifröst University Research Institute is accountable to her/his immediate superior and the Chief Financial and Operating Officer for the activities and operation of the Research Institute.

The Bifröst University Research Institute submits an annual report to the Rector on its activities and the activities of research centres under its authority.

The Research Board, consisting of three external scholars or specialists, operates under the auspices of the Research Institute. The role of the Research Board is to evaluate the standard of research at the University and to give advice on policymaking and advancement of research. The Rector appoints the Research Board after consultation with all the relevant parties at the University.

Article 16

The University is authorised to establish research centres relating to the University’s academic fields for the purposes of promoting research, as per the University research policy, and improving opportunities for academic staff members to collaborate with other universities and research institutes.

The Rector appoints the head of the research centre, who holds professional authority over the centre. Such authority may be granted to an independent board.

Research centres operate as part of the Bifröst University Research Institute, and its director supervises their operation. Research centres are funded by revenues that they generate themselves.

CHAPTER 4 – ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEGREES

Article 17

Director of Academic Services is responsible for the processing of applications for admission to the University. Heads of Departments review applications for admission to their respective departments as applicable. The head of the Department of Preparatory Studies reviews applications for admission to the preparatory studies programme as applicable.

Article 18

The University shall endeavour at all times to grant equal opportunities for study. The University shall endeavour to choose a broad group of students who reflect the cultural diversity of the community at large.

Students at the University shall at all times enjoy rights pursuant to the Rules no. 1152/2006 on the procedure of the Board of Appeal for student complaints at higher education institutions.  

Article 19

In confirmation of admission, applicants shall pay a confirmation fee.

For studies at the University, students shall pay a school fee decided by the Board of Governors upon receiving a proposal thereon from the Rector.

Article 20

For admission to the Department of Preparatory Studies, applicants must have completed the equivalent of 140 (FEIN) credit units at an upper secondary school level and fulfil conditions of rules on preparatory studies for higher education, which are published by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.

Applicants may be admitted to the Department of Preparatory Studies without having completed the prescribed number of credits, provided that they have work experience that amounts to the equivalent number of credits.

Article 21

For admission to undergraduate studies, an applicant must have completed a matriculation examination (stúdentspróf) or other comparable upper secondary school studies.

Heads of Departments have the authority, in consultation with Academic Services, to grant exemptions from the above provision if an applicant possesses experience or knowledge that can be assessed as equivalent to completion of a matriculation examination.

Article 22

The requirement for admission to Master’s studies is an undergraduate university degree (baccalaureate), which as a rule must have been completed with a minimum grade of 7.25 or its equivalent.

Heads of Departments have the authority, in consultation with Academic Services, to grant exemptions from the above provision if an applicant possesses experience or knowledge that can be assessed as equivalent to completion of an undergraduate university degree.

 

 

Article 23

In         the       Department    of         Preparatory     Studies,           students            earn FEIN (framhaldsskólaeiningar) credits. Individual courses or lines of study in continuous learning programmes may also provide FEIN credits.

Preparatory studies in the Department of Preparatory Studies consist of 62 credits (FEIN).

Credits for university-level studies are awarded pursuant to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Study programmes concluding with a diploma shall consist of 30–120 ECTS credits.

Undergraduate study programmes concluding with a Bachelor’s degree from Bifröst University shall consist of 180 ECTS credits.

Graduate study programmes concluding with a Master’s degree from Bifröst University shall consist of 90–120 ECTS credits.

It is permissible to assess up to 90 ECTS credits earned at other universities, in other study programmes or in exchange studies as part of a student’s undergraduate studies at Bifröst University. It is permissible to assess up to 30 ECTS credits earned at other universities, in other study programmes or in exchange studies as part of a student’s Master’s studies at Bifröst University. A general requirement for evaluation of credits for undergraduate and graduate studies is a grade of 6.0 or higher.

Article 24

Bifröst University confers Bachelor’s degrees on completion of undergraduate studies and Master’s degrees on completion of Master’s studies. Heads of Departments may permit students to graduate with composite degrees. Such degrees shall consist of a minimum of 120 ECTS credits. Students may also be awarded a diploma degree in all study programmes, provided that they have completed a minimum of 60 ETCS credits, but the decision to do so shall be taken in consultation with the Rector. Heads of Departments, in cooperation with the Rector, may organise study programmes in collaboration with other universities and graduate candidates with composite degrees. Degrees conferred by the University are published on the University’s website.

Article 25

Studies at Bifröst University are normally divided into three semesters: fall, spring and summer semesters.

The Director of Academic Services takes initiative in creating the academic calendar in cooperation with the Heads of Departments. Before the end of February each year, the academic calendar for the coming academic year shall be approved by the Rector upon consultation with the University Council and posted on the University website.

 

CHAPTER 5 – TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

Article 26

The Director of Academic Services oversees all teaching and administration of examinations at Bifröst University and is responsible for student and teacher services.

Article 27

Bifröst University keeps a record of the academic progress of each individual student and maintains this record after completion of studies, pursuant to the stipulations of the Higher Education Institution Act.

Students shall register in courses each semester by a predetermined date as decided by the Director of Academic Services. The same applies to withdrawals from courses.

Students have access to their course registration information and are responsible for ensuring that it is correct.

Article 28

Teachers determine how course assessment will take place on the basis of the Rules on Studies and Teaching at Bifröst University. Assessment shall reflect the University’s policy of training students in using both scholarly and applied working methods.

Students must meet a minimum grade requirement of 5.0 for final examinations; if this is not achieved, the student in question must take a resit examination.

Should a student receive a final grade lower than 5.0 for a course after taking a resit examination, the student shall be permitted to take the course again when it is next offered by the University. If, after exhausting the regular make-up options, the student does not then pass the course, this is equivalent to withdrawal from the University. An application may be made for re-admission.

Article 29

Students must at all times abide by rules and instructions regarding the use of sources in essays and projects. Any students who fail to do so may receive a grade of 0 (zero) for the project, essay or course.

Should a student violate examination rules or behave dishonestly, the student shall receive the grade of 0 (zero).

Such violations may lead to a reprimand or expulsion from the University, cf. Article 34 of these Regulations.

Students who do not present themselves for an examination or leave before the appointed time will receive the grade of 0 (zero) and must pass the resit examination in order to pass the course. In the event of illness confirmed by a medical certificate, a student is entitled to take a make-up examination; applications for make-up examinations should be submitted to the Director of Academic Services or the examinations coordinator, who operates under the authority of the Director of Academic Services.

Students with disabilities as defined under legislation on persons with disabilities are entitled to special arrangements when they take their examinations.

Students whose native language is not Icelandic are entitled to special arrangements, as possible, and additional time when taking examinations in courses taught in Icelandic.

Article 30

A student has the right to an interview with her/his teacher concerning the results of a written examination (an examination viewing). Examination viewings are arranged by the teacher. The viewing shall be advertised to students with adequate advance notice.

Article 31

If a student who has not passed an examination is unsatisfied with the teacher’s assessment, s/he may appeal the assessment to Academic Services. The appeal shall be submitted in writing within four weeks of the examination viewing. A student is entitled to such a reassessment, provided that the examination remains in the constant custody of the teacher or other University staff members until it is delivered to the external examiner. A student wishing to appeal an assessment of an examination may obtain a photocopy of the examination from the teacher or learning management system.

The external examiner shall submit a grade as soon as possible; this grade is final.

For oral examinations, an external examiner shall be present along with the teacher (or teachers) and they shall jointly decide on the grade; this grade is final.

Article 32

If a student is endeavouring to complete his/her studies after the regular period of time in which to do so has passed, individual grades will remain valid for five years from that time, after which the student must retake the course in question or a comparable course. The Head of Department does, however, have the authority to assess older examinations.

 

CHAPTER 6 – ENTRY INTO FORCE, ETC.

Article 33

Mutual respect, courtesy and honesty shall be observed in communications between students and employees of the University.

All members of the academic community have a duty to defend the University’s honour. Students and employees shall refrain from anything in their studies, their teaching or their conduct within and outside the University that could dishonour them, damage their reputation or discredit their studies, their teaching or the University.

Article 34

If a student is found to have broken the law or the rules of the University, the Rector may reprimand or suspend that student from the University, either temporarily or in full.

Article 35

The University may, with the approval of the Board of Governors, commit itself to participation in organisations. The organisations in question may be companies or institutions wholly or partly owned by the University, with limited or unlimited liability, depending on the decision of the Board of Governors at any time.

The fiscal year of the University is the calendar year.

Article 36

In April of each year, the Rector shall hold an open annual general meeting, pursuant to Article 23 of the Higher Education Institutions Act No. 63/2006, where the University’s finances and the main aspects of its operational plan are presented.

The Rector shall hold a University Forum at least twice a year.

Article 37

The Board of Governors of Bifröst University establishes Regulations pursuant to legislation on higher education institutions and the University Charter. The Rector, University Council or individual board members may submit proposals for amendment of the Regulations to the Board of Governors.

As a rule, amendments to the Regulations take effect on their publication. The Rector shall formally publish all amendments on the University website no later than one week after their approval. Rules on major University operations shall be confirmed and approved by the Board of Governors upon a foregoing discussion in the Executive Board and presentation to the department boards. Other rules are confirmed by the Rector.

With the entry into force of this Regulation, earlier Regulation with subsequent amendments is repealed.

 

Approved at a meeting of the Board of Governors on May 2, 2016. Entered into force on August 1, 2016.

Article 24 amended by a resolution of the Board of Governors on May 18, 2017.

Article 6 amended by a resolution of the Board of Governors on December 3, 2018.

 

_{This is a translation of the document Reglugerð fyrir Háskólann á Bifröst. In the event of any discrepancies between the translation and the original text, the original shall take precedence.}