Orientation 2025
Today and tomorrow, Orientation is being held at the University Centre of the Westfjords, where a diverse group of master’s students are being welcomed and the new academic year is officially starting. The group consists of students from many countries and with different backgrounds. On Monday, the students will begin their studies in the two programs: Coastal and Marine Management and Coastal Communities and Regional Development. Students enrolled in the master’s program Climate Change and Global Sustainability were also in attendance; they are spending one semester at the University Centre through the American SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont.
Dr. Peter Weiss, the outgoing director, welcomed the students this morning, after which the newly appointed director, Dr. Catherine Chambers—who will officially assume the position on April 1st—took over and told them about the history of the University Centre. Administrative Director Astrid Fehling then went over practical matters, and the students got to know each other through games led by Academic Director Dr. Brack Hale.
After a successful round of outdoor games in the sunshine in the courtyard of the Vestrahús building, the group headed inside and had delicious pizzas for lunch. After lunch, the students toured the building and were introduced to the various institutions housed in Vestrahús. They also received useful information on practical matters such as the library, and about life and studies in a multicultural setting.
Following chats with staff and each other—an opportunity to get better acquainted—current and former students of the University Centre, along with representatives of the student association, provided the newcomers with important information about student life in Ísafjörður.
The day concluded with a walking tour of the town, during which students were guided through key locations and learned about the history and culture of Ísafjörður. The tour ended at Dokkan, a local brewery, where an optional and informal get-together was held.
Tomorrow, Orientation will continue, during which students will receive further information and introduction to their studies from the Academic Directors, Dr. Brack Hale and Morgan Green, as well as Astrid Fehling, the Administrative Director at the University Centre.
