About LÍS

What is lís?

The National Union of Icelandic Students, abbreviated LÍS (Landssamtök íslenskra stúdenta), was founded in 2013 as the umbrella organisation for all student unions at universities in Iceland as well as the association of Icelandic students studying abroad. LÍS is the largest organisation for students in higher education in Iceland. The union has eight member unions and through these, LÍS represents approximately 21.000 students. The Union represents students from the University of Akureyri, Bifröst University, the University of Iceland, Hólar University, Reykjavík University, Agricultural University of Iceland, Icelandic University of the Arts, and SÍNE (the association of Icelandic students studying abroad). The members fight for student rights at the local level, whereas LÍS works for the students at a national level.

Role of LÍS

From the beginning it has been the main goal to establish a strong foundation for the union, so it can continue to grow and operate in the future. The union's role is to safeguard student rights both in Iceland and of Icelandic students abroad. LÍS represents its member unions when communicating  with the press, the government and in public appearances. The Union is a non-profit organisation and its value lies within its importance for students in higher education.

Structure

LÍS has an Executive Committee of six elected representatives: President, Vice-President, International Officer, Quality Officer, and Equal Rights Officer and one professionally hired executive director. LÍS also operates a Board of Representatives with two delegated members from each Member Union. The board holds the highest authority of LÍS in between General Assemblies. The Union operates according to a polices that are developed at its General Assembly.

There are also six Committees within the organisation, which are advertised every fall: Legislative Committee, Finance Committee, International Committee, Quality Assurance Committee, Marketing Committee and Equal Rights Committee.

Projects

The organisation manages projects of various kinds, most notably the participation of students in Quality Reviews of universities in Iceland, International work of Icelandic students, appointment of student representatives in various committees and Student Refugees.

International Affairs

Icelandic students need a voice in the international society. They need to be able to make a difference in the decision making of the development of higher educational policies. LÍS needs to seek knowledge from the international student society and use that knowledge to reinforce Icelandic universities and advocacy of students’ rights.

LÍS is a member of ESU, European Student Union and NOM, and attends meetings and conferences held by those organizations. LÍS is fully engaged in the discussions and decision making at these events.