Eleven representatives from Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, made a visit to the Directorate of Student Affairs UGM, Friday (7/10). Nine professors and two academic staff made a comparative study related to the development of Student Creativity Program (PKM) at UGM.
"We have two teams to learn from four universities that are already advanced in student activities, especially those related to the development of reasoning skill," said Prof. Dr. Supratman, M.P, representing the group of Unhas.
Supratman explained that Unhas actually made a large number of programs and some efforts to boost its achievements. Unfortunately, participation and student achievement in the areas of reasoning has not yet been accomplished to the fullest.
"Many efforts have been made, but the achievement has not met the expectation, seen by our achievement in PIMNAS which was far less than other universities," said Supratman.
On this occasion, Ahmad Agus Setiawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of Student Creativity, Directorate of Student Affairs UGM, explained the process in preparing UGM students for PKM and PIMNAS. Agus explained the development and mentorship for PKM, UGM has fourteen programs for one year. According to Agus, PKM made by UGM students are not only meant for PIMNAS, but to excel in other places as well.
"Last year this month, we have started the program, unfortunately this year schedule is delayed since the guidebooks have not yet been published. Admittedly, there were groups that did not qualify for PIMNAS but, instead, become champions in Japan, Canada, and from latest information there were groups that did not qualify for PIMNAS actually received an award from the BNPB," he explained.
Prof. Supratman appreciated what UGM has been done and it has inspired UNHAS for future program.
He said that he was amazed by the seriousness of UGM to mentor its students. By having students who have a high interest in research and supported by number of programs, UGM deserved the achievements.
"The activities are structured, with adequate facilities and variety of programs, which naturally will produce high quality research. Moreover, as many as 24 per cent could be financed by UGM itself. More than that, I just knew that PKM UGM is not always PIMNAS-oriented but aiming to higher level as well," said Supratman.