Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is ready to help students who have been accepted at UGM but experiencing economic difficulties during the study period. According to UGM Rector, Prof.Ir.Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., with this kind of commitment there is no excuse for students not to continue studies only because of economic problems.
"It has been the tradition for UGM, for any students who received and passed the academic selection, there is no reason not to continue studies only because of economic problems," said Sudjarwadi at the Parents Gathering in UGM Ghra Sabha Pramana, Thursday (8/9).
Sudjarwadi added that up to this time UGM has prepared many kinds of scholarships for excellent but underprivileged students; there are also hundreds of alumni who are ready to help provide support. Of the approximately two hundred thousand alumni, said Rector, they can become a foster parent for students who are experiencing economic difficulties.
"Every time I ask alumni who are potential to assist the economic hardship of their academic juniors, no one has ever refused," he added.
The Rector explained that as a higher education institution, especially related to budget issues, UGM is not only getting support from the government, but also society and the industry. In the event, the Rector also thanked the parents of new students who have contributed to the Academic Quality Improvement Contribution. Some of this is used to provide scholarships to thousands of students with economic difficulties. "Thanks to the fund, some students only have to pay tuition and Education Operating Costs," said Sudjarwadi.
In front of about five thousand parents of new students who attended the ceremony, Prof. Sudjarwadi recalls the ideals of UGM for its alumni to succeed, able to develop and apply the knowledge gained for human civility, benefit, and happiness. This step is also based on three elements of civility, namely the quality of faith, science, and culture. "So there will be a success in the study as well as moral message gained by the students," said Sudjarwadi.
Previously, the Regent of Sleman, Drs.H.Sri Purnomo, M. Si, in his speech on behalf of the parents of new students conveys his pride because their children have been accepted at UGM. They believe UGM will be able to guide their children to be successful in their study and have a character, in contrast to graduates from other universities.
"With the development of local wisdom and values of Pancasila, UGM graduates certainly have a different character compared to graduates from other universities. Moreover, during this time UGM is known as populist campus," said Sri Purnomo.
With the acceptance of their children at UGM, according to Sri Purnomo they are also ready to cooperate occasionally. In fact, as form of support, the parents also do not mind if their children have their health checked to prevent students from negative influence like illegal drugs. In the same place UGM Director of Student Affairs, Drs.Haryanto, M. Si, describes some tips and strategies of UGM in educating students. The tutoring, said Haryanto, will not be realized without the participation and concerns of parents.
In line with the Rector, Haryanto gives an overview about the various scholarships offered at UGM. He also expressed that there is increased number of new students who received scholarships for outstanding students from underprivileged families (BIDIK MISI) at UGM.
"If in 2010 there were 500 students receiving the Bidik Misi scholarship, this year there are up to 1450 students," explained Haryanto.
The Parents Gathering event is enlivened with karawitan musical entertainment and Student Chamber Orchestra, Lenggot Wilasita Dance by Student Dance Unit, the introduction of the Faculty and the University leadership, presentation of campus bike by the UGM Rector to students represented by five parents, and testimonials from Suyatno (pedicab driver, father of Agung Bhaktiyar, Alumni of Faculty of Medicine in 2011). The five parents are Tri Sumpeno (parent of Ikhsanudin Sholeh/Faculty of Forestry), Mandarno (parent of Ummi Khalsum/Faculty of Biology), Sumini (parent of Shoim Mardiyah/Faculty of Philosophy), Sutinah (parent of Fajar Dwi Nugroho/Vocational School student), and Sutego (parents of Sufi Indriani/Vocational School).