The UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) provides free healthy food and drinks during the semester exams. This free food and drink initiative is part of the Mood Booster program, which aims to support students’ nutritional needs during exams and create a healthy campus.
The Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FEB UGM, Dr. Bayu Sutikno, stated that providing free healthy food and drinks for students undergoing exams, whether mid-term or final semester exams, has been a faculty practice since 2023.
Through the Mood Booster program managed by the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU) of FEB UGM, 300 portions of healthy food and drinks are provided daily during exams, including the final semester exams of the 2023/2024 academic year, which took place from Jun. 19 to 29, 2024.
“For the past year, to support and encourage our undergraduate students, particularly those taking exams, CSDU has provided the Mood Booster,” said the vice dean on Thursday (Jun. 20).
“This consists of snacks and healthy drinks for students, especially those taking exams in the morning and who might not have had breakfast yet so they can be more motivated during the exams.”
He elaborated that the Mood Booster program, with its provision of nutritious food, is part of FEB UGM’s commitment to supporting students psychologically and physiologically. This program is also an effort by FEB UGM to create a campus environment that feels like a comfortable home for everyone.
“By ensuring students are well-nourished during exams, we aim to boost their academic performance,” Dr. Sutikno explained.
Furthermore, he revealed that the Mood Booster program at FEB UGM is also part of a mental health campaign. This campaign distributes motivational quotes as a form of moral support for students about to take exams.
Students can access mental health education content through stickers distributed or by scanning a barcode. The Mood Booster program at FEB UGM has received positive student feedback.
Mohammad Pradana Abijan Rifiar Abidin, an Economics student from the 2023 cohort, expressed how beneficial this program has been for him. The provision of free snacks and healthy drinks has encouraged students facing exams.
“I am very grateful to FEB UGM for the Mood Booster program during exams. Providing snacks to us students is a source of encouragement amidst the pressure and stress we feel,” Abidin explained.
He also mentioned that when facing exams, he and his fellow students often must study hard, sometimes sacrificing rest time. The Mood Booster program makes him feel more appreciated and motivated to better prepare for exams.
“The snacks provided are not just food but also a form of moral support that means a lot. This program helps me maintain my energy and enthusiasm for studying so I can face exams with more optimism and focus,” he said.
Shalima Nur Kusumastuti, an Accounting student, shared a similar opinion. She mentioned that the Mood Booster program helps students, including herself, who sometimes do not have time for breakfast before morning exams.
“The snacks boost my spirits to tackle the exams. The motivational notes boost my mood,” said the student from the 2023 cohort.
Reportage: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum