Several faculties at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) are offering free breakfast for students during the final exam period this June.
Faculties providing free breakfast include the Faculty of Biology (Biology UGM), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), Faculty of Geography (Geography UGM), Faculty of Law (FH UGM), Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH UGM), Faculty of Forestry (Forestry UGM), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UGM), and Faculty of Agriculture (Agriculture UGM).
UGM Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, welcomed the free breakfast program initiated by the faculty leadership for students during the final exam period.
She stated that this program supports students’ nutritional needs and aligns with UGM’s efforts to achieve SDG number 2: ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
“I think this demonstrates UGM’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the SDGs, as well as ensuring students’ smooth study experience during exams,” Vice-Rector Udasmoro said on Friday (Jun. 28).
Dean of FMIPA UGM, Professor Kuwat Triyana, mentioned that his faculty provides around 250 free breakfast portions daily, collaborating with the FMIPA UGM Women’s Association.
“We provide 250 portions every day,” Dean Triyana said.
Similarly, the Dean of Biology UGM, Professor Budi Daryono, shared that providing free breakfast during exams has been a practice at the Faculty of Biology since the end of 2022.
“Since December 2022 until now, the Faculty of Biology has been giving free breakfast during mid-term and final exams to 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students,” he revealed.
The free breakfast program has also been running for the past two weeks at FIB UGM. About 200 rice boxes are prepared and placed on tables in the central courtyard area, making them easily accessible to all passing students.
“We provide free breakfast two to three times a week,” said Susanti, the faculty’s staff member.
Susanti said the menu varies daily, from vegetable rice cakes to fried chicken. Free breakfast is available starting at 7 a.m.
“We provide 200 boxes daily, sourced from one of the vendors in the faculty canteen,” Susanti explained.
When asked about the reason behind the faculty’s free breakfast program, Susanti mentioned that it helps ensure students’ well-being.
Additionally, Agriculture UGM runs a similar program to help students focus on their exams. This program, named “Pondasi UTS,” aims to meet students’ nutritional needs as a proactive step by the campus to foster a healthy and productive learning environment.
The Pondasi UTS program provides 200 portions during the final exam period from June 19 to July 2, 2024. Dr. Dyah Weny Respatie, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at Agriculture UGM, mentioned that this program fosters student empathy and enhances social awareness among alumni and donors.
“Every day during exams, students can receive free breakfast coupons. Coupons are distributed directly at the faculty’s canteen by showing their exam cards,” she said.
Agus Sudarwinto, Head of the Administration Office at Agriculture UGM, mentioned that this program partners with the Agriculture UGM’s Healthy Canteen, Karitoru, IMB, and Korpagama as breakfast providers.
Sheila Adriyani (20), a student from the Arabic Literature program, class of 2022, expressed her happiness with the freebreakfast program. It helps students avoid rushing to find breakfast around their dorms before heading to class.
“It’s beneficial for those of us who haven’t had a chance to eat breakfast,” said Adriyani, a student from Rokan Hulu, Riau Province.
Sofira (21), a Communication Science student, also appreciated the free breakfast program, especially with the varied menu.
“Sometimes I’m confused about what to have for breakfast and often skip it. But with this free breakfast, I don’t have to worry anymore,” Sofira said.
Similarly, Icha (21) found the free breakfast program very helpful.
“Usually, I eat after the exam because I don’t have time to buy breakfast. Now, I don’t have to worry about breakfast anymore during exams. The menu is also delicious,” said the International Relations student.
Despite some exams being take-home assignments, many students prefer to be on campus to work on them. The breakfast menu provided by Fisipol UGM varies daily to prevent students from getting bored with the same options.
Bryan Jovi Adonian Simarmata, a student of Fisheries Technology at Agriculture UGM, found the free breakfast program very beneficial.
“Not only does it save time that I usually spend looking for breakfast, but it also ensures I get good nutrition before exams,” Simarmata said.
Authors: Dita and Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson