Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, inclusive, and socially responsible learning ecosystem. As part of this commitment, UGM has declared itself a higher education institution with zero tolerance for all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia conveyed this during a meeting with the parents of new students at Grha Sabha Pramana on Monday (Jul. 29).
UGM’s policy of zero tolerance towards any form of physical and mental violence is a measure to support the education’s success. This process results from the synergy between the higher education institution and the roles of all parties involved, including parents.
“We must create a learning ecosystem that supports one another to achieve the best academic outcomes for all of our children,” said Rector Emilia.
She also touched on students’ mental resilience in the face of diverse information exposure. Data shows that 40 percent of new students at UGM are at risk of experiencing mental health issues.
“Here is where parents play a crucial role in encouraging and regularly checking in with their children, asking about their progress, and other non-academic matters because the changes they experience require adjustment,” the rector said.
The UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sudjito, congratulated the parents for successfully guiding their children to UGM.
“UGM, as a national university, Pancasila university, people’s university, cultural center, and university of struggle, has a grand vision to continuously preserve and develop excellent knowledge through the Tri-dharma of Higher Education activities. UGM carries out this mandate by educating new students to become intellectuals and future leaders,” Dr. Sudjito explained.
Furthermore, the vice-rector elaborated on UGM’s commitment to student management through various services such as scholarships, character and creativity development support, social services for UGM students, laptop and bicycle loans, and support for disabled students.
“Student activities are very diverse, so UGM needs to facilitate and provide protection so that students can comfortably follow the learning process,” he said.
Dr. Sudjito emphasized that the role and participation of parents are essential in realizing an excellent learning process.
“Let us together educate our children to become mature, disciplined, and capable of creating with the academic intelligence they acquire so that they can become successful individuals,” Dr. Sudjito concluded.
Elfa Harningsih, the mother of Asysyfa Maisarah, a new student in UGM’s Accounting program, expressed her pride in successfully navigating the long journey from elementary to high school, culminating in her child’s acceptance as a new UGM student.
As a representative of new student parents giving a speech, she expressed her gratitude for UGM’s 100% subsidy policy for economically disadvantaged students.
Elfa, a homemaker from West Sumatra who occasionally helps her husband as a laborer in other people’s orange plantations in Naniang Village, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, said, “Being able to receive an education at the blue campus is certainly a source of pride for parents because UGM is the dream of many children in Indonesia. We must be grateful to God, who continues to keep us with many big dreams about our children’s future.”
The New Student Parent Meeting concluded with the screening of a video profile of students representing those receiving the 100% tuition subsidy (UKT 0). In addition to Asysyfa, five other new students from various faculties were featured in the video.
The video showcased UGM’s commitment to educating the nation’s children, even those in less fortunate economic conditions.
This parent meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, with some attending Grha Sabha Pramana and others watching online. In addition to strengthening the relationship between parents and university and faculty leaders, the meeting also explained UGM’s education and teaching processes.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie