UMN Rector Open Dialogue : The Role of Students in University Governance

Open dialogue with UMN Rectorate (Doc. UMN)

Tangerang – On Monday, (02/12/2024), the UMN Rectorate along with DKBM held a casual talk open to all UMN students. This annual program is designed to be a space where students can share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas directly with the university leadership. This event is held online via Zoom and attended by the entire UMN rectorate.

The warm discussion with the rectorate this year carried the theme “Student Representation in University Governance”. Students, as the main stakeholders of UMN, have a major role in university governance. With this warm discussion, students can openly express their aspirations, complaints, and ideas.

“For me, this activity is important, not just to have open discussions but also to engage in direct dialogue with students. I’m certainly happy to be able to listen to students’ aspirations, and we as the rectorate are open to all kinds of input, both academic and non-academic”, said Dr. Ninok Leksono, M.A., as Rector of UMN.

Ninok hopes this activity can continue to be held and is expected to be beneficial for students and also for UMN’s governance. For Ninok, the student voice is an important element in campus decision-making.

“At the moment we are focusing on many things, starting from academics such as curriculum, internships, interest, and others. In non-academic areas as well, from the facilities provided by UMN for students, regulations, lab facilities, and much more”, add  Ninok.

For Ninok, students comfort during the learning process is a priority. He also emphasized that all campus policies must align with the real needs of students so that the learning process is effective.

“All administrative regulations at UMN are transparent, not only the tuition payments but also the use of facilities at UMN. We do this to build and keep the students’ trust”, said Dr. Andrey Andoko, as the Vice Rector for Administration.

Andrey also continues to improve facilities for tuition payment schemes that are easier for students and also their parents. All administrative payment improvements are made to be more efficient and easier.

“Regarding the Kampus Merdeka policy and course interest, we continue to create regulations that will not cause difficulties for students and of course suit their interest. We are also open if students have interdisciplinary interests so that they know and can align with their passion”, said Dr. Friska Natalia, S.Kom., M.T., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs.

Friska also added that UMN’s curriculum continues to be updated and adapted to the current needs of students, the curriculum follows industry needs and global demands. This step is taken so that students are ready when they enter the industry and face global challenges.

“Regarding internships, the student affairs division continues to look for more opportunities for students. For the internship process and regulations, we will certainly continue to improve them to support students, and information related to internships and announcements will be enhanced in the future”, said Dr. Ika Yanuarti, S.E., M.S.F, CSA., as the Vice Rector for Student Affairs.

Ika also explained that will collaborate more with various industries, not only related to internships but also for student career development. This is of course to expand students’ career opportunities after graduating from UMN.

“UMN continues to collaborate with universities both domestic and international. This is certainly to open up more student exchange opportunities with UMN. Because I think many UMN students are interested in student exchange, such as the interest in the IISMA program”, said Muliawati G. Siswanto, M.Eng.Sc., as the Vice Rector for Relations and Cooperation.

Muliawati shared that, currently UMN has already established many collaborations with both domestic and international universities. These collaborations are not only related to student exchange but also to other programs such as student mobility, short-course programs, and many more.

“UMN has formed its own team related to research and development, we also facilitate students who want to conduct research through community outreach. This is certainly to give experience to students who are interested in doing research in collaboration with various UMKM or community service programs”, said Dr. Ir. Winarno, M.Kom., as the Vice Rector of LPPM UMN

In the future, Winarno will expand the locations or villages that can be collaborated with UMN as facilities for UMN students to conduct research. Winarno hopes that students who are interested in doing research can also collaborate with LPPM UMN so that it can have a positive social impact.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to listen to students’ aspirations directly. There are still many things that need to be improved at UMN, both academic and non-academic. This is of course not only for student comfort but also for UMN’s development. I hope through this activity students know that their aspirations will always be heard by the university”, said  Ninok.

By Rachel Tiffany Tanukusuma | UMN News Service

English translation By Rachel Tiffany Tanukusuma

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