FoE Holds Dissertation Progress Forum for First Batch PhD Students

FoE Holds Dissertation Progress Forum for First Batch PhD Students

February 14, 2025

Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Nurul Fatimah

The UIII Faculty of Education (FoE) recently organized a Dissertation Progress Forum, specially designed for the first batch of PhD students who are currently undergoing data collection. This initiative aims to provide students with a structured timeline and a supportive environment as they progress through their research.

“PhD can be a lonely journey. The aim of this forum is to make you feel that you are not alone, you are being accompanied by your friends and supervisors,” said Prof. Nina Nurmila, the Dean of the Faculty of Education. She emphasized the importance of collective academic growth and peer support throughout the dissertation journey, whilst ensuring that everyone stays on track towards timely graduation.

“We plan to have the dissertation progress seminar every semester,” said Prof. Nina. “It’s essential for PhD students to see each other’s progress and to seek help when needed. We want to create a support system where students can break down their research timeline into smaller, manageable milestones.”

Prof. Nina also stressed the significance of consistent writing and maintaining momentum throughout the dissertation process. She shared personal experiences about balancing academic life and family responsibilities, particularly for those juggling parenthood and research.

Dr. Bambang Sumintono, Head of the PhD Programs, also shared insights on the importance of structured research progress and maximizing academic opportunities. “We structure this seminar to ensure that students present their progress at different stages—midway, near the end, and at the final stage. This helps students stay on track with their writing and research goals,” he explained.

Dr. Bambang also encouraged students to present their research in the forum concisely, emphasizing that a skill that a researcher must have is to explain their research in a simple and short way. “We also expect critical questions, as this is common in academic settings. Learning to respond to scepticism is part of becoming a strong researcher,” he said.

The seminar aligns with the Faculty of Education’s tradition of fostering a strong academic community where students support each other. “We want students to graduate together. No one should not be left behind,” Prof. Nina emphasized. “Each batch should progress as a cohort, helping one another along the way.”

The Dissertation Progress Seminar will continue to be a recurring event at UIII’s Faculty of Education, ensuring that PhD students remain engaged, motivated, and supported throughout their research journey.

By providing structured guidance and fostering a collaborative academic atmosphere, the Faculty of Education is committed to helping students achieve success in their doctoral studies.

source: https://www.uiii.ac.id/events/read/57846/foe-holds-dissertation-progress-forum-for-first-batch-phd-students

by Bambang Sumintono

Planning, Executing, Evaluating—Repeat: FoE Makes End-Semester Gathering a Tradition

Planning, Executing, Evaluating—Repeat: FoE Makes End-Semester Gathering a Tradition

February 04, 2025

Contributors: Supriyono & Virda Lalitya Umam | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photos: Virda Lalitya Umam

As part of its ongoing commitment to academic excellence, the UIII Faculty of Education (FoE) held a full-board meeting with all of its civitates on January 23, 2025, aimed at evaluating past semester activities while strategizing for the upcoming term. This routine gathering serves as a crucial platform for reflecting and evaluating its educational management activities to ensure it remains at the forefront of educational advancement.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the faculty members to assess the effectiveness of previous programs, address challenges, and refine strategies for the future. Discussions revolved around enhancing academic curricula, fostering research collaborations, and strengthening community engagement—three core pillars of Indonesia’s higher education, also known as ‘Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi’. Lecturers and academic staff actively participated, sharing insights on improving student learning experiences and adapting to the rapidly changing educational landscape.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation delivered by Dr. Berry Juliandi, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at IPB University and Acting Director of Learning and Student Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. His session, titled "Impactful Education: Future Direction of Education Policy in Indonesia," provided valuable perspectives on higher education challenges and innovations crucial for the faculty to navigate its future orientation.

Following his presentation, an engaging discussion took place among faculty members, allowing them to engage with pressing educational concerns, including curriculum relevance, graduate employability, and the role of AI in education. These discussions reinforced the faculty’s dedication to equipping students with 21st-century skills and preparing them for cross-sectoral disruptions.

Through this meeting, the UIII Faculty of Education reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement and impactful education. By fostering dialogue for its educational management strategies, the faculty aims to drive meaningful changes that benefit students, academia, and society at large.

source: https://uiii.ac.id/events/read/57837/planning-executing-evaluatingrepeat-foe-makes-end-semester-gathering-a-tradition

by Bambang Sumintono

‘Tri Dharma’ No Longer Enough: Here’s the Fourth Pillar Universities Must Have

‘Tri Dharma’ No Longer Enough: Here’s the Fourth Pillar Universities Must Have

February 04, 2025

Contributors: Supriyono & Virda Lalitya Umam | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photos: Virda Lalitya Umam

As Indonesia faces pressing global and domestic challenges, a question emerges: is the traditional role of universities in education, research, and community service—commonly known as Tri Dharma—still sufficient? Well, the short answer is: “No, it’s not”, according to Dr. Berry Juliandi, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at IPB University and Acting Director of Learning and Student Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.

Speaking at a full-board meeting of the UIII Faculty of Education on Thursday (01/23/2025), Dr. Juliandi emphasized the urgent need for Indonesian universities to evolve beyond the conventional paradigm in viewing the function of higher education. In his presentation, titled “Impactful Education: Future Direction of Education Policy in Indonesia”, Dr. Juliandi outlined how higher education institutions must move beyond merely producing graduates to actively shaping the country’s socio-economic landscape.

He noted that while the Tri Dharma has long served as the backbone of Indonesia’s academic framework, it no longer accommodates the demands of today’s fast-evolving world. Instead, universities must integrate a fourth dimension—which he identified as “national impact”—by fostering innovation, aligning research with industry needs, and equipping students with 21st-century skills to navigate technological disruptions.

This paradigm shift comes in response to pressing national concerns, including the employability of graduates, effectiveness of research funding, the disconnect between academia and community needs, and the underdevelopment of scientific and technological talent. Dr. Juliandi stressed that universities should no longer function as isolated knowledge hubs but as dynamic institutions that contribute directly to economic growth, policy development, and technological advancement in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He also highlighted the risks and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in education, warning that institutions must prepare students for an era where AI literacy is essential. “The real AI war will not be between humans and AI, as commonly depicted in fiction, but between those who can leverage AI and those who cannot,” he remarked. He encouraged universities to embrace AI responsibly while upholding academic integrity.

Closing his presentation, Dr. Juliandi underscored the importance of character-building as the foundation of education. “No matter how advanced our systems become, the true measure of education is the integrity and character of our students and educators,” he concluded.

Dr. Juliandi’s insights sparked a lively discussion among UIII Faculty of Education lecturers, who explored the implications of these changes for their academic programs and institutional strategies. As Indonesia transitions itself into a new era of higher education, the message is clear: universities must redefine their purpose, moving beyond the Tri Dharma model to become catalysts for national transformation.

by Bambang Sumintono