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.
