In its 39th year, Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to adapt to technological advancements to support the services for its 525,360 active students, spread both in Indonesia and abroad. UT, as a pioneer in open and distance education, has established over 2 million alumni prepared with self-learning abilities and internet-based technology skills. UT offers 2 Diploma Programs (D3 & D4), 32 Bachelor’s Programs (S1), 7 Master’s Programs (S2), 2 Doctoral Programs (S3), and the Teacher Education Program or Program Pendidikan Guru (PPG) in Bahasa Indonesia, UT aims to enhance its services for students to successfully complete their studies with outstanding academic achievements.
On November 27, 2022, at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC), the Central Office of UT in Tangerang Selatan, the Graduation Seminar for the 1st Period of Region 2 in the Academic Year 2023/2024 was successfully conducted in two days, starting from 27-28 November 2022). The event Attended by approximately 2,100 UT students from various regions in Indonesia who are graduated from Doctoral, Master’s, Bachelor’s, Diploma, and the Teacher Education Program (PPG Dalam Jabatan “Daljab”) in the 4th Period of 2023.
The event began with the first period Chairman of the Graduation Seminar Committee, Firmansyah, S.Kom., M.M., presenting the opening remarks. Afterwards, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, M.A., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, delivered a speech. The keynote speaker for the seminar was Apriyagung, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., representing Prof. Dr. Nunuk Suryani, M.Pd., the Director General of Teachers and Educational Personnel (Dirjen GTK) at the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemdikbudristek).
The seminar theme, “Bergerak Melayani Bangsa Bersama UT PTNBH” which means Moving to Serve the Nation Together with UT PTNBH, aligns with UT commitment to improve in all areas, particularly since UT elevated its status to UT PTNBH. UT strives to enhance the quality and accessibility of its services, a concern voiced by the Rector recently. This effort is consistent with the goal of increasing UT student population to improve Indonesia gross enrollment ratio (Angka Partisipasi Kasar “APK”), which currently left behind other Southeast Asian countries. In its pursuit of service improvement, UT engages in resource sharing and collaboration with various entities.
During the Academic Seminar, UT signed the MoU with Institut Teknologi Sumatera and Universitas Nahdatul Ulama NTB. The MoUs were signed between UT Rector Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., and ITERA Rector Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha, as well as between UT Rector and UNU NTB Rector Dr. Baiq Mulianah, M.Pd.I.
Additionally, an MoU was signed between UT and Pemkab Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, with UT Rector and the Regent of Kubu Raya Regency, Muda Mahendrawan, S.H., M.Kn.
Following the MoU signing with these three institutions, the event proceeded with a speech by the Regent of Kubu Raya Regency.
MoU signings represent UT commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with various organizations and institutions. As stated by the Rector, “This is an effort to improve the quality of education and provide wider access for the entire community.” Prof. Ojat emphasized that these MoUs are also part of UT strategy to expand its network for increasing collaboration in Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi.
Through this occasion, Prof. Ojat hopes for stronger and more synergistic collaborations between UT, ITERA, UNU NTB, and the Regent of Kubu Raya Regency in the future. “This will provide more opportunities and benefits for each party, indirectly contributing positively to development through educational aspects,” affirmed the Rector.
During one of the seminar sessions, a dialogue session called “Temu Wicara” was held, allowing students to engage with the Rector and UT Vice Rectors. Moderated by Prof. Gorky Sembiring, this session served as a platform for graduating students to express gratitude, provide feedback, and share their experiences at UT. The insights gathered from this dialogue will contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of UT services in all aspects, ensuring student satisfaction. A satisfied student base is expected to spread positive word-of-mouth about UT within their communities, further enhancing UT reputation. This continuous improvement aims to strengthen UT role as a national gatekeeper in producing excellent human resources, a vital asset for Indonesia progress.
Through this Graduation Seminar, graduating students gained broader insights into the role of UT alumni, encouraging them to cherish and uphold their alma mater. Congratulations to the upcoming UT graduates, and may their future endeavors be even more successful!
