Yogyakarta, October 17–18^th, 2025 — The Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) Graduate School of once again held the Academic Gathering PJJ 02, conducted virtually via Zoom. This event served as an academic forum for leaders, lecturers, students, and staff of the Distance Education (PJJ) of UNY Graduate School to strengthen communication, enhance scholarly capacity, and foster stronger academic networking. The opening session began warmly with an engaging rhyme, followed by welcoming remarks from the leadership of the UNY Graduate School.

In the opening session, Prof. Dr. Siswantoyo, M. Kes., AIFO., Director of the Graduate School, was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Dyah Kumalasari, M.Pd., Vice Director for Academic, Student Affairs, and Cooperation (AKRK), and Prof. Dr. Yudanto, M.Pd., Vice Director for Research, Publication, and Community Engagement (PUK). Prof. Siswantoyo emphasized the importance of synergy among all academic elements to ensure the quality, innovation, and service of distance learning programs are equal to those of regular programs.

The first inspirational session featured Prof. Dr. Drs. Putu Sudira, M.P., Professor of UNY and Coordinator of the Vocational and Technology Education Program, delivered a session titled “Strategies for Studying Effectively and Graduating on Time at UNY Graduate School.” He stressed that academic success is not only determined by technical strategies but also by one’s mindset and character. He introduced five guiding principles for successful study: Golong Gilig (mobilizing all resources), Sawiji (focused and rational), Greget (high learning spirit), Sengguh (self-confidence), and Ora Mingkuh (discipline and consistency).

Next, Dr. Septian Rahman Hakim, S. Kom., M.Pd. presented “Writing Articles through Literature Review.” He elaborated on Systematic Literature Review (SLR) techniques for mapping issues and identifying emerging research topics, demonstrated database searches using Scopus, and showcased the use of AI as a reference assistant along with VOSviewer for visualizing research trends. His presentation drew enthusiastic responses for its practicality in addressing the publication needs of lecturers and graduate students.

To reinforce governance aspects, Prof. Nur Hidayanto PSP, Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at UNY, presented “UNY Academic Service Policies.” He highlighted the importance of students understanding the academic calendar and designing a study plan early—covering registration, tuition payments, thesis/dissertation preparation, field research, and journal publication—to ensure smooth and timely study progression.

In the afternoon, attention shifted to learning innovation and school leadership. Dr. Agus Sukoco, M.M., Chair of APSI, discussed “AI-Based Deep Learning from the Perspective of School Supervisors.” He emphasized AI as a strategic partner in supervision and quality improvement, enabling learning to be more adaptive, contextual, and aligned with 21st-century competencies. Following him, Dr. Drs. Asep Tapip Yani, M.Pd., from the AKSI Advisory Board, delivered “Developing Excellent, Creative, and Competitive School Leaders.” He underscored the need for transformative leadership that integrates creativity, technology, and character within modern educational governance.

To conclude the series, Prof. Soni Nopembri, Ph.D. presented “Governance of Partnerships and Information Systems,” stressing the importance of effective and collaborative information systems as the foundation for sustainable academic services in the digital era. The program officially closed with remarks from Prof. Dr. Dyah Kumalasari, M.Pd., who expressed appreciation to all speakers and participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions.

By the end of Academic Gathering PJJ 02, the UNY Graduate School reaffirmed its commitment to providing excellent, adaptive, and globally competitive higher education. Beyond enriching academic insight, the event produced actionable follow-ups, including strengthening PJJ services, mentoring for scientific publication, and cross-unit collaboration—ensuring a high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable learning experience for all graduate students.