The Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (SPs UNY) continued to expand its international academic network through an Academic Discussion with Northern Illinois University (NIU), United States, held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) in the Executive Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of the Imam Bernadib Building, SPs UNY. The meeting served as a strategic forum to explore various academic collaboration opportunities aimed at strengthening the internationalization of postgraduate education.

The discussion featured two academics from Northern Illinois University, Prof. James Cohen, Ph.D., and Prof. Teresa Wasonga, Ph.D. They were welcomed by SPs UNY Vice Director for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Research, and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Dyah Kumalasari, M.Pd., together with Vice Director for Planning, General Affairs, and Finance, Prof. Dr. Yudanto, M.Pd. Also in attendance were the Coordinators of the Doctoral Program in Educational Sciences, Master’s Program in Human Resource Management, Master’s Program in Research and Educational Evaluation, and Doctoral Program in Research and Educational Evaluation, as well as the International Affairs and Partnership Unit (UUIK) team.

The meeting took place in a warm, communicative atmosphere filled with enthusiasm. Various ideas for developing academic cooperation were discussed in depth, including opportunities to host visiting professors, organize online guest lectures, conduct joint research, collaborate as reviewers for scientific publications, facilitate student exchanges, and involve international academics as external examiners in postgraduate education.

The discussion focused not only on exploring collaborative programs but also on the potential for developing long-term partnerships that would benefit both lecturers and students. Through these various forms of cooperation, both institutions hope to expand opportunities for international research collaboration, improve the quality of scientific publications, enrich students’ academic experiences, and strengthen a globally oriented academic culture.

The discussion was dynamic, with active exchanges of ideas between both parties. Experiences and perspectives on higher education management, curriculum internationalization, and the development of academic networks added depth to the meeting. The participants’ enthusiasm reflected a shared commitment to building a partnership that goes beyond ceremonial activities and is sustained through the implementation of concrete academic programs.

Through this Academic Discussion, SPs UNY reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international collaboration as part of its strategy to develop excellent, globally competitive postgraduate education. The collaboration opportunities discussed are expected to be followed up with tangible programs that contribute to improving the quality of education, research, and scientific publications at both institutions.