The Graduate School of Yogyakarta State University (UNY) welcomed an academic visit from the Master of Communication Science Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), University of Bengkulu (UNIB) on Tuesday (September 2^nd). The visit served as both a forum for strengthening academic ties and an opportunity to explore potential collaborations in education, research, and human resource development.

The UNIB delegation, led by Dr. Dhanurseto Hadiprashada, M.Si., Head of the Master’s Program in Communication Science, was warmly received by Prof. Dr. Dyah Kumalasari, M. Pd., Vice Director for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Research, and Collaboration at UNY Graduate School. In her welcoming remarks, Prof. Dyah introduced the leadership team and highlighted that UNY Graduate School currently manages 12 study programs, consisting of 7 regular programs and 5 distance learning programs (PJJ).

“We are very open to establishing collaboration with UNIB, particularly in education, research, and other academic activities. With the implementation of distance learning programs, we hope to offer flexible educational alternatives for lecturers and students across various regions,” said Prof. Dyah.

In response, Dr. Dhanurseto expressed his appreciation for UNY’s warm reception. He emphasized that Bengkulu has great research potential, and collaboration between the two institutions would yield tangible benefits.

The discussion session, chaired by the Vice Director for Planning, General Affairs, and Finance, sparked a variety of questions from the UNIB delegation. These included inquiries about the regulations governing distance learning programs, differences between regular and distance learning curricula, and tuition fee schemes.

Dr. Gushevinalti, M. Si., for example, highlighted the importance of distance learning. “In Bengkulu, there are no study programs yet offered through distance learning, even though the demand for flexible education continues to grow. From a regulatory perspective, is it possible to establish such programs as those at UNY?” he asked.

In addition, Prof. Dr. Panji Suminar, M. A., expressed interest in learning more about the establishment of UNY Graduate School, which has now become a reference institution across various fields of study. Students also actively participated by asking questions about scholarship opportunities, particularly for graduates of the Indonesian Air Force.

All questions were addressed directly by the UNY Graduate School leadership team. Prof. Dyah reaffirmed that distance learning programs are regulated and have become one of the key innovations in higher education in the digital era. She also explained that UNY provides various funding schemes and is open to further discussions on scholarship collaborations.

The meeting concluded with high hopes that the partnership between UNY and UNIB will soon take concrete form through collaborative research, the development of distance learning programs, and faculty and student exchanges. (LS)