UNP Strengthens Graduate Curriculum to Address Higher Education Challenges.

Padang – The Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Strengthening the Postgraduate Curriculum at the UNP Senate Meeting Room, Rectorate Building, on Friday (July 17). The event featured Prof. Dr. Siswantoyo, S.Pd., M.Kes., AIFO, Director of the Graduate School at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), as the keynote speaker.

The FGD was officially opened by the Rector of UNP, represented by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Refnaldi, S.Pd., M.Litt. The event was also attended by Prof. Yenni Rozimela, M.Ed., Ph.D., Director of the Graduate School of UNP, along with the Director of Academic Affairs and the Head of the Subdirectorate of Curriculum and General Courses.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Refnaldi explained that the FGD was a follow-up to previous discussions on strengthening the postgraduate curriculum. He emphasized the importance of obtaining perspectives from outside the institution to support the development of a curriculum that is responsive to evolving regulations and the changing demands of higher education.

“We would like to gain perspectives from outside UNP regarding the development of our postgraduate curriculum. As higher education regulations continue to evolve, insights from other universities are essential to further enhance the quality and relevance of our curriculum,” he said.

He added that UNY was invited because of its extensive experience in curriculum development and the implementation of Distance Learning (PJJ) in postgraduate programs. UNY’s experience is expected to serve as a valuable reference for UNP as it prepares to establish similar programs.

“UNY has successfully implemented distance learning in its postgraduate programs. We hope to learn from its experience, from the preparation process and human resource development to the actual implementation, as valuable input for UNP,” he explained.

During the discussion, Prof. Siswantoyo presented various strategies for developing postgraduate curricula aligned with Indonesia’s national higher education policies. He also shared UNY’s experience in designing learning outcome-based curricula, enhancing academic quality, and expanding Distance Learning Programs as an innovative approach to delivering postgraduate education.

The event also featured the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between the Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Padang and the Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. The agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in academic development, curriculum innovation, research, and efforts to improve the quality of postgraduate education.

The FGD was attended by coordinators of master’s and doctoral study programs, members of the curriculum development team, and the academic community of the Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Padang.

SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

Source: Strategic Communication and Marketing Office, Universitas Negeri Padang (Utr).