Vice Rector of UNS Inaugurates the Inbound Students of the PMM Program

By Mariah Teta br. Ginting

Prof. Yunus, vice rector of UNS inaugurated 182 students from the Free Student Exchange Program (PMM), who were represented by Heri Junaidi from Jambi University and Putri Melinda from Medan State University on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. The inauguration took place in the GPH Haryo Mataram Auditorium UNS. 182 students in all came from 52 universities outside of Java. 

The inauguration was opened with a report from the UNS PMM Program Coordinator, Dr. Emmy Latifah, SH, MH. Dr. Emmy revealed that the exchange students had the opportunity to get 20 credits consisting of 4 credits of modul nusantara courses and 16 credits of elective courses. In terms of accommodation and housing, Dr. Emmy confirmed that the exchange students would be picked up and dropped off by the campus bus. "Almost all students live in dormitories, with a few in boarding houses due to dormitory capacity." There is no issue with residential accommodation. Dr. Emmy added, "We have also coordinated with the UNS BPU so that students can be transported using campus buses from the dormitory to campus". Dr. Emmy also assured the exchange students not to worry about accommodation while in Solo. "Don't worry because there are a lot of Go-Jek in Solo. So you don't have to worry about accommodation while in Solo," she continued.

Dr. Emmy hopes that the exchange students will learn more about Javanese culture. "I hope you can learn more about Javanese culture, especially in Solo, because Solo is the center of Javanese culture," She concluded. 

Following is the submission of exchange students from their domestic universities to UNS that carried out by one of the lecturer representatives from the University of Bandar Lampung, who was conveyed by Intan Nurina Seftiniara SH, MH. Intan assured the exchange students that they would be able to adapt and behave well at UNS. She also hopes that they will be able to return to their hometowns with valuable knowledge “We believe that our students will be able to adapt and behave well at UNS while also gaining useful and valuable knowledge.” she said.  "Hopefully, in the end, students will be able to return to their hometowns and contribute to their respective regions," She added. She also asked UNS to accept and guide the exchange students.

Finally, the UNS Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, MS, delivered remarks and inaugurated the PMM exchange students. Prof. Yunus explained the purpose of this exchange program in his speech. "The goal of this PMM Program is to learn about a culture that is different from the cultural richness of our country," he explained. Prof. Yunus also hopes that the exchange students can return to their master's and even doctoral degrees at UNS through the Alumni Achievement Scholarship program.

Furthermore, Prof. Yunus also encouraged the students not to hesitate to ask for help from the Head of Study Program and the Dean if they had difficulties. "If there are any problems, you can tell the head of study program, or directly to the dean," said Prof. Yunus. 

After the inauguration, the students shared their feelings about being able to get the opportunity to study at UNS. Aurel Citra Insani br. Naibaho (21), one of the PMM program students from state university of Medan expressed her feelings, "I feel happy, grateful, and proud to be able to join this program at UNS". Aurel also expressed her pleasure in encountering new people who are very unique and memorable.

Lastly, Prof. Yunus and all the Heads of Study Programs and Lecturers of Modul Nusantara, as well as all the students of the student exchange program take some pictures together.