The Faculty of Psychology Universitas Gadjah Mada officially graduated 90 students during the Graduation Ceremony for the Undergraduate Psychology Study Program, Period III of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, held on Wednesday (20/5) at Hall D, Faculty of Psychology UGM.
Of the total number, 86 graduates were from Period III, consisting of 74 students from the Regular Program and 12 students from the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), while the remaining four were graduates from previous periods. Academic achievements during this period were notably outstanding, with 77 graduates — nearly 90 percent of Period III graduates — earning the distinction of Honors (Cum Laude).
In detail, 66 out of 74 graduates from the Regular Program received Honors distinction, with an average GPA of 3.73 and an average study duration of 3 years and 8 months. Meanwhile, 11 out of 12 IUP graduates also earned Honors distinction with an average GPA of 3.67. Up to this period, the Faculty of Psychology UGM has graduated a total of 7,085 psychology undergraduates, consisting of 6,860 Regular Program graduates and 225 IUP graduates.
The graduation ceremony began with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem “Indonesia Raya” and the Gadjah Mada Hymn, followed by the presentation of academic transcripts to the graduates. Transcript presentation for IUP students was conducted by Fuad Hamsyah, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., while transcripts for the Regular Program students were presented by Dr. Ridwan Saptoto, S.Psi., M.A., Psikolog.
On this occasion, Seravin Afra Secunda achieved the highest GPA of 3.95 and represented the Faculty of Psychology UGM at the university-level graduation ceremony. The symbolic alumni scarf presentation was given to Fathurrahman Pebriansyah.
The ceremony also served as a space to appreciate students’ academic work. The Best Undergraduate Thesis Award for the Regular Program was presented to Shafa Salsabilla for the research titled “The Influence of Intrinsic and Extraneous Cognitive Load on Visual Attention and Arousal in Dating App User Decision-Making,” supervised by Satriyo Priyo Adi, S.Psi., M.Sc. Meanwhile, the IUP category award was received by Kania Syaharani for the study titled “The Role of Celebrity Worship on Body Dissatisfaction Mediated by Social Comparison among Emerging Adult K-Pop Fans in Indonesia,” supervised by Dr. Tri Hayuning Tyas, S.Psi., M.A., Psikolog.
The graduate representative speech was delivered by Alisa Kamilah. She encouraged her fellow graduates to see graduation not as the end of a journey, but as the beginning of a greater path to contribute meaningfully to society.
“This graduation ceremony is like a slingshot that directs us toward purposes greater than ourselves, whether for communities, society, or larger missions beyond our personal needs,” she said.
Meanwhile, the parents’ representative, Rinawaty Tias Utami, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Faculty of Psychology UGM for its guidance throughout the students’ educational journey.
“True success is not measured solely by position or material wealth, but by how much benefit you bring to others,” she remarked.
Representative of the Keluarga Alumni Psikologi Gadjah Mada (KAPSIGAMA), Ratna Yunita Setiyani Subardjo, also welcomed the new graduates as part of the Faculty of Psychology UGM alumni family. She reminded them that the presence of a psychologist in society often begins with the ability to listen and be present for others.
“What we bring to society is not merely Maslow’s theories or Freud’s theories. Sometimes it is enough to say, ‘I am here, so you are not alone,’” she said.
Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., explained in his remarks that the high number of graduates earning Honors distinction is closely related to the faculty’s assessment approach, which emphasizes competency achievement based on established learning rubrics.
“Grades should reflect mastery according to the established rubrics, not relative standing compared to classmates,” Rahmat emphasized.
He also stated that graduates of the Faculty of Psychology UGM possess strong competencies at the national level. In the professional competency examinations organized by the Himpunan Psikologi Indonesia (HIMPSI), the Faculty of Psychology UGM has consistently ranked among the top nationally.
The series of events concluded with a joint prayer and a group photo session with graduates and lecturers.
Writer: Erna Tri Nofiyana
Editor: Sussanti