The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the 2026 Parents’ Meeting for the Undergraduate Psychology Program on Monday (August 3) at Hall D, Faculty of Psychology UGM. Conducted in a hybrid format, the event brought together the faculty leadership, academic staff, and parents of newly admitted students as part of the faculty’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between the university and families throughout the students’ academic journey. Parents attended from various regions across Indonesia, including Yogyakarta, other cities, and areas outside Java.
Representing the parents, Eko Suryono, S.Pd., emphasized that students’ success is built upon strong collaboration between the university and their families.
“Our children’s success is the result of strong synergy and collaboration between the university and us as parents,” said Eko.
In his opening remarks, Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the UGM Faculty of Psychology, highlighted the highly competitive admission process to the Faculty of Psychology, with an average acceptance ratio of approximately 1 out of every 50 applicants. This year, the faculty admitted 276 new students, consisting of 240 students in the Regular Program and 36 students in the International Undergraduate Program (IUP).
The faculty also introduced a range of student support services, including the Career Center, which assists students in career preparation and internships; the Psychological Consultation Unit (UKP), which also serves as the faculty’s mental health service; and the Student Well-being Service, which connects students with academic programs and relevant support services whenever needed.
Concluding his remarks, the Dean encouraged parents to continue supporting their children throughout their university years.
“With God’s blessing, let us accompany our sons and daughters together, so they may gain meaningful learning experiences, acquire valuable knowledge, and develop their skills,” he said.
As part of its commitment to supporting parents, the faculty also introduced a guidebook entitled Temani dari Jauh, Dukung Sepenuh Hati (Supporting from Afar, Caring with All Your Heart), developed collaboratively by faculty members and clinical psychology practitioners. Two of its authors, Aisha Sekar Lazuardini Rachmanie, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog, and Satrio Priyo Adi, S.Psi., M.Sc., explained that the guidebook was designed to help parents support their children during the transition from high school to university. It also provides practical information about UGM’s academic system, including Simaster and the services offered by the Psychological Consultation Unit (UKP).
“This guidebook is not meant to lecture parents; rather, it is intended to become a companion throughout the journey,” said Aisha.
She added that although students become increasingly independent as they begin university life, maintaining a healthy relationship between parents and their children remains essential.
“What matters most is ensuring that the connection between parents and their children remains strong,” she said.
The partnership between the faculty and parents is also reflected through the Parents Association of Psychology Students (POTMAPSI). Ristanto, S.I.Kom., M.IP., Chair of POTMAPSI, explained that the association operates independently from the faculty and focuses on supporting students’ non-academic development, including soft skills, leadership, and participation in national and international competitions. In 2026, POTMAPSI, together with the Forum Komunikasi Antar-BKM dan Pengurus Angkatan (FORKOM), supported approximately 48 student activities through voluntary contributions from parents.
Representing FORKOM, Marita Almira Sarah Alamsyah and Kane Putri Faith explained that student organizations within the Faculty of Psychology UGM include the Student Executive Organization (LM), various Student Activity Units (BKM) such as Relawan Psikologi Gadjah Mada (Repsigama) and Pecinta Alam Psikologi (Palapsi), interest- and talent-based communities, as well as religious organizations. New students will participate in several orientation activities, including Temu Kenal Akrab (TKA), Pasakrab, and the BKM Expo, providing opportunities to become familiar with the wide range of student organizations and extracurricular activities available.
Author & Photographer: Erna Tri Nofiyana
Editor: Sussanti