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Bandung, West Java – The research center is a campus support facility that is needed by the community. Apart from serving as a research facility, the research center also serves as a means of developing, studying, and applying the faculty’s scientific fields. Thus, generally, each faculty has its own research center.  This also applies to the research center owned by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran or commonly referred to as the “FIB Unpad Language Center”. FIB Unpad Language Center is located at Unpad Dipati Ukur Campus and Unpad Jatinangor Campus.  This supporting facility owned by FIB Unpad provides several language activity services, such as Indonesian, Sundanese, and foreign language courses. The foreign languages offered are English, French, Japanese, German, Russian, Mandarin, and Arabic. The course activities offered can be done through regular and non-regular programs, both intensive and private courses.  In addition to courses, the Language Center also provides linguistic consulting services, editing, translation, and Indonesian proficiency tests which are generally aimed at foreign speakers. This is in line with the Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) course. Generally, this activity aims to introduce the Indonesian language to foreign students who want to study in Indonesia.  Similar to foreign language courses, Indonesian taught at the Language Center of FIB Unpad can also be done through regular and non-regular programs. The regular program is held for four semesters in stages, namely beginner or basic level (grade 1), advanced level (grade 2), skilled level (grade 3), and advanced level (grade 4). On the other hand, non-regular program options provide intensive and private courses. The special class BIPA course is provided to facilitate university entrance preparation for international students, such as the Developing Country Partnership (KNB) Scholarship. The learning method offered by FIB Unpad Language Center is done in an engaging way, namely learning outside and inside the classroom. It is intended that students are able to absorb effectively the theory that has been obtained, so as to support linguistic competencies, such as reading, listening, writing, and speaking.  Not only are they taught Indonesian, but students are also invited to get to know Indonesia’s culture. This is reflected in the activities of Field Work Lectures (KKL) and city tours with material related to culture, history, and nature.  Language Center Coordinator and Chief Executive of ELT, Vincentia Tri Handayani, S.S., M.Hum. explains that the FIB Unpad Language Center has collaborated with other institutions in organizing language activities.  “Certainly done on a regular, there is Bappenas carried out at the end of each year aimed at knowing or training the English language skills of prospective participants (ASN / PNS) to continue advanced studies abroad. Then, with Pusdikpengmilum TNI AD in Cimahi for French and English. Afterwards, SMA Islam Boarding School Nurul Fikri for organizing TOEFL ITP. We (also) cooperate with IIEF Jakarta, along with STISIP Guna Cianjur to organize ELT every year,” says Vincentia through the Faculty of Cultural Sciences podcast.  As a research center that contributes to the academic faculty, FIB Unpad’s Language Center often makes innovative efforts and intensifies them. Through these facilities, it is hoped that opportunities to obtain learning and linguistic services, both students and the public, can be accessed effectively and optimally.  Writer: Maria Imanuella Dewi SekartajiTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

Jatinangor, West Java – As a form of implementation of good health and student welfare, FIB Unpad held the 2024 Cultural Sciences Festival. Festival Ilmu Budaya (Fesbud) is a sports and non-sports competition event that involves all students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences to compete according to the interests of each student. Every year, the Festival of Cultural Sciences has a philosophy on the logo that describes the characteristics of FIB Unpad itself. This year, the logo philosophy of the Cultural Sciences Festival is closely related to diversity, passion, culture, exploration, health and activity, and competence.  Students participated in various sports competitions, namely futsal, basketball, badminton, climbing, and chess. Meanwhile, various non-sports competitions were followed, namely mobile legend, PUBG, and Fifa.  This event received positive responses from various participants, one of which was Ahmad Fadel Rusmana (Fadel) from German Literature. “This year’s Fesbud is a bit different because usually, Fesbud has been completed before the lecture. But it’s great to be able to channel hobbies and talents through this edition of Fesbud. As participants we were also taken care of, if anyone was injured or thirsty we were given action. Fesbud this time will be quite a memory. Thank you Fesbud 2024 committee,” explained Fadel.  With the Cultural Science Festival event, it is hoped that all FIB students from various departments can develop talents in sports and non-sports, strengthen friendly relations between various departments, and improve the quality of health and well-being of each individual.  Writer: Yohanes William IvakdalamTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

Jatinangor, 12 January 2024 — With the spirit of equality, Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) opens three special invitation paths and one scholarship for people with disabilities in the 2024 new student selection. The following is a further explanation related to the three special invitation paths of Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) in 2024: Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs of Unpad Prof. Arief S. Kartasasmita said that this program is aimed at students from schools whose alumni have never been accepted at Unpad before. Students from these schools get a special opportunity in the form of priority to be accepted at Unpad. “There’s no need for students coming from school with no seniors attending at Unpad to be discouraged,” he said. Prof. Arief continued that Unpad already has a database of schools managed to be accepted at Unpad in the past five years. Therefore, Unpad will give its focus on students who graduated from schools whose seniors have never been accepted at Unpad and thus will be given special attention This second invitation is offered and explicitly prioritized to students who are high in achievement but from families whose members have never continued their education to college. Responding to this, Prof. Arief said that Unpad will pay special attention to students who are the initiators in their families to continue their education in college because the student is their family’s first representative.  In addition, the Director of Education and Internationalization of Unpad, Mohamad Fahmi, S.E., M.T., assessed that this program has the ambition to offer more opportunities for people without access to higher education. It is expected that the welfare of one’s family will improve with the help of this program.  As part of the implementation, Unpad will open special registration for this program on the Internal Selection Entrance Path (Jalur Mandiri). Prospective applicants are required to submit the necessary documents and a statement that the student is the first representative of the family to attend college. Through this program, Unpad invites outstanding students from schools located in the 3T regions in Indonesia. Prof. Arief said that Unpad will invite the best students in these regions for a “free pass” to enter Unpad without taking various complex tests. This consideration is given because not all Indonesian students have the same opportunity to continue their studies to higher education. Therefore, this program is specially made to all provinces in Indonesia that are in the 3T group area.  In West Java, Unpad will now prioritize prospective new students from regions on the south coast. This is because the percentage of students from West Java in Unpad is already at around 67 per cent, whereas students from big cities in West Java also fill this number. Apart from these three special invitation paths, Unpad provides scholarship programs for people with disabilities in the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) and National Selection Based on Test (SNBT) paths.  This year, people with disabilities have the same opportunity to enroll in all study programs at Unpad. However, Prof. Arief said that Unpad will still encourage participants to choose a study program that suits their conditions. Writer: Yohanes William IvakdalamTranslator: Firda Khoirunnisa

At the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Padjadjaran, the senior academic staff structure plays an important role in academic development and management. Of the total 116 active lecturers at FIB, 105 of them fall into the senior academic staff category, namely Lecturers, Head Lecturers, and Professors. This reflects the depth of experience and expertise that exists in the faculty, contributing significantly to the quality of education and research. Of the 105 senior academic staff, 58 are women. This figure shows that women hold important roles in the higher academic levels, demonstrating their significant contributions in the areas of research, teaching, and leadership at FIB Unpad. With 47 male senior academic staff, the gender balance in this category shows positive progress in the effort to create a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. The role of senior academic staff at FIB Unpad not only includes teaching but also includes contributions in research and academic policy development. Female senior academic staff in FIB make a great impact by bringing unique and innovative perspectives in the various disciplines offered by the faculty. Their presence strengthens the quality of academics and research in FIB, and promotes gender equality in the academic environment. This gender composition among senior academic staff is a reflection of FIB Unpad’s efforts to ensure that women have equal opportunities to develop and contribute at the highest academic levels. With a majority of women at senior levels, FIB Unpad demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, thus, setting a good example for other higher education institutions. Overall, the profile of senior academic staff at FIB Unpad highlights the progressive gender balance and significant contributions of women in academia. This confirms the important role of women in shaping the future of higher education and having a positive impact on the academic community at large. FIB Unpad is committed to continuing to support the development of senior academic staff, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to succeed in their roles. By continuing its focus on gender equality and empowerment, FIB Unpad will continue to advance academic quality and strengthen its position as an inclusive and world-class educational institution. Writer: Gilang JanuarsyahTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

Bandung, West Java – Education should be something that can be accessed by every element of society from diverse backgrounds. However, this is still not optimally fulfilled. There are various ways to reduce this gap, both by universities and the government. Universitas Padjadjaran is often chosen by prospective students as a place to continue their higher education studies. The prospective Unpad students consist of various backgrounds. In response to this, in the admission of new students for the 2024/2025 academic year, a number of policies have been made to increase the accessibility of the public to be able to continue their studies on this campus. These policies were presented by the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs of Unpad, Prof. Arief S Kartasasmita. Unpad divided the policy into four programs. The first program is a scholarship for students with special needs who are accepted through the National Merit-Based Selection (SNBP) and National Test-Based Selection (SNBT) entry channels.  The second program is an invitation program for outstanding students who live in areas indicated 3T (outermost, foremost, and disadvantaged).  The third program is given in the form of invitations for outstanding students whose families have never continued their education in university.  Meanwhile, the last program is given to students whose schools do not have representation at Unpad.  Regarding the partiality to friends with disabilities, Arief says that Unpad has special attention to those who have the potential to be able to continue their studies to higher education. The form of support and special attention is also in line with Unpad’s efforts to remind students with disabilities to choose study programs that are in accordance with their conditions.  On the one hand, Arief also states that Unpad provides the widest possible opportunity for prospective students who come from 3T areas. “Unpad also invites outstanding students from schools located in the 3T group in Indonesia. We will invite the best students there, to be given a kind of free pass, so that they can enter Unpad, without the need to take difficult tests,” he said.  As for the West Java region, Unpad prioritizes prospective students from the 3T region on the south coast. This is because Unpad is still dominated by students from big cities in West Java.  Arief also states that Unpad opens great opportunities for prospective students from families who have never been to university to be able to continue their studies. “So if there is no one in the family who goes to university, then we will give special attention to the first one, because he or she will be the first representative of the family to go to university,” adds Arief.  Unpad also invited prospective students whose school alumni have never been accepted at Unpad. This is based on the student’s school of origin database owned by Unpad.  “They will be prioritized to be accepted at Unpad. Unpad has a database of schools that have been successfully admitted to Unpad in the last five years. Later, we will see if there are graduates from schools that have not been accepted at Unpad, then we will give special attention,” says Arief. Arief also adds that in the 2024/2025 academic year, Universitas Padjadjaran will not increase the UKT of its students. This is because Unpad adheres to the principle that students’ UKT need to adjust to the ability of parents or guardians. On the other hand, Unpad also considers that some people’s economies have not yet recovered due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  With cooperative policies carried out by Unpad, it is expected to open up great opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and conditions to be able to continue their studies to the university level.  Writer: Maria Imanuella Dewi SekartajiTranslator: Jauza Mayam Mumtazah

Jatinangor, December 28, 2023 – Universitas Padjadjaran gives a scholarship worth 2 billion rupiahs to 240 active students in Unpad, an investment return of endowment funds. The scholarship awarding was given symbolically last Friday (22/12) to student representatives during the Ceremony of the 95th Anniversary of Mother’s Day 2023 held in the courtyard of Gedung Rektorat, Jatinangor by Unpad’s rector, Prof. Rina Indiastuti, and vice-rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof Arief S. Kartasasmita.  Director of Finance and Treasury of Unpad, Edi Jaenudin, S.E., M.Si., Ak., explained that Unpad has rolled out the Padjadjaran Endowment Fund program since 2020. Unpad has obtained grants for three consecutive years from various parties, ranging from the general public, alumni, and parents to students, lecturers, and education staff. He also explained that the fund continues to accumulate and the endowment fund cannot be used based on rules, it must remain as an endowment, can be invested, and the investment results can be used, one of which is for student scholarships. The 240 scholarship recipients are undergraduate and applied undergraduate students of 2021, 2022, and 2023, and were chosen based on selection by the rectorate together with BEM Kema Unpad. Edi said that Dana Abadi Padjadjaran (“Padjadjaran Endowment Fund”) scholarship is specifically targeted at students who are economically constrained. Some of the scholarship recipients are students who deserve the KIP-K scholarship but are constrained due to limited quotas at the national level.  “Following the policy, we have accepted them and helped to alleviate their tuition. With the Dana Abadi Padjadjaran, those with lowered tuition are also receiving monthly fee assistance from us,” explains Edi.  Edi adds that academic ability is not the required main point. This is based on the condition of students who are academically and economically disadvantaged, where their lives are often divided into focusing on studying and making ends meet.  “To make ends meet while studying, many students work any available jobs in between classes. This can be said to be good and creative, but on the other hand, there are concerns that their academics will be disrupted,” explains Edi.  Thus, through the Dana Abadi Padjadjaran scholarship, 240 students are given educational scholarships in the form of tuition exemption and living expenses of IDR 600,000 per month for each recipient from January to December 2024.  Edi hopes that the scholarship recipients can focus on studying so that their academic abilities can improve significantly. He also adds that if the achievements of the students have not been adequate, the campus will conduct an evaluation in the future.  Results of Endowment Fund Investment Edi explains that the Padjadjaran Endowment Fund is invested through sukuk or sharia bonds at Badan Wakaf Indonesia (the Indonesian Waqf Board). Currently, a total of 54 billion rupiah of endowment funds have been collected from donors. From this total, the investment return of 3 billion rupiah available can be used for student scholarships aimed at supporting research and innovation activities, green campus development, and community empowerment programs.  “From the investment of 3 billion rupiah, we allocated 2 billion for Dana Abadi Padjadjaran scholarship. The rest of the fund is prepared for students of class 2024 or ongoing students who need assistance in the upcoming semester next month,” said Edi. He emphasized that various benefits will be obtained by donating to Dana Abadi Padjadjaran, especially to help students through the scholarship program.  “Dana Abadi Padjadjaran is very beneficial. For example, if we give a scholarship worth Rp 500 thousand directly to students, the funds will run out instantly. But if the funds are donated to the endowment fund, the scholarship fund worth 500 thousand rupiah will last and of course be used to help economically disadvantaged students. This is considered very useful and sustainable, both in the short, medium, and long term,” concludes Edi. Writer: Yohanes William Ivakdalam Translator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Padjadjaran is committed to providing adequate financial support to all its employees, both lecturers and education personnel. By 2023, the total expenditure incurred by the university for these two categories of employees shows significant differences, reflecting the roles and responsibilities of each group. 1. Expenditures for Lecturers: In 2023, the total expenditure for lecturers at FIB Unpad reached Rp59,757,650,000. This budget includes various financial components such as: – Basic Salary: Payment of lecturers’ basic salary according to academic rank and length of service. – Allowances and Remuneration: Including performance allowances, position allowances, and additional remuneration for research and academic development activities. – Honorarium: Payment for additional activities such as guest lectures, seminars, and special assignments outside the regular teaching schedule. This budget reflects a significant investment in the quality of teaching and research, and supports the professional development of lecturers at FIB. 2. Expenditure on Administrative Staff: The total expenditure on administrative staff in 2023 is IDR 7,380,081,840. This expenditure is allocated for: – Salaries: Payment of basic salaries to administrative and technical staff who support the day-to-day operations of the faculties. – Allowances and Remuneration: Covers welfare allowances, performance allowances, and honorarium for additional duties. – Operational Costs: Includes costs associated with the implementation of administrative and technical tasks that support the smooth running of faculty activities. These expenses are essential to maintain operational efficiency, ensure smooth administration, as well as support functions necessary to support teaching and academic activities. Expenditure Details and their Implications: Differences in expenditures between lecturers and teaching staff reflect the different roles that each group plays in the academic ecosystem. Higher expenditure on lecturers indicates a priority on academic development and research, while expenditure on teaching staff supports the essential administrative and technical functions. Overall, these expenditures reflect the Faculty of Social Sciences’ commitment to providing adequate support for all its employees, supporting a productive academic environment, and ensuring that all aspects of faculty operations run smoothly and effectively. Writer: Gilang JanuarsyahTranslator: Dhia Anaulva Putri

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Padjadjaran proudly displays its commitment to inclusion and equity, especially in supporting education staff and students with disabilities. At FIB Padjadjaran, physical disability or special conditions do not prevent individuals from optimally contributing to the academic environment and achieving their dreams. Education Staff: Overcoming Limitations to Give Their Best Among the education staff at FIB Unpad, there are individuals proving that limitations are not a barrier to contributing meaningfully. One inspiring example is Mr. Teten, who, despite facing physical challenges on the part of the blind, remains determined to work for the operations and academic activities of the faculty. Their courage and dedication in carrying out their daily tasks not only provide a strong example of resilience and hard work but also create a more inclusive and empathetic work environment. The education staff at FIB Unpad shows that with the proper support, such as adapted accessibility and workplace adjustments, physical limitations are not an obstacle to carrying out tasks effectively. This initiative reflects the values of inclusivity and equality held by FIB Unpad and encourages the creation a fair and supportive work environment. Students with Disabilities: Realizing Dreams Amidst Challenges FIB Unpad is also committed to supporting students with disabilities in achieving their academic dreams. By providing support services such as academic counseling and classroom accessibility, FIB Unpad students with disabilities can learn and develop optimally. FIB Unpad offers inspiring examples of students with disabilities who successfully overcome various limitations in their studies. One student from the German Literature Study Program has proven that with the proper support and strong determination, physical disabilities are not a barrier to academic success. Their success highlights individual potential and affirms FIB Unpad’s commitment to equity and empowerment. FIB Unpad continuously strives to provide facilities that support the special needs of students with disabilities and ensure that all academic services are accessible to every individual. This includes providing course materials in accessible formats and ensuring that the learning environment is inclusive and welcoming for all students. FIB Unpad’s Commitment to Inclusivity The success of education staff and students with disabilities at FIB Unpad is concrete proof that disability does not hinder a person from making a meaningful contribution or achieving their dreams. FIB Unpad is committed to expanding and improving the support provided to education staff and students with disabilities, providing a more inclusive academic environment and equal opportunities for all. According to Prof. Aquarini Priyatna, M.A., M.Hum., Ph.D., by putting inclusivity and equity at the center, FIB Unpad strives to cultivate a culture that supports, encourages, and empowers every individual to reach their full potential, regardless of physical disabilities or special conditions. This is important in building a more equitable and diverse academic community. He also added that everyone has the opportunity to shine and contribute. Writer: Gilang JanuarsyahTranslator: Firda Khoirunnisa

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Padjadjaran proudly displays its commitment to inclusion and equality, especially in supporting education personnel and students with disabilities. At FIB Unpad, physical limitations or special conditions do not prevent individuals from contributing optimally within the academic environment and fulfilling their dreams. Academic Staff: Tackling Boundaries to Give Their Best Among the academic staff at FIB Unpad, there are several individuals proving that their disabilities are not a barrier to making a meaningful contribution to the academic world. One inspiring example is Mr. Teten, who despite facing physical challenges as a part of the visually impaired, remains committed to supporting the administration and academic activities of the faculty. Their courage and dedication in carrying out their daily tasks not only provide a strong example of resilience and hard work, but also create a more inclusive and empathetic work environment. The academic staff at FIB Unpad shows that with the right support, such as adapted accessibility and workplace adjustments, physical limitations are not an obstacle to carrying out tasks effectively. This demonstrates the values of inclusivity and equality that FIB Unpad holds in high esteem, and encourages the establishment of a fair and supportive work environment. Students with Disabilities: Realizing Dreams Amidst Challenges FIB Unpad is also committed to supporting students with disabilities in achieving their academic dreams. With support services such as academic counseling and classroom accessibility, students with disabilities at FIB Unpad have the opportunity to learn and thrive optimally. Inspiring examples of students with disabilities who successfully break through various limitations in their studies can be found at FIB Unpad. One student from the German Study Program has proven that with the right support and strong determination, disabilities are not a barrier to attaining academic success. Their success not only highlights individual potential but also emphasizes FIB Unpad’s commitment to equality and empowerment. FIB Unpad continuously strives to provide facilities that support the special needs of students with disabilities, as well as ensuring that all academic services are accessible to every individual. This includes providing course materials in accessible formats, as well as ensuring that the learning environment is inclusive and welcoming for all students. FIB Unpad’s Commitment to Inclusivity The success of academic staff and students with disabilities at FIB Unpad is clear evidence that limitations do not prevent them from making significant contributions or pursuing their dreams. FIB Unpad is committed to continuing to expand and improve the support provided to education personnel and students with disabilities, creating a more inclusive academic environment and providing equal opportunities for all. According to Prof. Aquarini Priyatna, M.A., M.Hum., Ph.D., by putting inclusivity and equality at the heart of everything, FIB Unpad strives to foster a culture that supports, encourages, and empowers every individual to reach their full potential, regardless of physical limitations or special conditions. This is an important step in building a more equitable and diverse academic community. She also remarked that everyone should have the opportunity to shine and contribute to academic excellence. Writer: Gilang JanuarsyahTranslator: Dhia Anaulva Putri

The trend of women students enrolling in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Padjadjaran has been apparent for the last few years. In 2023, this trend continues to evolve, with women playing an increasingly important role in almost every aspect of academic life. Of the total 2,746 students in FIB, 73% or 2,004 are women. This figure reflects the central role of women on campus, which is especially prominent in this year’s new admissions, where 70% of 586 students are female. In contrast, male students amount to 251, or about 30% of the total students. This is reflected not only in the number of students but also in the composition of lecturers and faculty leadership. Among the 116 active lecturers at FIB, 58% or 67 are women, while 42% or 49 are men. Female lecturers enrich perspectives in the fields of culture, literature, language, and social studies and positively impact the development of academic discourse on campus. Women’s contribution is also strongly reflected in the faculty leadership structure. Of the 33 faculty leaders, 42% or 14 are women, including the Dean of FIB Unpad, Prof. Aquarini Priyatna, M.A., M.Hum., Ph.D. Prof. Aquarini’s leadership reflects women’s involvement in strategic positions, inclusiveness, and innovation in spirit. Under her direction, FIB Unpad encourages women’s participation in various research and development projects and strives for gender equity in the academic environment. The increase in the number of women in various aspects of campus life has a broad positive impact, both in terms of gender equity and in strengthening intellectual discourse. Women in FIB Unpad bring unique perspectives to research, teaching, and policy and play a role in overcoming the gender bias that still exists in the academic context. They contribute to a more equitable and diverse academic environment. With a 42% female ratio filling each structure on campus, FIB Unpad is a concrete model of how higher education institutions can encourage women’s active participation and promote equity in the broader social sphere. This positive influence not only offers inspiration for other faculties in Indonesia but also demonstrates the immense potential of women in shaping the future of academia and society. In the future, FIB Unpad is committed to continuing to create an environment that supports the growth and contribution of women, both at the national and international levels. The faculty will continue championing equity, inclusivity, and empowerment, ensuring that women have a progressively more significant role in shaping the future of academia and global society. Writer: Gilang JanuarsyahTranslator: Firda Khoirunnisa