The Media and Cultural Studies (KBM) Study Program, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an orientation program for new students for the 2026/2027 academic year. Held at Meeting Room A, Graduate School Building, UGM, the orientation for master’s students took place on Thursday (13/8). Welcoming 32 new students, 29 of whom attended the event, the orientation began with introductions from the KBM management team and the students. Ratna Noviani, S.I.P., M.Si., Ph.D., affectionately known as Bu Nana, Head of the Master’s Program, explained the field of Media and Cultural Studies and the stages students would undertake to earn their Master of Arts degree. Dr. Elok Santi Jesica, S.Pd., M.A., also provided information about various facilities and supporting activities offered by the Study Program, the Graduate School, and Universitas Gadjah Mada. Following the presentations by the program management team, students took turns asking questions about the implementation of coursework and thesis writing. The event concluded with a group photo session.
The new student orientation continued the following day for doctoral students. Eight of the nine new doctoral students attended the event, which was held at Meeting Room C, Graduate School Building, UGM. In addition to introductions, Ratna Noviani, S.I.P., Head of the Doctoral Program in Media and Cultural Studies, provided an overview of the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary academic orientation of KBM as well as the stages students must complete throughout their doctoral studies. Budiawan, S.S., M.A., Ph.d., Head of Quality Assurance for the Doctoral Program, also shared insights into common challenges that may hinder students from completing their studies on time. The Study Program management team emphasized the importance of maintaining a sustainable level of energy throughout the study period, particularly in light of changes to the regulations governing the duration of doctoral study, which has been shortened from the previous four-year target to three years. “Although you may all love the study program very much, please don’t take too long to graduate,” Bu Nana reminded the students.
Contributor: Adhani J. Emha