Yogyakarta, August 13–14, 2026 — The Master of Science and Doctoral Program (MD) of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), organized a series of Academic Orientation and the Researcher’s Enrichment Program (REACH) 2026 as part of the welcoming and orientation program for new students.
The first day marked an important starting point for new students to become more familiar with the academic environment that would shape their journey at MD FEB UGM. Following the opening session, students were first introduced to the vision, mission, and values of FEB UGM as the foundation for building an academic community grounded in integrity, scholarly excellence, and meaningful contributions to society. The introduction was delivered by Rimawan Pradiptyo, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., representing the MD FEB UGM management team. This session provided an initial foundation for students before they explored various aspects of academic life more deeply.
An understanding of the institution’s values and direction was then followed by a more practical discussion of how students would navigate their academic journey. Through the Academic Support session, students received information on the curriculum, academic and non-academic regulations, and other essential aspects of their respective study programs. For students in the Master of Science and Doctoral Program in Accounting, the session was delivered by Prof. Mahfud Sholihin, Ph.D., Ak., CA., CPA (Aust.), together with the Academic Team. Meanwhile, students in Master of Science and Doctoral Program in Economics received guidance from Rimawan Pradiptyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., together with the Academic Team, while students in Master of Science and Doctoral Program in Management received an overview from Widya Paramita, M.Sc., Ph.D., together with the Academic Team.
By understanding the academic system from the outset, students are expected to gain a clearer picture of the study journey ahead. However, academic readiness in today’s era requires more than simply understanding curricula and regulations. Technological developments, particularly the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), are also transforming the ways students learn, seek information, and produce academic work.
Students were therefore introduced to UGM Regulations on the Use of AI in Academic Environments, Academic Writing, and Anti-Plagiarism in a session delivered by Rocky Adiguna, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D. The discussion was particularly relevant amid the growing use of AI in education. Students were not only introduced to technological developments but were also encouraged to understand the importance of ethics, integrity, and responsibility when using AI to support their academic activities.
At the same time, a successful study journey also requires personal readiness. Coursework, research, and various academic responsibilities can present their own challenges for postgraduate students. To help students prepare for these challenges, the session on Stress Management for Postgraduate Students featured dr. Fiddina Mediola, Sp.KJ, representing Indonesia Sehat Jiwa. Through this session, students gained perspectives on the importance of recognizing and managing stress as part of maintaining a sustainable learning process.
The discussion was complemented by an introduction to the Student Mental Health Facility, presented by Anisa Yuliandari, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, from the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU) FEB UGM. The session emphasized that student support extends beyond academic matters. Students also need to be aware of the spaces and facilities available to them when they require support in navigating various challenges throughout their studies.
Having gained academic knowledge as well as an understanding of available personal support, students were then introduced to spaces where they could build relationships and a sense of community. Through an introduction to the Forum Komunikasi Mahasiswa Magister Sains (Forkomsi) and the Ikatan Mahasiswa Doktor FEB UGM (Imadebgama), new students became acquainted with student communities that provide opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and personal development beyond classroom activities. Thus, the first day not only introduced students to what they needed to know but also highlighted various spaces that could support them throughout their journey at MD FEB UGM.
Day Two: Exploring the Campus, Building Connections, and Learning from Experience
On the second day, the activities began with morning exercise and an ice-breaking session facilitated by Forkomsi and Imadebgama. The more relaxed atmosphere provided an opportunity for students to interact, break the ice, and begin building connections with their new peers.
From interaction among students, the activities then moved toward helping them become familiar with the environment in which they would pursue their academic journey. Through a campus tour, students visited various facilities and spaces across FEB and UGM, ranging from academic facilities to other supporting resources. Accompanied by Forkomsi and Imadebgama, the activity was not merely about learning where different facilities were located, but also about helping students develop a stronger connection with the campus environment that would become part of their daily lives throughout their studies.
Becoming familiar with the academic environment also needs to be accompanied by the ability to interact and communicate ideas effectively within it. Accordingly, the REACH program continued with a Communication Skills session led by RR. Tur Nastiti, M.Si., Ph.D. Communication skills are an essential asset for postgraduate students, particularly when presenting ideas, participating in discussions, delivering presentations, and developing collaborations. Through this session, students were given an opportunity to develop these skills in an interactive setting.
After gaining new experiences and skills, students were invited to explore the academic journey from the perspective of those who had already experienced it. The Alumni Talk Show featured Dr. Evy Rahman Utami, S.E., M.Sc., CACP, an alumna of MSA and DIA; Brian Gregory Adhihendra, S.E., M.Sc., an alumnus of MSM; and Muchsin Husein Bustony, S.E., M.M., M.Sc., M.A., an alumnus of MSIE. The three alumni shared their academic and professional experiences during and after their studies at MD FEB UGM.
The presence of alumni offered new students a different perspective. What students had previously received through orientation and academic guidance could now be seen through the real-life experiences of those who had gone through the journey themselves. Their stories of academic experiences, personal development, and professional careers provided a broader perspective that studying at MD FEB UGM is not merely about fulfilling academic requirements, but also about building competencies, networks, and readiness for the next stage of their journey.
Ultimately, the two-day Academic Orientation and REACH 2026 brought together various elements needed by students as they begin their postgraduate journey: academic understanding, integrity in the use of technology, personal readiness, communication skills, networking, and inspiration from alumni experiences. The entire program was designed to help new students not only understand what they would encounter but also equip themselves with the resources and perspectives needed to navigate the journey ahead.
Through this program, new MD FEB UGM students are expected to begin their academic journey with greater confidence and readiness, not merely as individuals who come to learn, but as members of an academic community who are connected, growing, collaborating, and ultimately contributing through the knowledge and expertise they develop during their time at UGM.
