Recruiting students, staff, and faculty from underrepresented groups in universities is essential to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. These groups, including ethnic minorities, women, low-income students, LGBT individuals, disabled persons, and refugees, often face systemic barriers that limit access to educational and career opportunities. By actively prioritising their enrollment and recruitment, universities can help level the playing field, provide pathways to social mobility, and enrich the academic environment with diverse perspectives and experiences. Inclusive recruitment not only benefits the individuals involved but also enhances the institution’s role as a driver of social progress and innovation, promoting a more equitable society.
Recruiting Students from Under-Represented Groups
UGM opens registration for its admission pathways through um.ugm.ac.id. through the Selection of Outstanding Talent (PBU) program. There are several different PBU pathways available, including PBU for economically disadvantaged outstanding students, high-achieving students, outstanding vocational school students, participants from partnership programs and study assignment partnerships, as well as outstanding students from 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) areas.
The Selection of Outstanding Talent in Affirmative Regions and Underdeveloped, Frontier, and Outermost (3T) Areas is an admission pathway for prospective students from 3T areas. This pathway is crucial for promoting equal access to education and addressing systemic disparities. These regions often face limited resources, infrastructure, and opportunities, hindering talented individuals from reaching their potential. Through this pathway, UGM can identify and nurture exceptional talent from these areas, fostering social mobility and empowering communities.
The Selection of Outstanding Talent from Economically Disadvantaged Backgrounds (PBUTM) is another admission pathway designed for prospective students with exceptional academic potential who face economic challenges. Eligibility requires a combined gross income of parents or guardians not exceeding IDR 4 million per month or IDR 750,000 per family member per month. This pathway enables UGM to support promising youth in pursuing higher education, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of their academic aspirations.
Physical and Mental Limitations Do Not Hinder Students from Studying at UGM
UGM is determined to create and maintain an easily accessible and inclusive environment for all, including supporting students with disabilities. Muhammad Faqih and Alexander Farrel Rasendriya Hartono are two incredible graduates whose journeys underscore UGM’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for all. Faqih, diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, who graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.56. Despite challenges, he remained committed to his studies, balancing online learning during the pandemic and creating the Accessive.id app to aid fellow persons with disabilities. Farrel, a student with eyesight disability from the Faculty of Law, also graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.74. Using screen reader software, he navigated his studies and actively participated in student organisations like Peduli Difabel and Gadjah Mada Chamber Orchestra. UGM’s accessible and inclusive environment ensured tailored support, enabling both students to excel.
This accessible and inclusive campus environment extends to students struggling with mental health illnesses as well. Mlathi Anggayuh Jati, the best graduate from the Faculty of Psychology, shared her journey of overcoming bipolar disorder while still excelling in academics and extracurricular activities. She received support from family, friends, and lecturers, managing her studies even while undergoing outpatient treatment with a psychiatrist and psychologist. Inspired by a mentor during her challenging teenage years, Gayuh chose to study psychology with hopes of contributing to inclusive education. Graduating with a GPA of 3.91, Gayuh is an exceptional example of her extraordinary determination to succeed in her studies.
Success Stories of the Recruitment Programs for Students from 3T Areas
UGM continues to make significant strides in providing access to higher education for students from Indonesia’s 3T regions (Underdeveloped, Frontier, and Outermost areas). During the Undergraduate and Applied Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony for the 1st Period of the 2023/2024 Academic Year (November 22-23), 72 graduates from 3T areas proudly received their degrees, showcasing the success of UGM’s affirmative education policies.
One inspiring story is that of Revaldy Bram Waromi, a graduate from FKKMK, who pursued their education at UGM through an affirmative higher education scholarship from Nabire, Central Papua. Similarly, Insyirah Qalbunita Rahayan, a student from Southeast Maluku, gained admission to UGM’s prestigious Medical Education Study Program through the PBU 3T pathway, a special initiative designed to support students from remote and underdeveloped regions. Another remarkable example is Juan Gilbert Kakorea, whose journey to UGM as a 3T student highlights the resilience and determination of knowledge seekers from these areas.
These individual stories, along with many others documented in university articles, underscore UGM’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for underrepresented communities. Through targeted recruitment programs, scholarships, and affirmative action, UGM not only bridges educational disparities but also fosters a diverse and supportive environment.
Policies that underlie these initiatives are the Rector’s Regulation Number 18 Year 2016 on Human Resource Management, which mandates non-discrimination in the workplace, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, race, or group affiliation and the Strategic Plan 2022-2027 outlined in Trustee Board’s Regulations Number 1 Year 2023, UGM guarantees a campus environment that is safe, comfortable, and free from sexual violence, bullying, mental health issues, and discrimination. The plan emphasizes inclusivity and friendliness towards individuals with disabilities, ensuring that staff and faculty from underrepresented groups can thrive professionally in an equitable environment.
References:
- Registration for student admissions
- Selection of Outstanding Talent in Affirmative Regions and Underdeveloped, Frontier, and Outermost (3T) Areas
- Selection of Outstanding Talent from Economically Disadvantaged Backgrounds
- Admission pathway
- Best Graduate from the Faculty of Psychology
- Accessible and inclusive environment
- This story tells the struggle of students from the 3T (frontier, remote and underdeveloped)
- A student from Southeast Maluku, was successfully accepted into the UGM Medical Education Study Program
- Rector’s Regulation Number 18 Year 2016
- Trustee Board’s Regulations Number 1 Year 2023