[Unpad Media Channel] Universitas Padjadjaran is committed to becoming an inclusive university for all, including those with special needs or coming from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Unpad’s Rector, Prof. Rina Indiastuti, emphasized the university’s attention towards groups of people with relatively limited access to money and resources. They have equal opportunity to continue their education at Unpad.
“Students who possess a KIP card since junior high school or high school may convert theirs into a KIP-Kuliah card,” Prof. Indiastuti explained on an episode of the Rektor Menyapa podcast streamed on Unpad’s official YouTube channel and Instagram account on Friday, June 14.
Para penerima KIP-K, selain dibebaskan dari biaya UKT, juga mendapatkan biaya hidup per bulan. Meski demikian, banyak yang mengklaim bahwa biaya hidup tersebut masih belum cukup untuk memenuhi kebutuhan selama kuliah. Karena itu, Unpad ikut memberikan perhatian kepada mahasiswa penerima KIP-K.
KIP-Kuliah (KIP-K) holders are provided a monthly allowance, and are exempt from tuition fees. However, many still claimed that the allowance provided was not sufficient for fulfilling their needs while studying. That is why Unpad also pays added attention toward students holding a KIP-K card.
Prof. Indiastuti further explained that Unpad routinely monitors the academic progress of KIP-K students. Unpad also facilitates KIP-K students by providing a dormitory specifically meant to house them.
Inhabitants of the dormitory are not required to pay any fee. Unpad’s hope is that this will help motivate KIP-K students to maintain good academic performance.
“In short, Unpad is devoted to aiding groups with disabilities or financial hardships. As long as they are dedicated, we shall provide adequate facilities, God willing,” she added.
Outside of the KIP-K program, Unpad also runs several scholarships, both internally or through partnerships, which may be utilized by students. Unpad’s internal scholarships include the Keberlanjutan Studi (Study Continuation) scholarship and the Unpad Endowment Fund.
The Rector explained that the Endowment Fund is a scholarship program funded by outside investments toward the Fund itself. “We receive donations from members of the public who are able to contribute to the Endowment Fund. The donations are stored and invested. The profits from our investments are then handed out to students in need,” she said.
Reaching the Right People
With strong dedication from Unpad, the Rector urged Unpad staff and academics to contribute by supporting students who need help the most.
“Please let the program and faculty know [if a student needs help]. If the faculty validates it, it shall be brought up to the university. If they are eligible, please notify us. There will be a channel and a solution, God willing,” she added.
Echoing the Rector, Unpad’s Director of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations, Dr. Boy Yoseph Cahya Sunan Sakti Syah Alam, also encouraged students to be more aware of their peers’ situation. This is because many of them cannot notify others of their situation because of a lack of communication.
“They often do not inform others of this because of a lack in open communication, although they are in need. For that, we urge others to please inform us on their behalf,” Alam added.
Furthermore, the Rector explained that Unpad receives information should there be students holding a KIP-K card who are no longer eligible for aid.
“We are open to receiving such information and will verify and validate it further. We want the KIP-K program at Unpad to reach the right people,” she said. (arm/ICP)*
