[Unpad.ac.id, 26/09/2016] 2016 is a special year for the Faculty of Communication Universitas Padjadjaran. At the age of 56, Fikom Unpad becomes the university’s integral for the institutional structure changes. In this year, Fikom Unpad also receives various mandates from the university.
This was conveyed by Dean of Faculty of Communication Unpad, Dr. Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, S. Sos., SH, M.Sc during his speech at the 56th anniversary of Faculty of Communication Unpad at Bale Sawala Jatinangor the Rector Building, Monday (16/09). The ceremony was attended by the Rector, Prof. Tri Hanggono Achmad, members of the Fikom Unpad Senate, faculty members, students, and administration staff of Fikom Unpad, as well as invited guests.
Dr. Dadang said that there were four main activities this year run by Fikom Unpad that included the opening of Communication Study Program as part of integral for Unpad’s Multicampus Education Program in Pangandaran, the opening of the Department of Production Management for the Bachelor’s Program in Applied Media, the launching of Unpad Media Center, and contributing to the ASUP Jabar Program, particularly in West Bandung Regency.
“Some of these activities make Fikom Unpad become more dynamic,” said Dr. Dadang.
As mandated in Three Responsibilities of Higher Education, in 2016, it was recorded that 29,773 prospective students competing for 860 seats for all study programs and levels in Fikom Unpad. This is an opportunity to select qualified students. Thus, continued Dr. Dadang, it became a challenge to improve the quality of teaching, research, community development, and service excellence in order to produce excellent graduates.
Dr. Dadang also encouraged internationalization activities, including research disseminations at national and international seminars, cooperation with universities and institutions within and outside the country, and organizing an international seminar. It was also planned that 6 journals would be published with accredited standard of management.
As the faculty in the field of communication, communication problems in Indonesia should be part of the contribution of Fikom Unpad. Rector said that all the scientific capacities in Unpad should be able to provide serious benefits for the community. “We have been mandated that we should give back to the community,” said Rector.
Furthermore, the Rector explained that Unpad’s longstanding Principal Scientific Pattern (PIP) should be properly informed to the public. PIP has become Unpad academic identifier which, despite decades of running, is relevant to apply.
“If we apply the various aspects contained in the PIP, hopefully our contribution is getting stronger,” said Rector.
He also advised Fikom Unpad to produce a variety of anticipatory thinkings through researches. Challenges, according to the Rector, may surpass the ability to cope with. The challenge is still handled through responsive thinking from the institution.
Also present to give scientific oration, Dr. Dadang Sugiana, M.Sc., Fikom Unpad’s lecturer, whose paper was entitled “Transformative Learning-Based Communication Key to Success Learning Process in Higher Education”. According to Dr. Dadang, transformative learning refers to the process of education where learning is no longer an obligation for learners, but rather on the needs of learners to change for a better direction.
“The essence of transformative learning process is a way of communication,” said Dr. Dadang.
Transformative learning will put learners as an actively participating individual, sharing experiences, opening up, thinking critically, and doing what should be done. The communication process for transformative learning should be directed to the harmonizing meanings, agreements, and mutual actions.
Dr. Dadang also said that communication developed in transformative learning is communication without prejudice. This type of communication promotes an attitude of tolerance, respect for differences, and empathy.
“It encourages students to use adjustment to the subject matter discussed,” added Dr. Dadang who is also Vice Dean of Fikom Unpad.
On the occasion, six books written by professors and alumni of Fikom Unpad were also launched; four books were written by lecturers, and two books were written alumni.
Fikom Unpad is also working with a number of institutions. Cooperation with the Association of Indonesian National Private Radio Broadcasting, Radio PRFM, and Tribun Jabar Daily have been undertaken.
Dean also inaugurated the first phase of Unpad Media Center, an institution of learning activities for Fikom faculty and students. The institute is also a facility for research, collaboration, and innovation related to media management in Fikom Unpad.
Current programs include online channel management, TV and radio streaming broadcasts. Looking ahead, Unpad Media Center will also conduct teresterian broadcast and digital Unpad TV. In addition, Unpad Media Center will also organize a variety of trainings in the field of audio-visual media, writing, social media, graphic design, and management of other media. *
Reported by Arief Maulana / eh
