By: Siti Nur`Ain Feisal

SERDANG - Inspired by the UPM Vice Chancellor, the Putra Cakna initiative aimed at supporting the affected UPM staff during the pandemic, opened a relaxing meeting space for students sitting for their final exams with UPM Vice Chancellor, YBhg. Prof. Dr. Roslan Sulaiman.

It is named Coffee Talk@Pecutan Akhir Peperiksaan: Kejayaan Pasti Milik Anda Insya Allah, was held online on 11 July 2021, 8.30pm to 10pm. This programme is organized by the Alumni Chapter Youth of Strength and Happiness (YOSH) with the collaboration of several student associations namely, Gerakan Pengguna Siswa UPM, UPM Al-Huda Club, UPM Penyayang Club, UPM Scuba Club, UPM Insan and Persatuan Mahasiswa Fakulti Pengajian Pendidikan (FEDSSA) Club.

Among the dignitaries who also attended the programme were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Arifin Abdu, Deputy Dean (Academic and International) of the Faculty of Educational Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soaib Asmirin, Director of UPM Alumni Relations Centre (ARCUPM) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arba'ie Sujud, Senior Lecturers at the Faculty of Educational Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mursyid Arshad and Lecturer of the Faculty of Human Ecology, Mr. Bukryman Sabri.  It is certainly with the presence of UPM lecturers and officers in such programme is a sign of solidarity towards UPM students who will be sitting for the final examinations that they will not be alone in these challenging times.

The Vice Chancellor expressed his gratitude to YOSH Alumni Chapter upon this initiative as a sign of concern to UPM students. Although unable to meet physically, however, today's technological access allows for virtual gatherings to be carried out.

"I'm sure the students are ready to sit for the exams. There are no students who are unprepared and in fact you're ready for any possibilities and challenges on your first day at university. When there is a study week, it is not the first day to be prepared, but it is a day or a time to calm down actually. Stay calm to face the exams and not the day to memorize or else. I believe that all students have their own way of dealing with every challenge. You're a great students, so adapt to any situation. We need to put ourselves in an easy-to-change state, easy to bend. This is unique to us as human beings," he said.

He added that today's situation it is possible for many to feel pressured by Open Distance Learning (ODL). Pressure if not controlled will bring harm.

"Do not assume that you are alone in this difficult situation. Although you do not meet physically, not in the same class, lecturers have provided and facilitated access for the students. Phones, video calls, Google Meet and various applications can be connected at the moment. Challenges need to be turned into opportunities, negative thoughts change with a positive mind set." he said.

Prof. Dr. Roslan also said students need to balance their academic and personal skills. The university is a platform to train into a superior personality in preparation for the future career. UPM will continue to provide a conducive platform for students to pursue their dreams and hopes.

UPM through the Alumni Relations Centre (ARCUPM) will continue to take seriously the pressures faced by students in continuing their ODL learning. ODL is an evolution of teaching and learning today. Educators and students need to be prepared. In a situation like this, some students are pressured to continue maintaining the momentum of excellence and the sense of anxiety is high.

ARCUPM also launched an online program called UPM Alumni Mentorship 2021 Program. This programme is specially designed to help provide guidance to the students who are psychologically affected so that they can complete their studies successfully. The guidance from UPM alumni to these students will be conducted individually and in groups according to the students' own comfort.

This is one of UPM’s efforts in creating a sense of accountability towards the students in order to ensure that they graduate and realizing their hopes.

Date of Input: 14/07/2021 | Updated: 30/09/2021 | alif.isnain