To strengthen mental health services for the academic community of the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), including students, lecturers, and staff, the HPU Senyum FKG UGM team conducted a benchmarking visit to the Faculty of Biology UGM on Thursday, 9 January 2025. The HPU Senyum team, consisting of the Head of HPU Senyum, the Head of the Student Affairs Unit of FKG UGM, Counseling Lecturers, and administrative staff, was warmly welcomed by the HPU Faculty of Biology team, represented by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, the Head of Administration, the Academic and Student Affairs Coordinator, the Head of HPU Faculty of Biology, and the Faculty of Biology Mental Health Team.
The event began with a warm welcome from the Person-in-Charge (PIC) of HPU Faculty of Biology, followed by an opening speech from Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Biology. In his remarks, he emphasized, "Mental health is a crucial element in creating an inclusive and supportive academic environment. Through collaborations like this, we can learn from each other to provide the best services for our academic community."
The Head of HPU Senyum FKG UGM, drg. Tjut Intan Permata Sari, Sp.PM., also shared her aspirations in her speech: "We appreciate the time and opportunity given by the Faculty of Biology to share insights on mental health services. We hope this event will provide new perspectives for FKG UGM in developing more comprehensive mental health services. Furthermore, we hope that the programs implemented at the Faculty of Biology can serve as an inspiration for us."
The core session featured presentations by Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A., PIC of HPU Faculty of Biology, and Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Coordinator of Counseling Lecturers. They introduced their flagship program, Buddy Counselor, which engages students as peer counselors who provide motivation, information, and advice to peers facing challenges. In addition to presentations, an interactive discussion session was held, serving as a valuable moment to exchange experiences and ideas regarding the implementation of mental health services in both faculties. As a result of this visit, the HPU Senyum FKG UGM team plans to adopt several concepts from the Faculty of Biology to be implemented within the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM.
This initiative not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also marked a concrete step toward fostering a mentally healthy and well-being-oriented campus environment. Additionally, it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. “Because Every Action Matters.” #UGMBersama #KesehatanMental
Author: Vona Prasmita
