Semarang, 23 October 2025 — The Department of Physics at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), together with the Physics Student Association (HMF), held the 2023 Academic Dialogue as a formal forum to capture student aspirations and translate them into actionable improvements. Inputs were collected ahead of the event through “sowan angkatan” (class outreach via WhatsApp groups) and a structured Google Form survey, ensuring that feedback from every cohort was documented and brought to the table.
Several themes emerged clearly from students’ submissions. First, on in-person teaching: students highlighted fast-filling class quotas, last-minute schedule changes, coordination gaps in courses taught by multiple lecturers, and the need to make course evaluations more effective. Second, facilities and infrastructure: the community pointed to laboratory tools in need of repair or replacement—especially in Materials Physics—classroom seating that requires maintenance, and uneven Wi-Fi access. Third, academic activities beyond lectures (KKN, internships/industrial placements, and research): students asked for earlier and clearer information, including guidance on MoUs for internships and technical consultations for research equipment. Fourth, administration: several processes were considered time-consuming, and some students experienced difficulty reaching staff at certain hours. Fifth, the Indonesian “Merdeka Belajar–Kampus Merdeka” (MBKM) program: students requested broader socialization and transparent credit conversion to avoid miscommunication.
The department responded openly and concretely. To address seat limits and scheduling, the department will coordinate with the faculty to add seats or rooms when needed and encourage a balanced distribution across parallel classes to reduce overcrowding in “favorite” sections. Lecturers will be reminded about punctuality and early syllabus coordination—especially for team-taught courses—so classes run on time and finish within allowed hours.
On facilities, the department is initiating a staged improvement plan: mapping damaged equipment to set repair and procurement priorities, reorganizing laboratory spaces (including partitions and supporting utilities such as sinks), and optimizing discussion areas to make practicums and research activities more comfortable. Condition reports will be consolidated and treated as urgent learning priorities.
For KKN, internships, and research, the department clarified that many regulations are set at the university or LPPM level; nevertheless, the department will facilitate students with introduction letters, technical consultation channels, and clear referrals to the right administrative units. For theses and defenses, points of contact and information pathways will be made more explicit to streamline registrations and exams.
Regarding MBKM, the department reiterated that credit conversion follows a case-by-case assessment, prioritizing electives rather than core physics courses. Students are encouraged to consult advisors before applying for conversions and to submit proof of achievements (e.g., competition certificates) on time so they can be considered for credit in line with prevailing regulations.
Through the 2023 Academic Dialogue, UNDIP’s Department of Physics reaffirms a collaborative ethos: actively listening, isolating the root of each issue, and moving forward with realistic, measurable solutions. The shared goal is a more orderly learning experience, more responsive academic services, and a stronger ecosystem for student study and research.