Senior Students Affect Student Choices in Choosing Colleges
According to the Head of the Communication Bureau of IPB University, Yatri Indah Kusumastuti, based on a survey of new students, other than parents and counseling teachers, the influence of the students' seniors determines the students' decision in choosing their university selection. Therefore, it is very important for IPB University students, who are members of the Regional Student Organization (OMDA), to explain to their junior students in their hometown about IPB University.
"Currently there are approximately 85 Regional Student Organization from various regions in Indonesia, who are promoting IPB University in various regions through roadshow and canvassing programs. If later, more junior students from your region are accepted in IPB University, it will be your an achievement for your regional student organization," explained the Rector of IPB University in the IPB Regional Student Organization Roadshow and Canvassing debriefing event (8/12) at Andi Hakim Nasoetion Auditorium, IPB University, Dramaga, Bogor.
The Rector of IPB University, Prof. Dr. Arif Satria began his remarks by quoting Charles Darwin's philosophy, that the species that can survive are not the strongest or smartest, but the most responsive to change. According to him, the promotion carried out by IPB University should not only by "hard selling" IPB University. But it must be able to change the mindset of high school students, that success after graduation is not because of their study program or grades but about building soft skills and character reliability.
"IPB University will help our graduates to develop their soft skills and strong character in addition to good academic grades. Try to use soft selling method, not only the hard selling that is conducted in promoting IPB University, "said the Rector of IPB University. He reminded that it is also necessary to convey the achievements of IPB University, where in various university rangkings in the world, IPB University is currently in the 74th place position based on Agriculture and Forestry subject, and in Asia, IPB University ranked the 12th place on those subjects.
"I would like to add on soft selling the perspective of IPB University. IPB University is a campus that is preparing students to be able to adapt to change. Whatever the dynamics of change will be, we will adapt to survive. We will also prepare study programs that are more prospective for the students, "he stressed.
The Rector also advised the regional organization students to be confident in explaining about IPB University, prepare the materials well, explain interactively and involve the Head of the Student Council in the canvassing program. "Don't forget, not only canvassing program that's important, promotion through social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Line is also important. Promotion about IPB University must be sustained and continued so more people and students know about the excellence and greatness of IPB University, "he concluded.
The event was also attended by the Vice Rector of Education and Student Affairs, Dr. Drajat Martianto. According to him, Regional Student Organizations have a very important role and should be appreciated because they have brushed aside various issues about IPB University on being radical and exclusive. This was achieved through the Gebyar Nusantara (Genus) event, which was held by the Regional Student Organizations in IPB University. This event has been able to extraordinarily display the diversity on IPB University.
In this opportunity, Dr. Drajat also advised, "Give an explanation to BK teachers about the extraordinary achievements of IPB University. High school students must be confident that IPB University is the only university that uses the name agriculture, and every year the amout of applicants are increasing. In the Indonesian University Rangkings, we are on the third position in the Best University Category. "It our most prideful achievement that a lot of knowledge can be learned at IPB University," he explained. (IAAS/FAP)
