📢 [ ❗ Announcement: Registration Deadline Extended for StuCELL 2023❗️❗️ ]

We are delighted to share some exciting news with you. The registration deadline for StuCELL 2023 has been extended to accommodate more participants. We value your interest in being part of this enriching event, centered around the theme “Diversity and Representation: Addressing Issues of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality in Linguistics and Literature.”

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions and connect with fellow scholars. Mark your calendar and save your seat for StuCELL 2023: ugm.id/SC23REG

For further information and to complete your registration, please feel free to contact us through the following channels:
📞 WhatsApp: +6285642148362 (Tarisa)
📷 Instagram: stucell_ugm
📧 E-mail: stucell.fib@ugm.ac.id

The English Department hosted one public lecture and two seminars in November 2022. All of the events were held in a hybrid format. To attend the events, attendees would either go to the 7th floor of the Soegondo Building or Zoom meeting. The public lecture on November 1st, 2022, was titled What It Means to Be an Irish Writer. This public lecture was given by Irish novelist Audrey Magee.  The first seminar, titled International Students’ Seminar on Gender Equality, was held on November 8th, 2022. Four speakers from three different universities shared their perspectives on various subtopics. The second seminar was held on November 26th, 2022, titled International Students’ Seminar on Children Issues. This seminar was also delivered by four speakers from three different universities. The event committee was divided into four divisions. They all carried different roles in the events.

Those three events that are being held in the month of November had been prepared one month before. As the committee was divided into four divisions, ours was given the task of handling the belongings and the equipment for the event. Our responsibility spans from ensuring the conditions to making sure it’s usable before the day of the event, on the day of the event, and after it. In regard to it, we had to cooperate with multiple people in order to make the event successful and a smooth ride until the end of it. Since the events were being held offline and online simultaneously, we had to make sure both parties could enjoy it without any hindrances or limitations to their viewing experience. Such as a well-equipped camera to be able to record the view and the sound from the conference and share it with the online audiences so they could see the event without having to attend the lecture in person. English Department lecturers and our faculty members have been more than helpful in our preparation for the events. They have offered assistance and guidance throughout the process while also giving advice to make the event more enjoyable for the guests and attendees. Those experiences were proof that without teamwork and communication, we wouldn’t be able to make the event run smoothly.

The events were carried out well, and in terms of the equipment division, these events ran without uncontrollable constraints. During the event, the flexibility and coordination between the committee in the same or different divisions was very good. Perhaps the thing that needs to be underlined is that, for the next event, the committee can consider using proper equipment that can be used by the timekeeper as the reminder tools for the speakers.

We learned a lot about teamwork while hosting the events. Some errors happened during the events, but they all were handled through communication. From this, we all realized that communication is the key. Since there was no leader, we all played the same role in the division. Still, we can learn the dynamics in committees and coordination between students, student-lecturers, and student-faculty administration.

Written by:

• Fendryan Gabriel 19/446347/SA/20105
• Dini Fauzia 19/446343/SA/20101
• Firda Umiyatun Baroroh 19/440218/SA/19734

Our English Department major held a recruitment event for its students to join the committees of events for an internal Merdeka Belajar – Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. We joined the secretarial division, a division that carries out duties in the administration and file management. Beforehand, our secretarial team had to prepare several things that are related to administration. It was quite challenging at first because this was our first time taking responsibility for secretarial work. We created a registration form for those who expressed interest in participating in these occasions. Since all three events were organized in both offline and online meetings, a scheduled Zoom meeting link was arranged to facilitate the online attendees. After that, we prepared letters of invitation for them. We coordinated with the logistics department in order to handle any required facilities for the event. However, we were still learning throughout the process. Hence we occasionally asked for consultation or guidance from our supervised lecturers and fellow committee members in finishing our work.

A week before the day of the event, the secretarial division prepared the attendance list for the participants. To make it easier for the attendees to fill out the registration form, we provided a QR Code so that they were able to quickly scan the barcode before entering the venues and be instantly directed to the attendance form. Meanwhile, attendees for lecturers and board of faculty members were in the form of attendance sheets. While handling the administrative work, we also had the responsibility of making e-certificates for the speakers, participants, and committee members. We designed our e-certificates on a collaborative online design platform and received help from the public relations and documentation teams in finalizing them. 

On the day of the event, we distributed our tasks. One person stood by the front desk to welcome offline participants and lecturers and made sure all of them filled out the attendance list before entering the venue on the day of the event. Meanwhile, the other hosted a Zoom meeting. We were also helped by friends from other divisions in welcoming the participants to organize the crowds. After all, the events finished, we double-checked the participants who filled out registration links and attendance lists to determine whether they could receive the e-certificates.

Through these events, we gained valuable teamwork experience that has discovered each of our potentials and competencies. We learned the correct format for composing invitation letters and equipment permission requests. In order to issue these requests, we had to collaborate with other parties in our faculty. This was the most time-consuming duty since we had to go between buildings to verify that all letters and requests were accurate. Due to the fact that the majority of our mistakes were connected to accuracy, carefulness and precision are the essential factors that determine the success of established works. Lastly, this sequence of events has given us the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills relevant to the administration sector. Thank you so much for the fantastic learning method!

Written by:

• Katarina Elsa Savitri, A Student of English Studies Batch 2019
• Vina Annisa Rahmawati, A Student of English Studies 2019

OPEN RECRUITMENT

Hello, English Department Students!

Through this announcement, English Department, FIB, UGM, would like to invite you all to join as committees and participants for two great events that will be commenced next semester/odd semester 2023 (the end of September 2023).

1. StuCELL 2023 (Student Conference on English Literature and Linguistics)
   • For English Department Students of the Year 2020 and 2021 ONLY.
   • For the Year 2020
     • This participation weighs 12 credits. Therefore, to participate on a committee, you are required to finish your Community Service (8 credits) by September 2023 to complete your total 20 credits for MBKM participation.\

• • For the Year 2021
    • This participation weighs 20 credits.
  • Total quota: 30 people
  • For those who are eligible, you can send your application by 3^rd March 2023 via the following Google Form: http://ugm.id/PanitiaStuCELL2023

2. English Days 2023
   • For English Department Students of the Year 2021 and 2022 ONLY.
   • For the Year 2021
     • This participation weighs 20 credits.

• • For the Year 2022
    • No credit
  • Total quota: 30 people
  • For those who are eligible, you can send your application by 3^rd March 2023 via the following Google Form: http://ugm.id/PanitiaED2023

Notes:

1. For students of the Year 2021:
   • one student can only choose one event due to limited credit (24 credits/semester);
   • students can still enrol in regular courses for up to 4 credits.
2. For students of the Year 2022:

• • You are free to enrol in regular classes as usual because this participation cannot yet be converted into credits for students in semester 3.

Contact person:

Adiba: +447460070516 (WhatsApp only)

It was amidst the chaos of community service when a friend of mine suddenly texted me, “Let’s join Studi Independen!” It did not take long for me to say yes. On the last day of registration, I was clueless. I had no idea which company or position would be best for me. After hours of frustration, I finally chose four companies. In short, I got accepted by Sekolah.mu. The name of their program is 21st-Century Digital Educator. Honestly, I do not really remember why I chose this program, but I believe that I was intrigued by the program’s name. It was fascinating.

From what I understand, there were going to be around two hundred students participating in this programme. The students were divided into nine groups, and each of us had four months to complete ten modules. Through the course of this procedure, I gained a wealth of knowledge concerning education. The learning sessions were held both synchronously and asynchronously. Their synchronous sessions were always entertaining! It was challenging yet fun when we were required to discuss a topic and create presentation slides in 15 minutes!

We started our capstone project back in October. We were obliged to make a programme on Learning Management System owned by Karier.mu. The name of our programme is “Teacherpreneur: Start, Run, and Grow Your Business!”. On December 19th, 2022, I presented our programme to the judges and other students with my groupmate. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our programme was named one of the top three final projects two days later at the closing ceremony! We were thrilled! I was most recently taken aback by the fact that I had been nominated for 19 Best Muvers. Technically, the facilitators of each group chose several best students in their groups to be nominated. That really took me by surprise!

Written by: Firda Umiyatun Baroroh, English Studies Programme, 2019

Proofread by: Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt.

The UI/UX Independent Study Program at the Startup Campus was a valuable learning opportunity for me. Through the program, I gained a comprehensive understanding of user experience design, including how to create digital products that provide a seamless and intuitive user experience. I also learned various techniques for generating ideas through the brainstorming process and received valuable insights and best practices from industry professionals.

One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the introduction to the framework of design thinking. This framework has been invaluable in my design process and any creations intended for human use, such as writing or services. It taught me that the most crucial aspect of any creative process is considering the user’s rigour and benefit. Additionally, the framework emphasized the importance of research in the creation process to ensure that everything being made is actually needed and functional.

The program also helped me enhance my skills in using tools like Figma, Miro, and Fig Jam, which are essential for design collaboration in the digital age. I also learned the significance of good research, from preparation to fieldwork. In addition, I gained a strong understanding of visual design basics, including color theory, typography, and grid systems, which allowed me to create visually appealing designs.

Through the final project and assignments in the program, I had the opportunity to further develop my skills in critical and creative thinking. My critical thinking skills were refined as I analyzed the users’ needs for the web application features created by my group. My creativity was also stimulated as we carefully considered the design direction and language that would be not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional for the users.

In conclusion, the UI/UX Independent Study Program at the Startup Campus was an invaluable learning experience that has dramatically enhanced my design skills and knowledge. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and develop my skills in user experience design, collaboration, research, and critical and creative thinking.

Written by: Luis Evan Suprandono, English Studies Programme, 2019

Proofread by: Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt.

On Saturday, November 26^th, 2022, the English Studies Programme of UGM held an International Students’ Seminar on Children’s Issues. This event remained the last seminar held on behalf of the English Department students who joined the Kampus Merdeka Program, with three events, including a public lecture and two student seminars. Four speakers provoked various discussions regarding children’s issues around the world.

The seminar started with an opening remark by Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A., the Head of the English Department UGM. Later, it was continued by the presentation from the first speaker, Aulia Muchtarom, from the English Studies Programme of UGM 2020. Here, she shared her insights about children’s literature in Indonesia, how it developed amid several obstacles, and how technology has contributed to the development of children’s literature. The second speaker, Dana Castell Martinez from Barcelona, brought up the topic of children’s rights and showed some intriguing data about how children’s rights are often highly violated by adults. The third speaker, Samantha Perez from Oberlin Sanshi, talked about the children’s foster system in the US. Here she provided us with the positive and negative sides of the system and what people can do to raise children’s welfare. The last speaker, Monica Audrey from the English Studies Programme of UGM 2018, shared a thought-provoking issue about gendered language that has been embedded since we were born. Here, she shared some tips to improve children’s language ability and how gender stereotypes have affected their way of speaking.

After the presentation, five questions from the audience revolved around the topic of the advantage of technology for children’s literature, the gendered language of children, and children’s rights related to their privacy and protection. Then, the seminar was closed with a photo session for the speakers, committee, and audience.

Written by: Dasadriya Pitaloka, English Studies Programme, 2019

Proofread by: Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt.

November 24, 2022, Universitas Gadjah Mada has graduated many students from various faculties, including 129 students from the  Faculty of Cultural Sciences, of whom 8 are students from English Studies Programme. We had an opportunity to interview one of the graduates, Fatta Conny. She is an English Studies Programme student from batch 2019 who is also the first student to graduate from that class. She finished her studies in 3 years and 2 months, making her the fastest graduate in her batch.

Icha: Good morning, Mbak Fatta, Hello, my name is Faricha. You can call me Icha. I am from the English Studies Program 2020. Here, I would like to ask you some questions about your college life, especially when you were working on your undergraduate thesis. The thing that came to mind when I heard the news about a student who finished her study in 3 years and 2 months is freaking me out, like, ‘How could she do that?’ Since you are in front of me, I would like to congratulate you on your graduation, Mbak Fatta.

Fatta: Thank you very much, Icha.

Icha: So, the first question is, ‘How does it feel to be the first and fastest graduate in your batch?’

Fatta: I feel satisfied because this is an outstanding achievement for me personally. Also, this is one of my goals that can be attained in my final study. To be honest, I had planned on doing this since the fourth semester, and I finally did it.

Icha: Well, that sounds so amazing, and what is your motivation to graduate really quickly? 3 years and 2 months is a short period of time.

Fatta: The term “If becoming the fastest is achievable, why do we not strive for it” can answer this question (laugh). Besides that, I want to make my parents proud of me. They have sacrificed everything they have, and it is my turn to make them smile through my achievement. 

Staff: With that motto and motivation, did you still find any difficulties when you were working on your undergraduate thesis? And how did you deal with it?

Fatta: When I realised that my college thesis topic was something I was truly passionate about, that was the greatest moment of my life. Thankfully, I didn’t have to devote a lot of time to it. In my opinion, the most challenging part of writing a thesis was scheduling regular meetings with one’s supervisor to discuss one’s progress. To put it another way, we can’t just write a thesis on ourselves. The assistance of our supervisor is still required. The thing we need to be aware of is that our supervisors have a full schedule, so if our plans don’t work with theirs, it may be difficult. Therefore, in short, don’t be a procrastinator.

Staff: You stated that wanting to make your parents proud is one of your driving forces. How did the people in your life—your parents, your professors, and perhaps even your friends—encourage you while you were writing your undergraduate thesis? 

Fatta: All the people around me have been really supportive. My parents have been a constant source of strength for me. Because of them, I could push through and get it done. Even when I just got back from community service (KKN), they always reminded me about my thesis (laugh). It was only recently that I realised how crucial those inspirations are for maintaining my upward momentum. My academic advisor, Dra. Sharifah Hanidar, M.Ed., is always there to help me out when I need her advice. Rahmawan Jatmiko, S.S., M.A., is my advisor for my undergraduate thesis. He encourages and pushes me to finish the project as quickly as possible. He also gave me a deadline of September 2022 to defend my undergraduate thesis. But since my community service (KKN) grade has yet to appear in my transcript, I couldn’t make it. 

Staff: The next question is, ‘Could you give us, as students in the English Studies Programme, tips and tricks to do an undergraduate thesis as effectively as possible?’

Fatta: Emm, I think taking full credits (SKS) each semester and trying your best to get the best score you can achieve are the tips. Based on my previous experience, I always take full credits (24 credits) from semester 1 until semester 5. Then, in the remaining semester, I can take another credit that can be adjusted to my interests. But remember to take and finish the mandatory courses because we can only graduate if the compulsory courses have been taken. I always keep in touch with my best academic supervisor, Bu Hani, regarding my plans. Fortunately, she always supports me and helps me reach my own goal. If I may be honest, I have been working on my undergraduate thesis since the end of semester 6 while taking the Proposal Writing course. So I was writing two things at once. When I worked on my undergraduate thesis, I also set my time and goals, like when I should finish chapter one and so on. After getting a revision from my undergraduate thesis supervisor, I revised it as soon as possible and returned it to him to be rechecked.

Icha: Last question, could you give some words of encouragement to the English Studies Programme students working hard on their thesis?

Fatta: Don’t procrastinate in adding one or two sentences to your thesis. Remember, little progress is still progress. (Laugh)

Transcript by: Faricha Adzkia Hamida, English Studies Programme, 2020

Edited and proofread by: Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt.

On November 8 and 9, 2022, the English Studies Association Indonesia (ESAI) held their annual congress at Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara, which was attended by department heads and lecturers of English studies programmes from various universities in Indonesia. At the conference, Dr Adi Sutrisno, M.A., was appointed the head of the association. The English Studies Programme would like to congratulate Dr Adi Sutrisno, M.A., on becoming the head of ESAI. We wish him success as he prepares to take up the responsibilities and challenges of leading ESAI into realizing its potential and beyond.

Written by: Zitta Arlivia, English Studies Programme, 2019

Proofread: Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt.

On Tuesday, November 8th, 2022, students of the English Studies Programme UGM who enrolled in “Kampus Merdeka” program held its first seminar titled “International Students’ Seminar on Gender Equality” as one of the three-part events. This first seminar aims to deliver different topics about women’s condition in various countries and their history, discussing whether women have or have not been treated equally. The seminar was held offline in Room 709, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, from 01.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. However, this seminar was also streamed through Zoom Meeting so that people who were not able to attend on the spot could follow the event from anywhere.

Before the seminar started, an opening speech was given by Ms Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt. as the representative from the English Studies Programme. The seminar then continued with four presented speakers’ presentations, discussing various issues related to gender equality. The first speaker is Nazra Hanif Lutfiana, a student of the English Studies Programme 2019, UGM. Her topic is “Women’s Political Representation in Indonesia”. Here, she shared how women are presented in the political field, which often still discriminates by the dominance of their male counterparts. The second speaker is Colby Fortin, our Oberlin Shansi fellow, with her topic “Using Zines and Other Accessible Artforms in Survivor-Centered Research”. She elaborated on the history of zines as a tool to promote gender equality in the United States and how it can be developed to raise people’s awareness about this issue today. The speech was then continued by Fatihah Firdausi Nuzula, a student of the English Department UGM who brought the topic of “Policing Bodies: on the Protest Against Compulsory Hijab for Iranian Women”. She explained the condition of Iranian women today who receive discrimination from the Iranian government and how they fight for equality against the law. Last but not least, the discussion continued by our international student, Dana Castell Martinez from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona whose topic is “Women Emancipation in Europe through the Clothes”. Here, she shared the history of how women dress throughout the years and their suffering in society related to their way of dressing.

After the presentation ended, the seminar continued with a question and answer sections. There are three questions asked by the attendees, which include questions about women’s dressing culture in Indonesia and how to raise women’s participation in politics for the younger generation. The seminar ended with the speakers and attendees taking photos together.

Written by:

Dasadriya Pitaloka, English Studies Programme, 2019

Asyifa Rizky Amelia, English Studies Programme, 2019

Proofread by: Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt.