After the official opening of early 2024, the Master of Chemistry Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Jember University, carried out benchmarking (29/1). Extraordinary, accompanied by Prof. Akhmaloka, Ph.D. Professor of Biochemistry at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), who is also former Rector of ITB and former Chancellor of Pertamina University. Also present at the benchmarking was Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, M.Si., Deputy Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, Airlangga University. Taking place in the FMIPA Chemistry Department meeting room, all chemistry master’s study program lecturers gained insight into study program management.

Plt Dean of FMIPA UNEJ and Vice Dean I of FMIPA, who are also chemistry lecturers, took part in the presentations from the two experts. It was discussed in detail, starting from recruiting new students, designing the curriculum, improving the quality of lecturers, supporting research groups for students, scholarships or UKT assistance, as well as research funds. Student recruitment can be targeted in the eastern regions of Indonesia and Kalimantan through chemistry education methods. “Hold a pretest and posttest for master’s student recruitment; for foreign students, you can collaborate with embassies with financing agreements,” said Prof. Akhmaloka.

It also touched on the management of master’s study programs to obtain good accreditation in the early stages. “It was prepared for a year first, to be submitted for accreditation, and continued to be developed until it achieved excellence so that students could apply for LPDP scholarships,” he continued. For prospective chemistry graduate students or ASN chemistry teachers, matriculation is required. You also need to consider online lectures, lectures on Saturdays and Sundays, and research topics from the workplace.

Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman conveyed in the discussion several things related to strengthening the FMIPA chemistry master’s study program at the beginning of its establishment to attract students as well as preparing the curriculum to support accreditation. Several strategies to attract students include research roadmaps and university partner links. With benchmarking, the Chemistry Masters Study Program will prepare to welcome new students in the near future to follow their predecessors at FMIPA, namely masters in mathematics, biology, and physics.