YOGYAKARTA – To broaden insights and enhance the quality of higher education management, the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences (FDIK) of the State Islamic University (UIN) of Mataram conducted a visit for networking and comparative studies to the Faculty of Psychology at Yogyakarta State University (UNY). The event, held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, was attended by a delegation of 13 people, consisting of lecturers and students from various study programs within FDIK.

The delegation was warmly received by the Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affairs, Alumni, Research, and Cooperation of the Faculty of Psychology at UNY, Dr. Suwarjo, M.Si., along with his staff in Meeting Room 1 of the FIP building at UNY. The session, which ran from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, featured an intensive discussion on best practices in implementing the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tridharma), encompassing education, research, and community service.

In his opening remarks, the representative from FDIK UIN Mataram, Zaenudin Amrulloh, M.A., Coordinator of the Islamic Community Development study program, conveyed the purpose of the visit. "We are immensely grateful for the extraordinary welcome from the Faculty of Psychology at UNY. Our presence today is to learn from UNY's experience and excellence, particularly that of the Faculty of Psychology, in managing its faculty and study programs. This serves as crucial consideration and strategic refinement for our future development," he stated.

Dr. Suwarjo, M.Si., representing the faculty leadership, welcomed this initiative. He outlined the history, vision, mission, and achievements attained by the Faculty of Psychology at UNY. "Collaboration and sharing experiences like this are vital for advancing national education. We share not only our successes but also the lessons learned from the challenges we have faced," said Dr. Suwarjo.

The discussion focused significantly on preparations for establishing new study programs. The FDIK UIN Mataram delegation, which is considering opening a Psychology study program, actively asked questions about initial program formation strategies, branding, and how to build high public interest and attract applicants from the outset.

"How did the Faculty of Psychology at UNY prepare from the initial stage of forming the study program, conduct branding, to eventually achieving such high demand? This is an important consideration and a very valuable lesson for us at UIN Mataram," asked one of the FDIK lecturers during the Q&A session.

Not only from the lecturers, but students from FDIK UIN Mataram were also enthusiastic in asking questions. Their inquiries focused more on the practical aspects of their studies, such as how to apply psychological theories learned in the classroom to real-world practice, and the balance between theoretical curriculum and practical work (practicum) at the Faculty of Psychology, UNY.

It is hoped that this visit will not be a one-day exchange of information but can serve as a stepping stone to establishing more concrete cooperation in the future between FDIK UIN Mataram and the Faculty of Psychology at UNY, whether in student exchange, joint research, or community service.