The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) held a strategic forum entitled “Optimising the Development of the Faculty of Psychology UNY” on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The forum, which began at 9:45 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), took place at the 7th-floor Auditorium of the Faculty of Psychology Building and featured the Rector of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta as the keynote speaker. The forum provided an opportunity to discuss the future direction of the Faculty of Psychology UNY in a comprehensive manner, taking into consideration developments in higher education, the advancement of psychological science, and the growing needs of society for meaningful contributions from the field of psychology. The participation of the Rector provided a strategic institutional perspective on opportunities for faculty development while encouraging the Faculty to continuously enhance its relevance and contribution.

In his remarks, the Rector emphasised the importance of giving greater attention to the practical aspects of psychology. The development of psychology as an academic discipline is not limited to the mastery of theories and concepts, but also involves how psychological knowledge can be appropriately applied in various real-life contexts. Strengthening the connection between academic learning and practice was therefore highlighted as an important aspect to be continuously developed. This emphasis is particularly relevant to psychology as a discipline that is closely connected to a wide range of issues involving individuals, groups, organisations, education, and society. Psychology education needs to continue developing in ways that provide students with a strong academic foundation while also enabling them to understand how psychological knowledge can be applied in real-world contexts.

This perspective also provides an important point of reflection for the Faculty of Psychology UNY in considering the future development of psychology education and scholarship. Strengthening the relationship between academic knowledge and practice is expected to support the development of graduates who possess strong disciplinary foundations while also being able to understand psychological issues contextually and contribute according to their areas of expertise. The forum also served as an opportunity to consider the development of the Faculty of Psychology from a broader perspective. Education, research, scholarly development, and the application of psychological knowledge are interconnected elements in building a higher education institution that remains relevant to societal needs and responds effectively to changing circumstances.

Greater attention to psychological practice is particularly important in view of the increasingly diverse needs of society. Psychology has broad areas of application, and psychology education therefore needs to continue evolving while maintaining an appropriate balance between academic foundations, competency development, and an understanding of needs in professional and community settings. Through the forum with the Rector, the Faculty of Psychology gained strategic perspectives that may serve as important considerations in its future development. The guidance provided during the forum forms part of the Faculty’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and further develop various aspects of its education and contribution, ensuring that its role remains increasingly relevant and beneficial to the wider community.

From the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the development of psychology education that connects academic foundations with the application of knowledge contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education. Quality education extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge by also fostering relevant competencies that can be applied effectively in real-world settings. The development of psychology’s contribution to society is also relevant to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly through the role of psychology in understanding human behaviour, individual development, social relationships, and various dimensions of psychological well-being. Meanwhile, institutional development through dialogue and synergy within the university community is aligned with the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Through the “Optimising the Development of the Faculty of Psychology UNY” forum, the Faculty continues to create opportunities to evaluate, develop, and align its institutional direction with the evolving demands of higher education and the needs of society. The Rector’s emphasis on strengthening attention to the practical aspects of psychology represents an important perspective in this ongoing process. The forum is expected to contribute to the Faculty of Psychology UNY’s continued efforts to develop an institution that is academically strong, relevant in practice, and capable of making meaningful contributions to the advancement of psychological science and society.