The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Jember (UNEJ) recently held a collaborative forum to discuss and refine the Semester Learning Plans (RPS) and syllabi for its core courses. The event, which took place today, was opened by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Selfi Budi Helpiastuti, S.Sos., M.Si. It was attended by 41 faculty members and administrative staff. The forum’s primary goal was to align the curriculum and teaching methodologies to improve the quality of education at FISIP UNEJ.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Selfi emphasized the critical need for alignment between learning outcomes, course materials, and evaluation methods within the RPS. “The integrated development of the RPS and syllabus, especially in the context of public affairs governance, will help produce graduates who are adaptive and knowledgeable about human rights and environmental issues,” she stated. Dr. Selfi, who is an expert in public administration with a focus on human resource development, also highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach among lecturers to achieve these objectives.
The discussion involved a review of core courses, including Organizational Theory, State Administration System, and Public Administration Ethics, which form the backbone of FISIP UNEJ’s Public Administration program. Lecturers discussed how to integrate values such as human rights awareness, anti-corruption principles, and local wisdom into the curriculum, in line with the program’s mission. The forum also explored the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program within the learning structure.
Dr. Selfi also encouraged participants to use research and community service findings as teaching materials. For instance, her own research on MSME resilience and digital governance could be used as case studies in courses like Public Policy or Development Administration. This aligns with FISIP’s commitment to optimizing the tridharma of higher education through collaborations with strategic partners.
The event concluded with the formulation of recommendations for improving the RPS and syllabi, which will serve as a guide for lecturers starting in the Odd Semester of 2025/2026. Dr. Selfi expressed her hope that this initiative will strengthen the consistency of teaching quality and the curriculum’s relevance to the needs of the professional world and global developments.