Student Response To A Single Tuition Policy At The Faculty Of Social And Political Sciences, University Of North Sumatra

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Student Response to a Single Tuition Policy at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra

Introduction

The Single Tuition Policy (UKT) at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), University of North Sumatra (USU) has been a topic of discussion among students and stakeholders. The policy aims to ease the tuition fees for underprivileged students through the mechanism of cross subsidies between capable and poor students. However, the implementation of the policy has been met with complaints from students, citing the amount of tuition fees as burdensome and not in accordance with their financial capabilities. This study aims to evaluate student responses to the UKT policy in USU FISIP and provide recommendations for improvement.

Background

The UKT policy was introduced to provide financial assistance to underprivileged students. However, the policy has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability in the collection and use of funds. Students have also expressed concerns about the amount of tuition fees, which they feel is not in accordance with their financial capabilities. The purpose of this study is to examine student responses to the UKT policy and identify areas for improvement.

Methodology

This study used a quantitative descriptive approach to collect data from 92 students at USU FISIP. The sampling technique used was proportional random sampling, considering the sub-population size of students from various departments. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using quantitative analysis methods with descriptive data analysis techniques.

Results

The results of the study show that student responses to the UKT policy are neutral, with a value of 0.02. This neutral perception can be attributed to the lack of student understanding of the UKT policy due to lack of information obtained. Additionally, some students have expressed negative attitudes towards the policy, citing the amount of tuition fees as burdensome. Student participation is also classified as neutral, as students are less concerned with available information.

Discussion

The lack of information and understanding of students regarding the UKT policy, as well as the lack of improvement in the policy, can cause students' distrust of the government, especially universities and Dikti. Therefore, it is necessary to re-evaluate some parts of this policy to achieve the true objectives of the UKT policy.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improvement of Communication and Socialization

It is necessary to increase more effective communication and socialization regarding UKT policies to students. Socialization can be done through various media such as websites, brochures, seminars, and open discussions. This is important to increase student understanding of the UKT policy and how the cross-subsidy mechanism is applied.

Transparency and Accountability

The application of the principle of transparency and accountability in the collection and use of UKT funds is very important. Information about the use of UKT funds needs to be published openly and easily accessed by students. This will increase student confidence in the UKT policy.

Periodic Evaluation

Periodic evaluation of the UKT policy needs to be carried out to see the effectiveness and impact on students. This evaluation can be done by involving students, lecturers, and other related parties. The evaluation results can be used to improve the UKT policy to be more fair and relevant to the needs of students.

Adjustment of UKT Magnitude

UKT magnitude needs to be adjusted to the financial capabilities of students and the needs of education costs at USU FISIP. Adjustment of the UKT magnitude can be done by considering the income data of parents and education costs in each study program.

Improvement of the Role and Facilities of UKM

The role and facility of the Student Activity Unit (UKM) in USU FISIP need to be improved to provide opportunities for students in developing their talents and interests. Adequate SME facilities can help students to be more active in extracurricular activities and reduce their financial burden.

Conclusion

By paying attention to the points above, it is hoped that the response of students to the UKT policy in the USU FISIP will become more positive and support the realization of quality and affordable education for all students. The UKT policy has the potential to provide financial assistance to underprivileged students, but it requires improvement in communication, transparency, and accountability. By implementing these recommendations, the UKT policy can be more effective in achieving its objectives and providing quality education to students.

Limitations

This study has some limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may not be representative of the entire student population. Secondly, the study only focuses on the student response to the UKT policy and does not consider other factors that may influence student perceptions. Future studies can build on this study by exploring these limitations and providing a more comprehensive understanding of the UKT policy.

Future Research Directions

Future research can explore the following directions:

  • Conducting a larger-scale study to examine the student response to the UKT policy in other universities.
  • Investigating the impact of the UKT policy on student outcomes, such as academic performance and graduation rates.
  • Examining the role of student organizations and advocacy groups in promoting student interests and influencing policy decisions.

By exploring these research directions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the UKT policy and its impact on students, and provide recommendations for improvement to ensure that the policy achieves its objectives and provides quality education to students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Single Tuition Policy (UKT) at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra

Q&A

Q: What is the Single Tuition Policy (UKT) at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra?

A: The UKT policy is a tuition fee policy introduced by the University of North Sumatra to provide financial assistance to underprivileged students. The policy aims to ease the tuition fees for underprivileged students through the mechanism of cross subsidies between capable and poor students.

Q: What are the main objectives of the UKT policy?

A: The main objectives of the UKT policy are to:

  • Provide financial assistance to underprivileged students
  • Ease the tuition fees for underprivileged students
  • Promote equality and fairness in education

Q: How does the UKT policy work?

A: The UKT policy works by collecting tuition fees from capable students and using the funds to provide financial assistance to underprivileged students. The policy also aims to promote cross-subsidies between capable and poor students.

Q: What are the benefits of the UKT policy?

A: The benefits of the UKT policy include:

  • Providing financial assistance to underprivileged students
  • Easing the tuition fees for underprivileged students
  • Promoting equality and fairness in education
  • Encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities

Q: What are the challenges of the UKT policy?

A: The challenges of the UKT policy include:

  • Lack of transparency and accountability in the collection and use of funds
  • Limited information and understanding of students regarding the policy
  • Negative attitudes towards the policy from some students
  • Limited participation of students in the policy

Q: How can students participate in the UKT policy?

A: Students can participate in the UKT policy by:

  • Providing information about their financial situation
  • Participating in extracurricular activities
  • Engaging in advocacy and advocacy groups
  • Providing feedback and suggestions for improvement

Q: What are the recommendations for improvement of the UKT policy?

A: The recommendations for improvement of the UKT policy include:

  • Increasing effective communication and socialization regarding the policy
  • Improving transparency and accountability in the collection and use of funds
  • Conducting periodic evaluation of the policy
  • Adjusting the magnitude of the tuition fees to the financial capabilities of students
  • Improving the role and facilities of the Student Activity Unit (UKM)

Q: What are the future research directions for the UKT policy?

A: The future research directions for the UKT policy include:

  • Conducting a larger-scale study to examine the student response to the policy
  • Investigating the impact of the policy on student outcomes
  • Examining the role of student organizations and advocacy groups in promoting student interests and influencing policy decisions

Conclusion

The Single Tuition Policy (UKT) at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra has the potential to provide financial assistance to underprivileged students and promote equality and fairness in education. However, the policy requires improvement in communication, transparency, and accountability. By implementing the recommendations for improvement and conducting future research, the UKT policy can be more effective in achieving its objectives and providing quality education to students.