UNDIP, Semarang (August 6, 2025) – On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the Faculty of Educational Studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia hosted its latest session of the Putra Education Forum Series, featuring Professor Dian Ratna Sawitri, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Diponegoro, as a guest speaker. Prof. Sawitri delivered an inspiring presentation titled “From Backstage to Frontline: The Leadership Role of Support Staff in Shaping Our Faculty’s Image.”
The event, held at QHub, Faculty of Educational Studies, was officially opened by Associate Professor Dr. Wan Marzuki Wan Jaafar, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies, and attended by 20 educational staff members from diverse functional roles.
In her workshop, Prof. Sawitri highlighted how support staff, who often work behind the scenes, play a crucial leadership role in shaping public perceptions of academic institutions. She stressed that every interaction—from responding to emails to assisting guests—contributes to the faculty’s image and reputation.
The discussion grew lively as participants shared real-world examples of daily practices that reinforce a positive image while also identifying behaviors to avoid in order to prevent negative impressions.
The session also addressed key themes, including proactive communication, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and aligning personal conduct with institutional values. Prof. Sawitri encouraged participants to see themselves as “frontline ambassadors” capable of bridging relationships between faculty leadership, students, and external stakeholders. She also shared practical strategies for enhancing service quality, including active listening skills, timely responses, and maintaining professionalism in various situations.
Participants appreciated the interactive format, which allowed them to share experiences, exchange insights, and reflect on their roles in advancing the faculty’s mission. The forum concluded with a collective commitment to apply the lessons learned, underscoring the belief that a faculty’s image is shaped not only by its leaders but also by the everyday actions of its entire academic community. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ Faculty of Psychology)