UNDIP, Semarang (March 22) – In an effort to reduce student stress levels ahead of the Mid-Semester Exams, the Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), through the Technical Implementation Unit for Consultation, Discipline, and Student Ethics (UPT LKDPDEM), organized the “Student Stress Reduction Relaxation Program” on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The event took place at the Ballroom Muladi Dome, UNDIP Tembalang Campus.
Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., officially opened the event. Representing the UNDIP Rector, he emphasized the importance of maintaining students’ mental well-being, highlighting that the initiative benefits not only students but also lecturers.
“This program aims to help us recognize and manage our stress levels through relaxation techniques. If the results are positive, we may hold this event regularly,” Prof. Heru stated.
He further reaffirmed UNDIP’s commitment to mental health services, including counseling facilities led by Annastasia Ediati, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D.
The event featured expert speakers in psychology: Sekar Paramitha, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog (Counselor at UPT LKDPDEM UNDIP) and YF La Kahija, S.Psi., MSc (Lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology UNDIP). They discussed the concept of relaxation, its benefits, and key considerations when practicing it.
Sekar highlighted that students facing academic or personal challenges can access free counseling services in accordance with Rector’s Regulation No. 7 of 2024. “Mental readiness is essential in counseling. Students should prepare by being open, willing to attend, ready to self-reflect, and eager to improve,” she explained.
Meanwhile, YF La Kahija described stress as a natural part of life that can be effectively managed through self-awareness and relaxation techniques. “Humans are the most advanced beings, yet we often struggle with stress affecting the mind. Basic psychology teaches that humans have three key aspects: the physical body, the mental/mind (thoughts, emotions, and fantasies), and pure consciousness,” he said.
Following the theoretical session, participants engaged in guided relaxation exercises, allowing them to experience effective stress management techniques directly.
The event concluded with a program evaluation, measuring its effectiveness and reinforcing the importance of mental health in academic life.
Through this initiative, UNDIP aims to equip students with better mental resilience, enabling them to tackle academic challenges more effectively and enhance their performance in lectures and exams. (DHW)
