Clayton, Melbourne – October 7, 2025.
The research team from Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) conducted a visiting program and guest lecture at the Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia. This initiative marked an important step in strengthening international research collaboration and developing evidence-based policies in the fields of sense of belonging and student well-being within higher education contexts.
The UNNES research team consisted of Prof. Dr. Edy Purwanto, M.Si., Ali Formen, S.Pd., M.Ed., Ph.D., Rahmawati Prihastuty, S.Psi., M.Si., Yuli Kurniawati Sugiyo Pranoto, S.Psi., M.A., D.Sc., and Achmad Miftachul ’Ilmi, S.Pd., M.Pd. The team was warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Kelly-Ann Allen, Ph.D. (research collaborator from Monash University), Professor Mary Ryan, Ph.D. (Dean of the Faculty of Education, Monash University), and Professor Lindsay Oades, Ph.D. (Deputy Dean and Professor of Wellbeing Science from the University of Melbourne), who also joined as a partner in the field of well-being science. The issue of student well-being, as emphasized during the visit, is crucial to be continuously advocated not only in the context of academic achievement but also as a fundamental pillar for realizing the broader goals of sustainable development (Sustainable Development Goals) as a whole.
The program began with a welcoming address by Assoc. Prof. Kelly-Ann Allen at the Learning & Teaching Building, Monash Clayton Campus, followed by a guest lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Edy Purwanto in Room 1-142. The session, attended by Monash University Master’s and Ph.D. students, discussed the topic “Evidence-based Policy Recommendations to Improve Students’ Sense of Belonging and Well-Being.” In his presentation, Prof. Edy shared the results of a collaborative study involving several Indonesian teacher education universities, highlighting that sense of belonging and student well-being are foundational elements of students’ motivation, resilience, and academic success. The study also underlined the need for data-driven campus policies, the strengthening of faculty-based psychological services, and the development of an inclusive and mentally healthy academic culture.
Following the lecture, the UNNES research team held a strategic discussion with Professor Mary Ryan and Professor Lindsay Oades at the Dean’s Office, Faculty of Education, Monash University. The meeting focused on future collaborative research plans among UNNES, Monash University, and the University of Melbourne, including the development of policy briefs for Indonesian universities, the design of policy models to enhance students’ sense of belonging, and opportunities for academic exchange and joint publication. The program concluded with a campus tour around Monash University’s Walk of Fame and Central Green area.
During the event, Prof. Dr. Edy Purwanto emphasized that this collaboration reflects UNNES’s strong commitment to advancing higher education policies centered on student well-being.
“We believe that students’ well-being and sense of belonging to their university are the foundation of academic success. This collaborative research represents a concrete effort to build a higher education ecosystem that is more humane and sustainable,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Kelly-Ann Allen highlighted the importance of cross-country collaboration in addressing global student well-being issues.
“The UNNES team brings a rich and contextual perspective from Indonesia. Together, we can develop policies and practices that enhance student well-being around the world,” she said. This visiting and guest lecture program stands as a concrete step by UNNES toward realizing its vision as a University with Conservation Insight and International Reputation, through evidence-based research and policy initiatives that promote student well-being and strengthen an inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable academic culture at the global level.
