The Faculty of Education and Psychology (FIPP) of Semarang State University (UNNES) demonstrated its strength in the 2026 Student Creativity Program (PKM). As of February 10, 2026, 106 student proposals had been submitted to the faculty committee, a drastic increase compared to last year’s 73 proposals.
This surge exceeded predictions and the university’s target of at least 30 proposals per faculty. This positive trend indicates a shift in student interest, with students now focusing more on academic achievement and research.
The Coordinator of the PKM FIPP UNNES, Chamilul Hikam Al Karim, S.Psi., M.Psi., revealed that the Social and Humanities Research (RSH) PKM scheme was the most popular with 49% of applications, followed by Community Service (PM) with 37%, and Entrepreneurship with 11%.
Hikam stated that the distribution of proposals by study program included Elementary School Teacher Education (31 proposals), Early Childhood Education (PGPAUD) (28 proposals), Guidance and Counseling (15 proposals), Psychology (14 proposals), Educational Technology (13 proposals), and Non-Formal Education (5 proposals).
Maturation Strategy: Substance and PKM Center
In this initial stage, the faculty team is focusing on strengthening the substance of the proposals according to the latest guidebook, particularly on key assessment points. However, Hikam cautioned that administrative obstacles often become a stumbling block for proposals that are already brilliant in their ideas.
“Common errors often occur in administrative matters, such as incorrect formatting, margins, unsigned attachments, or illogical dates. To minimize this, we have established a Student Creativity Program (PKM) Center on the third floor of the Dean’s Office Building, run by students from each study program to assist with administrative matters,” he said.
Full Support and Final Project Recognition
The faculty provides concrete support for students pursuing the PKM pathway. In addition to intensive mentoring since December 2025, students are given exemptions from activities. Furthermore, for teams that win at PIMNAS (National Student Scientific Week), the university provides high appreciation in the form of:
Final Project Recognition: Conversion of the achievement into a substitute for a thesis/final project.
GIAT Recognition: Equivalency with the GIAT program according to the scheme.
Financial Incentives: Incentives are provided for teams that successfully advance to the PIMNAS stage.
Deputy Dean 1 of FIPP UNNES, Farid Ahmadi, S.Kom., M.Kom., Ph.D., expressed high optimism for this year. Referring to last year’s achievement, where FIPP brought home two silver medals, this year’s goal is to return to PIMNAS and win a medal.
“The students’ enthusiasm for PKM this year was extraordinary. Although interest in organizations has generally declined, students are now more focused on academic achievement,” said Farid Ahmadi.
The results of the faculty’s internal review are scheduled to be announced this week. The faculty advises students to continue refining their ideas through discussions with competent supervisors.
