New Portrait of the Department of Communication Science Office

Suara Sikap - Just renovated, the Department of Communication Science room at UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta appears with a new concept. Unlike before, this room has been transformed with more colorful pastel tones. Adopting a public space concept, the room is also adorned with short motivational phrases written on the walls. This adds to the aesthetic appeal inside.

Not without reason, this change in concept was made after several considerations from the Department of Communication Science. Agung Prabowo, the Head of the Department of Communication Science at UPNVY, explained that previously this room was used as an administrative service area for students in the Communication Science Study Program. However, because it was not being used optimally, there were several plans to repurpose it.

"I wanted to change the adjacent room (service room) which was not optimal into a room for the Master's Program in Communication Science. But on the other hand, the master's program will be provided with a room by the university. So, I postponed that intention," explained Agung.

After further consideration, Agung finally decided to transform the room into a public space. "Then I thought we need a public space for students for various activities, so I designed (the room) as a public space," he said.

Although it is categorized as a public space, the room is currently still used for the Master's Program in Communication Science (Mikom). This room will become a fully public space waiting for the completion of the Mikom room. "When the Mikom room is ready, this room can be used as a public space for consultations and discussions among lecturers," Agung concluded.

Responding to the presence of this room, the Secretary of the Department of Communication Science, Retno Hendariningrum, said that she agreed with this new concept. She feels that this room will provide many benefits, especially for students. "I totally agree to have a working space like this because it provides a more welcoming space for students. So, it's not stiff. There are many benefits, especially providing space for students to enjoy doing their assignments," she explained.

Although she is pleased with the presence of this room, Retno regrets the choice of location. She feels that the place is too narrow. "Maybe it's just a bit small and the placement of the room (is not there). It would be great if it was facilitated by the university and the faculty," Retno expressed.

In addition to lecturers, Syahfira Nur Aulia, a student of the Public Relations Study Program, also gave her opinion when entering the department room with this new concept. "In my opinion, the old room felt awkward and too formal. Whereas for the current room, it's more relaxed, so if you want to ask something, it's more relaxed too," said this 2020 batch student. She also added that the room is now well-conceptualized, tidy, and brighter compared to before.

Apart from Syafira, Firmanti Wikan also gave his opinion. He admitted to being surprised when he first entered this department room. "I thought the concept was the same as the Communication Science program room on the second floor, which is formal," he said.

Students of the 2021 batch of the Communication Science Department also hope that in the future, rooms with this concept can be specifically created for students to study and do assignments. "Currently, the place to do assignments might only be behind the Communication Science building or the Public Relations building, or if not, in the Pentagon. If you want to create a concept like this, it's better to have it in a closed, air-conditioned room, so students are more comfortable," he concluded. (Anggun Falufi E)

Editor: Yahya Wijaya Pane