Hi Ilkomers! There is important news for those of you aiming to graduate with a cum laude distinction in the Communication Science program at Universitas Padjadjaran. The requirement is no longer just maintaining a GPA above 3.55, but now includes a new challenge which is publishing a scientific journal article. This change may sound demanding for some students, but what exactly is the reason or purpose behind it?
According to the explanation from the study program, this requirement should have been implemented long ago because it refers to a rector’s decree from Universitas Padjadjaran. The decree places scientific work as one of the key pillars in evaluating students who graduate with distinction. Within Unpad, several other study programs have already applied this requirement earlier, making journal publication a condition for earning a cum laude title. Therefore, Communication Science is now aligning itself with university policy while ensuring that its standard for graduating with distinction remains consistent with other programs at Unpad.
So what is the real purpose of adding a journal publication requirement? In general, this step is intended to encourage a culture of academic publication among Communication Science students. Students are not only expected to understand communication theories but also to be skilled in processing data, building arguments, and writing them in the format of a scientific paper that can be reviewed by a wider academic community. As a result, the cum laude distinction no longer reflects only strong grades but also a real contribution in the form of documented knowledge that can be accessed by the public through journals.
Interestingly, this policy also changes how students view class assignments and theses. Previously, assignments or theses often ended up only in a laptop folder or on a library shelf. Now, students are encouraged to develop their work into publishable articles. A journal publication can become a valuable academic portfolio whether students plan to apply for scholarships, pursue higher education, or compete in the job market that values critical thinking and research literacy. In other words, this publication is not just an administrative requirement but a long term investment for academic and professional careers.
Of course, the study program is not leaving students to face this new requirement on their own. To help students meet the publication criteria, Communication Science has begun integrating scientific writing practice into several ongoing courses. In certain courses such as Survey Methods, Content Analysis Methods, and Qualitative Research Methods, the assignments are designed to resemble scientific papers so that students become familiar with systematic writing structures. This includes the introduction, literature review, methods, discussion, and conclusion. Through this pattern, students learn to write articles not only right before graduation but gradually throughout their studies.
In the end, the cum laude policy with the journal publication requirement is not just about internal academic standards. It also aligns with a broader agenda that promotes quality education that is relevant, inclusive, and skill based. The emphasis on research and scientific writing aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) number 4 on Quality Education, which encourages learning processes that go beyond the classroom by training students to produce new knowledge and contribute to society.
Yellow Whispers Vol #8