Universitas Padjadjaran actively supports the student union, recognizing it as a key part of university life. The union serves multiple functions, including providing students with a platform to voice opinions and contribute to governance decisions, offering support through academic guidance, mental health resources, and advocacy for student rights, and organizing social, cultural, and recreational activities that foster a sense of community and belonging on campus.
Student Organizations at Universitas Padjadjaran
Universitas Padjadjaran has various student organizations that function to support students’ self-development outside of academics. The Student’s Union was formed for various purposes such as providing governance input, support for students, and organizing social activities. Universitas Padjadjaran has more than 30 student unions.
Union Providing governance input
Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) demonstrated its commitment to participatory governance and inclusive decision-making through a student engagement forum led by Rector Prof. Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita on 28 October 2024 at Taman Bale Santika, Jatinangor. The discussion aimed to gather student and faculty input for the formulation of Unpad’s Strategic Plan (Renstra) 2024–2029, ensuring that the voices of the academic community, particularly students, are integrated into institutional policy planning. The event involved representatives from the Student Executive Board (BEM Kema Unpad), faculty-level BEMs, and various Student Activity Units (UKM) and organizations. Students provided insights on improving campus facilities, learning environments, and student safety. The Rector emphasized that such forums are part of Unpad’s ongoing effort to strengthen transparent and inclusive governance.
Support for students
Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) provides a vibrant student life experience through a wide range of Student Activity Units (UKM) and Student Organizations (Ormawa) that cater to students’ interests, talents, and academic development. These organizations serve as platforms for students to explore their passions, enhance their skills, and foster teamwork and leadership beyond the classroom.
Unpad’s UKMs cover diverse areas such as arts, sports, and research, providing opportunities for students to grow holistically while contributing to the university’s dynamic campus culture. Sports-oriented units include the Unpad Kempo Unit, Unpad Karate Unit, Unpad Taekwondo Unit, Unpad Student Chess Unit, Unpad Bridge Unit, and Unpad Table Tennis Unit, where students train, compete, and cultivate discipline and sportsmanship.
In addition, creative and cultural UKMs such as the Student Choir, Student Protocol Corps, Spectrum Photography Unit, Literary Arts Center, and Theater and Film Unit allow students to express themselves artistically and develop communication, collaboration, and performance skills. Meanwhile, academic-based Student Organizations (Ormawa) related to specific study programs strengthen solidarity among students in the same discipline and support academic excellence as well as community service.
The Student Protocol Corps of Universitas Padjadjaran (KPM Unpad) held the KPM Academy 2024 Batch II on 22–23 June 2024 at the Faculty of Law, Jatinangor, with the theme “Bright: Branch Out Your Insight and Reach Out Your Sight.” The training aimed to expand students’ perspectives and skills in protocol management, fostering a new generation of competent and insightful young protocol officers.
Radio Unpad held a Technical Guidance (Bimtek) session on 25 October 2024 at Bale Rucita, Universitas Padjadjaran, to provide training and broaden the broadcasting knowledge of its new members. With the theme “Radio 101: Let’s be One, Let’s be Wonderful,” the event featured seminars and talk shows on social media management, announcing and broadcasting, and reporting, aimed at preparing students to become skilled and creative broadcasters.
The Universitas Padjadjaran Student Choir (PSM Unpad) achieved outstanding success at the Singapore International Choral Festival (SICF) 2024, winning two gold medals in the Mixed Voices Open and Sacred Open categories. This achievement reflects Unpad’s strong support for students’ talent development and artistic excellence, providing opportunities for them to learn, compete, and represent Indonesia on the international stage.
Support for Social Activities
The Student Executive Board of Universitas Padjadjaran (BEM Kema Unpad) plays a vital role in driving social empowerment by engaging students in community-based programs that promote education, inclusivity, and sustainable development. Through the Department of Advocacy and Social Affairs, BEM Kema Unpad implements initiatives that encourage students to actively contribute to society, especially among marginalized and local communities. These programs are designed to build awareness, empathy, and leadership while addressing social challenges through education and collaboration.
One of the department’s flagship initiatives, “Taman Ilmu 2024”, invited students from MI Miftahul Ulum Cipaku to participate in a creative learning field trip to Puspa Iptek Sundial in Padalarang. The activity combined hands-on science experiments and interactive exhibits to inspire curiosity and emphasize the importance of education for young learners, reflecting Unpad students’ commitment to social inclusion and educational equality.
The Student Executive Board (BEM Kema) of Universitas Padjadjaran organized “Market Day”, part of the Market Town 2024 series, at Plaza Rektorat Unpad, Jatinangor, on 4 October 2024, to promote local MSMEs and creative entrepreneurship. The event brought together students and the local community to support small businesses, showcase innovative products, and strengthen the spirit of entrepreneurship and social empowerment within the Unpad campus environment.
Students of Universitas Padjadjaran, through the Padjadjaran Rescue Communication Forum (FKPR), participated in disaster response operations for the flash flood and landslide in Cibenda Village, Bandung Barat, from 26–28 March 2024. The deployment of nine student rescuers demonstrated Unpad’s commitment to fostering student volunteerism and community service, particularly in disaster relief and humanitarian action.