Dear members of the i3L family,
I believe that we have all realized without the slightest doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Indonesia since March 2020, presents a significant challenge for the country’s education sector. Despite these challenges, I see strong commitment, dedication, and solid initiatives made by all members of the i3L family in their collective efforts in keeping vibrant, productive, and safe educational experiences during the ongoing uncertainty. I truly appreciate all of your contributions and let us continue our great efforts with strong determination and creativity in facing and dealing with this pandemic as it evolves.
As we now look forward to the 2021 even semester, our Academic Operations team has successfully arranged our courses in the 2020 odd semester through online lectures and moved a large portion of laboratory or practical courses to the 2021 even semester. The Indonesian Ministry of Education has allowed face-to-face or offline courses to be conducted starting January 2021 by maintaining full safety measures and protocols. We are planning to take this phase carefully in order to ensure the safe delivery of our planned lab courses, both online and offline. i3L’s Academic Affairs team, together with our Laboratory Department, has set the necessary safety rules for our students to follow. As for the non-lab courses, most instructions will remain online as successfully done in the last two semesters.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our final-year students who have passed their thesis defense in today’s uniquely challenging circumstances. I assure you that all graduates will be receiving their official certificate by December 2020. I share your excitement for your great achievement, but for now I would like to ask all graduating students to wait for their graduation ceremony which will be held later in 2021. The main reason for this postponement for the graduation ceremony is purely due to our commitment in ensuring everyone’s safety. I truly appreciate your understanding and we will announce the date of the ceremony soon.
Lastly, I am really hopeful for the eventual validation of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. We see a light at the end of the tunnel and we are really pleased to hear the most recent promising news on that crucial front.
Thank you all for your many contributions. I wish you a safe, healthy and successful learning in 2021.
Warmest Regards,
Iwan Surjawan, Ph.D.
Rector of i3L
