The Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) has a variety of initiatives and programs to support its students’ studies. One unique program provides students free healthy food and beverages during semester exams. This facility, offered through the Mood Booster program, aims to support students’ nutritional needs during exams and is part of the university’s efforts to create a healthy campus.
Bayu Sutikno, S.E., M.S.M., Ph.D., the Vice Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at FEB UGM, revealed that since 2023, FEB UGM has been offering free healthy food and beverages to students during midterm (UTS) and final exams (UAS). The Mood Booster program, managed by the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU) of FEB UGM, provides 300 portions of healthy food and beverages daily throughout the exam period, including the final exams of the even semester for the 2023/2024 academic year, which runs from June 19-29, 2024.
“For the past year, to support and motivate our undergraduate students, especially those taking midterms and finals, CSDU has been providing the Mood Booster. Mood Booster includes snacks and healthy drinks for students, especially those who have exams in the morning and haven’t had breakfast, to help them stay motivated during exams,” he explained on Thursday (June 20).
Bayu stated that the Mood Booster program, with its provision of nutritious food, is part of FEB UGM’s commitment to supporting students psychologically and physiologically. This program reflects FEB UGM’s efforts to create a comfortable, homely campus environment.
“The goal is for students to focus on their exams without worrying about hunger, thereby improving their academic performance,” he explained.
The Mood Booster program at FEB UGM is also part of a mental health campaign. This initiative includes sharing motivational messages as a form of moral support for students about to take exams. Students can access mental health education content through stickers distributed during the program or by scanning a barcode.
The Mood Booster program at FEB UGM has received positive student feedback. One such student, Mohammad Pradana Abijan Rifiar Abidin, an Economics major from the 2023 cohort, expressed how helpful this program has been. The free provision of snacks and healthy drinks has become a source of encouragement for students facing exams.
“I am very grateful to FEB UGM for the Mood Booster program during exams. The snacks given to us students truly become a source of motivation amid the pressure and stress we feel,” he said.
Abi mentioned that he and his fellow students must study hard during exams, often sacrificing their rest time. The Mood Booster program makes him feel more appreciated and motivated to face the exams and be better prepared.
“The snacks provided are not just food, but also a significant form of moral support. This program helps me maintain my energy and enthusiasm for studying, allowing me to face exams with more optimism and focus,” he explained.
Shalima Nur Kusumastuti, an Accounting student, shared the same sentiment. The Mood Booster program helps students, including herself, who sometimes don’t have time for breakfast before morning exams. “The snacks boost my enthusiasm for taking exams. The motivational messages truly boost my mood,” said the student from the 2023 cohort.
Reportage: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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