UPN offers new study program

UPN offers new study program

YOGYAKARTA: While most other privately run universities in the
country are getting rid of their non-degree programs, the
National Development University (UPN) Veteran Yogyakarta is
offering a new non-degree program: D3 chemical engineering.

"The decision was based on an industrial survey that we
conducted last year, which revealed that the demand for non-
degree graduates is much higher than for degree graduates. The
ratio is 1:4," head of the study program of chemical engineering
Zubairi Achmad, said on Friday.

However, due to the limited number of lecturers at the
university -- there are 10 at present -- the new study program is
targeted to receive only some 50 new students for the 2004-2005
academic year.

As a non-degree program, which is supposed to equip students
with ready-to-use skills, the D3 chemical engineering program
will emphasis laboratory work.

"If it is successful, we will offer more non-degree programs
in the future and may consider a polytechnic program here,"
Zubairi said. --JP