The Quality Assurance Unit (SPM) Polstat STIS team, consisting of Dr. Siti Muchlisoh, Budyanra, S.ST, M.Stat, and Budi Yuniarto, S.ST, M.Si, conducted a comparative study at the Quality Assurance Unit of Padjadjaran University (SPM Unpad) on December 10, 2018. The activity, which took place at the Padjadjaran University Campus in Jatinangor, was carried out in order to learn many things related to the process and system of quality assurance of higher education, as well as the reaccreditation of study programs (prodi) at Unpad. SPM Unpad was chosen as the destination for the comparative study because it has an excellent quality assurance system and has successfully overseen and guided the accreditation process. This is evident from the 117 study programs (prodi) at Unpad that have successfully achieved "A" accreditation, including the Statistics study program, both undergraduate and graduate programs, which have consistently achieved "A" accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT). During the visit, the Polstat STIS SPM Team was warmly received and welcomed by Yuyun Hidayat, Ph.D., Deputy Head of SPM Unpad, accompanied by Asep Sutiadi, M.Si., Yudi Norpin, and Iis Muslihat. SPM Unpad has an integrated online quality assurance system through the Integrated Administrative Information System (SIAT). This integrated system allows for a well-planned and regular internal quality assurance process. Furthermore, all stakeholders, including Heads of Study Programs (Kaprodi), Heads of Research Units, and Deans, can complete the quality assurance instrument independently and online.

In carrying out its main duties and functions (tupoksi), SPM Unpad is supported by functional auditors, educational engineering staff, and archivists. Specifically for study program reaccreditation activities, SPM Unpad is also assisted by BAN-PT accessor staff from Unpad. All study program accreditation processes, including the completion of required forms and instruments, are closely monitored by the SPM team and BAN-PT accessors from Unpad. This is to ensure the entire process runs smoothly and procedurally.

Several important points emerged from the visit to SPM Unpad, including the need for a shared commitment from all stakeholders at Polstat STIS regarding Academic and Non-Academic Quality Assurance, the need for training and capacity building for SPM members and related stakeholders for the study program reaccreditation process, and the imminent development of an online higher education quality assurance system at Polstat STIS. Yuyun Hidayat provided support and motivation to the SPM Polstat STIS Team to maintain their enthusiasm and strong commitment despite their limitations, ensuring the smooth and optimal execution of their duties. The comparative study concluded with a friendly gathering and the presentation of souvenirs from SPM Unpad to SPM Polstat STIS by Yuyun Hidayat, representing the Head of SPM who was unable to attend. Following the comparative study, the SPM Polstat STIS is expected to immediately take strategic steps related to its duties as a higher education quality assurance unit at the STIS Statistics Polytechnic. (Source: SPM)