UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has launched its 2024 Student Orientation Program for new undergraduate and diploma students (Pengenalan Kehidupan Kampus bagi Mahasiswa Baru, or PKKMB). The program, which runs for three days from Tuesday (20/8/2024) to Thursday (22/8/2024), marks the initial introduction of the university’s core principles, known as Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi, to the new students.

The 2024 new UNS students are being introduced to various topics through a student-centered learning (SCL) approach, making the sessions engaging and interactive. The PKKMB UNS provides opportunities for students to participate in discussions, simulations, and other methods tailored to their needs, utilizing creative media and the latest technology. The event is conducted simultaneously across all UNS campuses in a hybrid format, with the main venue being the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram UNS Auditorium.

Prof. Dr. Fitria Rahmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Research at UNS, reported that over 10.714 new students are participating in the PKKMB UNS 2024. These students come from 14 faculties and vocational schools (SV) within UNS, having successfully completed registration and on-desk processes. Initially, 12.610 students were accepted into undergraduate and diploma programs through various selection processes, including the Achievement-Based National Selection (SNBP), Test-Based National Selection (SNBT), and UNS Independent Selection (SM).

UNS also welcomed 30 new students under the Higher Education Affirmation Scholarship (ADik) program from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). Overall, the newly admitted students represent 30 provinces across Indonesia. In addition, UNS has accepted 12 new international students through the UNS Scholarship program, hailing from five countries: Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, Timor-Leste, and Turkmenistan.

“The SPMB committee reported that 10.671 new UNS students in 2024 have completed registration and on-desk processes within 14 faculties and vocational schools. All newly admitted students have met the academic administrative requirements,” Prof. Fitria stated.

The three-day PKKMB UNS follows a staged structure. The first day focuses on introducing the university’s campus environment. The second day shifts to an introduction at the faculty level, while the third and final day is dedicated to the study program level.

UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., presented student ID cards to representatives from the 14 faculties and vocational schools, as well as to international student representatives. This ceremony officially inducted the new undergraduate and diploma students for the 2024/2025 academic year. In his remarks, Prof. Hartono emphasized that the university experience is a crucial period for the personal and academic development of new students transitioning from secondary education. He highlighted that higher education is an environment that will shape them into future leaders capable of contributing at both national and global levels.

The university period is also a time for self-discovery. Prof. Hartono encouraged the new students to engage in various Student Activity Units (UKM) at UNS, which are valuable for honing a wide range of soft skills.

“We have prepared the infrastructure, facilities, and human resources to support the educational process across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains,” Prof. Hartono said.

He also invited the new students to participate in the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, which offers opportunities to experience learning outside the campus. In this program, students can take courses outside their primary field of study.

PKKMB UNS 2024 also aims to raise awareness of the importance of understanding globalization and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) and Society 5.0. These eras require students to be literate in data, technology, and humanity, as well as to be prepared with the competencies needed in the 21st century. Therefore, students are expected to become agents of change, drivers of progress, and pioneers in providing solutions to the challenges facing the nation.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji

Editor: Dwi Hastuti