A total of 6,027 new students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) are participating in the 2026–2027 Baitul Arqam Student Program (BAM) as part of the university’s character-building education. The two-day program opened on Saturday (October 17) at the UMSU Main Campus Auditorium on Jalan Kapten Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
BAM is divided into 11 groups. The first group comprises 400 freshmen from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK).
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., was represented by Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faisal, S.H., M.Hum. He explained that Baitul Arqam is designed to develop students’ Islamic character in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
“We want everyone to enjoy the activities, so there is no need to take things too seriously. Baitul Arqam is a formal cadre-development program aimed at helping students develop an Islamic character,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faisal said.
He also encouraged students to strengthen their awareness of and concern for the environment and surrounding ecosystems.
“We must demonstrate a strong sense of care for nature and a willingness to share responsibility for the world around us. We should help raise public awareness that environmental damage can disrupt other ecosystems,” he said.
He expressed hope that all students would actively engage with the instructors throughout the program, highlighting the importance of discussion in understanding Islam and Muhammadiyah (Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan).
Meanwhile, UMSU Board of Trustees Chair Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.AP., expressed his gratitude at the opening ceremony, noting that UMSU had successfully responded to the challenges of educational transformation.
“I am delighted that UMSU has been able to respond to this transformation and establish itself as an excellent, intelligent, trusted, and rapidly advancing university,” Prof. Agussani said.
He also emphasized that students should participate enthusiastically, supported by guidance from instructors and adequate facilities.
The opening ceremony continued with the formal handover of participant documents from the university to the Baitul Arqam organizing committee, followed by the symbolic presentation of participant badges.
The event was also attended by Vice Rector for Resources and Finance Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qorib, M.A.; Head of UMSU’s Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan Institute (BIM), Dr. Nur Rahmah Amini, S.Ag., M.Ag.; Board of Trustees member KH. Dalail Ahmad; Head of UMSU’s Bureau of Student Affairs and Alumni Abdurrahman Zuhdi, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom.; FEB UMSU Dean Dr. Radiman, S.E., M.Si.; FKIK UMSU Vice Dean III Dr. dr. Muhammad Edy Syahputra Nasution, M.Ked(ORL-HNS)., Sp.THTBKL.; as well as instructors and students.
