The Language Centre Unit (PUSBA) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) officially launched the ULTRA (UMSU Language Training and Assessment) platform, on Saturday (28/12) at the UMSU Auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No.3 Medan.
This platform was inaugurated by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP represented by WR III Assoc. Prof. Dr Rudianto, M.Si
The ULTRA platform is an innovation that aims to improve English language skills among students, lecturers, and staff. Designed to provide integrated English training and tests, including TOEFL simulations, as part of UMSU’s efforts towards a world-class university.
Vice Rector III of UMSU, Assoc. Prof. Dr Rudianto, M.Si., officially launched the platform, in his remarks highlighting ULTRA’s strategic role in helping students prepare for global challenges.
‘International languages, such as English, are key assets for the future,’ said Dr Rudianto.
He hopes that the ULTRA platform can improve the ability of every UMSU graduate, not only excelling in academics but also having qualified language skills to compete at the global level.
He also emphasised the importance of lecturers being role models in mastering English.
‘Lecturers must be at the forefront of improving language competence. This is not only about students, but also how we as educators can set an example,’ he said.
Previously, the Head of the UMSU Language Centre, Muhammad Raffi, M.A., in his speech emphasised the importance of mastering English as a strategic step to support graduates in entering the world of work.
‘The ULTRA platform is here not only to measure skills, but also to provide training and practical tips for students and lecturers to be confident in using English,’ said Raffi.
The head of PUSBA UMSU revealed that this platform is the result of the hard work of the PUSBA team which continues to be developed to include Arabic, Mandarin and French language training.
He hopes that this platform can be a big step towards making UMSU produce graduates who are superior, intelligent, and reliable.
After the inauguration, the event continued with a technical presentation on the ULTRA platform and the participants had the opportunity to take a TOEFL prediction test simulation using the platform.
One of the participants, Andi Maulana, an International programme student from the Faculty of Economics, expressed his impression of using this platform
‘This platform really helps us to prepare for the TOEFL test. The features are easy to use, and the guidance is clear. I am very excited to take the next test.’
On that occasion, participants were asked to log in to the ULTRA platform, fill in tokens, and immediately start a simulation that includes three sections namely Listening, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading. The simulation was designed to give participants a hands-on experience of ULTRA’s capabilities and features.
In the future, ULTRA will not only be designed for students, but also lecturers and staff.
Also present were the Head of the Student Affairs Bureau Dr Radiman, M.Si, Heads of Faculties throughout UMSU, lecturers and International Students at UMSU.
