The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, officially launched the ULTRA (UMSU Language Training and Assessment) program as a center for IELTS and TOEFL preparation services at the campus laboratory on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, Monday (January 26).
In his remarks, Prof. Agussani expressed strong appreciation for the innovation and dedication of the Language Center (PUSBA) and the Bureau of Information Systems and Technology (BSTI), which successfully implemented the program under the supervision of Vice Rector III, Dr. Rudianto, M.Si.
“Alhamdulillah, this is an extraordinary achievement that would not have been possible without commitment and hard work. I am truly impressed—PUSBA continues to grow and innovate, even providing an officially recognized TOEFL test for domestic master’s degree requirements and civil service applications,” he stated.
He emphasized that the inauguration marks an important milestone aligned with the university’s roadmap toward becoming a World-Class University. Once the integrated UMSU campus is fully established, the ULTRA program will be further developed with more advanced systems and modern facilities.
“What we begin in this room today will expand in the future, including the development of a modern language center at the integrated campus auditorium,” he added.
The Rector also encouraged all members of the academic community to make full use of ULTRA’s facilities as part of adapting to rapid global developments.
ULTRA is an IELTS and TOEFL preparation laboratory equipped with 30 PC units, designed to provide modern, flexible, fast, and integrated testing services for students, lecturers, and the wider community. Through this system, participants can immediately access their test scores and proceed directly to certificate issuance.
Earlier, Head of PUSBA, Muhammad Rafi’i, M.A., explained that ULTRA is the result of two years of preparation, beginning with aligning the program to student needs. One key initiative was establishing TOEFL as a requirement for academic progression and graduation.
“ULTRA’s TOEFL results can be used for various purposes, including civil servant (PNS/ASN) recruitment and applications to state-owned (BUMN) and regionally owned enterprises (BUMD). Many participants have already benefited from it,” he explained.
He added that the program’s urgency has increased, as UMSU graduates are now expected to achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 450 to enhance their global competitiveness. The program is also considered strategic in supporting UMSU’s vision of becoming a World-Class University.
“We have conducted five trial runs, and all the equipment used consists of brand-new units,” he noted.
Meanwhile, ULTRA PIC Khairunnisa, M.TESOL, stated that the program underwent an intensive two-year trial phase, including one year of active testing.
“A total of 120 students participated in the trials, and ULTRA has been officially deemed eligible as a recognized TOEFL provider for the Diploma Supplement (SKPI),” she said.
To help students achieve the target TOEFL score of 450, UMSU implements various strategies, including TOEFL seminars, large-scale preparation classes, and a structured curriculum aligned with official test standards.
The event concluded with a token of appreciation presented to FAI lecturer Khairunnisa, S.E.I., M.M., who achieved a benchmark IELTS score of 7.
