The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) held a send-off ceremony for the Professional Teaching Practice (PLP) II and III programs, as well as the regular and international Community Service Programs (KKN). The ceremony was officially led by UMSU Vice Rector I, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum., on Saturday (July 18) at the campus grounds on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
A total of 341 students will participate in the PLP II and III programs across 33 locations. In addition, 270 students will take part in the regular KKN program, while 35 students will participate in the first batch of the International KKN program in Thailand and Malaysia. Three subsequent batches are scheduled to take place at the end of August, September, and October.
In his remarks, Vice Rector I Prof. Arifin emphasized the important role of FKIP students as future teachers and agents of change in society.
“Teachers must become agents who liberate people from poverty and oppression,” he said.
He also reminded students to become trustworthy leaders and uphold Muhammadiyah values and Islamic teachings throughout their assignments.
“Be trustworthy leaders. Show that we are students grounded in Muhammadiyah values and Al-Islamic principles. One example is punctuality. A lack of discipline would tarnish our reputation and affect the implementation of future PLP programs,” he said.
Furthermore, he urged students to uphold the university’s reputation, particularly those participating in programs abroad.
“Protect our good name when you are in another country and put the knowledge you have gained into practice. This program will succeed because innovation is what is expected of you,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dean of FKIP Assoc. Prof. Dra. Hj. Syamsuyurnita, M.Pd., encouraged all participants to uphold the reputation of their alma mater throughout the programs, especially students assigned overseas.
“Protect the good name of our alma mater, conduct yourselves well while abroad, and show that you are ambassadors of the university and future professional graduates,” she said.
The send-off ceremony also featured the symbolic handover of PLP II and PLP III participants to student representatives—Maysharah, Mustika Raudah, Elfira Mahfuza, Yusuf Harahap, M. Rizal Fahlevi, Marwati, and Satria Lubis—by Vice Rector I Prof. Arifin, accompanied by the Dean and Vice Deans of FKIP and the supervising lecturers (DPL).
