Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) successfully organized a workshop on higher education digital media management and presented awards to creative teams from faculties, units, and institutions. The event took place in a hybrid format on Friday (Aug 29) at UMSU’s Meeting Hall, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3 Medan, featuring Dodi Zulkifli, Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia, as keynote speaker.
The program was officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of this workshop for all social media managers within UMSU.
“This workshop is crucial in preparing for the digital media landscape. Today, we will hear from Mr. Dodi on the significant role social media plays for universities, especially as we approach the upcoming Muktamar,” he said.
He further expressed hope that participants would gain new insights from the session and apply them across faculties, units, and institutions to strengthen UMSU’s social media presence.
Dodi Zulkifli praised UMSU for initiating an internal recognition program for digital media managers, calling it an innovation other universities should emulate to foster stronger collaboration in digital communication.
In his presentation, he noted: “In this post-truth era, we often validate information simply because it looks true, even though it may not be.” He stressed that as digital media increasingly serves as a source of validation, universities must manage their platforms carefully to demonstrate credibility and trustworthiness.
“With the rise of citizen journalism, where anyone can record and share information instantly, universities like UMSU must remain vigilant in their actions,” he added. He also outlined strategies for creative content planning, crisis communication management, building effective structures, and enhancing collaboration between public relations and protocol divisions.
Earlier, UMSU’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol Bureau, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ribut Priyadi, M.I.Kom, explained that the event aimed to inspire and motivate stronger social media management across the university.
“The workshop and UMSU Creative Awards are designed to encourage us to manage social media more effectively and produce high-quality content to support impactful campus programs, internationalization, achievements, and other activities,” he stated.
He expressed hope that the awards would inspire all faculties, units, and institutions at UMSU to continue innovating, creating, and contributing their best in digital media management.
During the ceremony, Vice Rector I Prof. Arifin presented certificates of recognition and symbolic plaques to the winners of the UMSU Creative Awards:
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1st Place: Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP)
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2nd Place: Faculty of Agriculture
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3rd Place: Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP)
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Consolation Awards: Office of International Cooperation (OIC), UMSU Press, and the Observatory of Islamic Astronomy (OIF).
