The Postgraduate School of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (SPs UMSU) welcomed 1,213 new master’s (S2) and doctoral (S3) students through its New Student Campus Life Orientation Program (PKKMB) on Saturday (October 10).
Held at the UMSU Postgraduate School Auditorium, the event featured a range of activities, including a public lecture, a bazaar showcasing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) supported by the Regional Leadership of Aisyiyah in North Sumatra, a blood donation drive, and free health screenings.
The program introduced students to the academic environment while encouraging social awareness and community economic empowerment among the new student cohort.
The event began with a report from the organizing committee, delivered by Master of Accounting Study Program Head Prof. Dr. Maya Sari, S.E., Ak., M.Si., CA. This was followed by a welcome address from SPs UMSU Deputy Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adi Mansar, S.H., M.Hum.
During the event, Adi Mansar also introduced the heads of the study programs and members of the SPs UMSU management team who were in attendance.
The program was then officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., represented by Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faisal, S.H., M.Hum. He offered guidance and advice to the new students as they prepared to pursue their postgraduate studies.
Digital Transformation as a Key Focus
One of the main highlights of the orientation program was a public lecture delivered by Ir. Alfi Syahriza, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., Expert Staff for Education, Health, Infrastructure, and Community Empowerment. The lecture addressed the theme “Digital Transformation for MSME Empowerment and the Creative Economy.”
The theme highlighted digital transformation as a key issue in business development and the creative economy. The use of digital technology is expected to help MSMEs expand their market reach, improve competitiveness, and develop business models that adapt to changing times.
The MSME bazaar featuring businesses supported by the Regional Leadership of Aisyiyah in North Sumatra also gave students an opportunity to learn firsthand about community-based economic empowerment. Meanwhile, the blood donation drive and free health screenings demonstrated the program’s commitment to social responsibility.
Study Program Leadership
During the event, SPs UMSU also introduced the leaders of its study programs, who will support the academic journey of master’s and doctoral students.
Representing the doctoral programs were Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, S.H., M.Hum., Head of the Doctoral Program in Law; Prof. Dr. Ida Hanifah, S.H., M.H., Secretary of the Doctoral Program in Law; Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., Head of the Doctoral Program in Education; Prof. Dr. Indra Prasetia, S.Pd., M.Si., Secretary of the Doctoral Program in Education; Prof. Dr. Jufrizen, S.E., M.Si., Head of the Doctoral Program in Management; and Dr. Muhammad Irfan Nasution, S.E., M.M., Secretary of the Doctoral Program in Management.
At the master’s level, the participants included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Nadirah, S.H., M.H., Head of the Master’s Program in Legal Studies, and its secretary, Dr. Rahmat Ramadhani, S.H., M.H. The Master’s Program in Notarial Studies was represented by its head, Dr. M. Syukran Yamin Lubis, S.H., CN., M.Kn., and its secretary, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onny Medaline, S.H., M.Kn.
The Master’s Program in Management was represented by its head, Prof. Dr. Fajar Pasaribu, S.E., M.Si., and its secretary, Hazmanan Khair, S.E., M.B.A., Ph.D. The Master’s Program in Communication Studies was represented by its head, Dr. Muhammad Thariq, S.Sos., M.I.Kom., and its secretary, Dr. Sigit Hardiyanto, S.Sos., M.I.Kom.
Also in attendance were Prof. Dr. Maya Sari, S.E., Ak., M.Si., CA, Head of the Master’s Program in Accounting, and its secretary, Dr. Eka Nurmala Sari, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA. The Master’s Program in Mathematics Education was represented by its head, Dr. Tua Halomoan Harahap, M.Pd. Dr. Irvan, S.Pd., M.Si., from the Postgraduate Quality Assurance Group (GPM), also attended the event.
Through this orientation program, SPs UMSU introduced students to its academic environment, study program leadership, and activities connecting higher education with community needs. The participation of 1,213 new students is expected to strengthen academic traditions and advance scholarly development at UMSU.
