Yogyakarta – At a time when higher education worldwide is grappling with the disruptive forces of digitalization and artificial intelligence, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta is charting a bold course of academic transformation. Its 2025 Learning Orientation Program (Sosialisasi Pembelajaran / Sospem)—now in its second day—not only introduces thousands of new students to campus life, but also equips them with the mindset, skills, and integrity to become producers of knowledge, excel in their studies, and graduate on time.

The 2025 Sospem is organized by the Center for Teaching Staff Development (CTSD) under the coordination of Dr. Muqowim, S.Ag., M.Ag. He emphasized that Sospem is not just an orientation, but a transformative process that shifts students from a schooling tradition into an academic culture rooted in student-centered learning.

“The materials are based on thorough evaluations and the real needs of students. Our focus is on self-regulation, social relations, and academic integrity, so that students are not only introduced to campus life but are also prepared to grow as critical, creative, and ethical individuals.”
— Dr. Muqowim, Coordinator of CTSD

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development, Prof. Dr. Istiningsih, reinforced this vision by highlighting Sospem’s role in shaping the academic character of UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

“Sospem 2025 is a strategic effort to equip new students with a transformative academic paradigm. Through a student-centered learning approach, we reaffirm our commitment to cultivating Kalijaga Muda as producers of knowledge who are critical, creative, and full of integrity, ready to face the challenges of the digital and AI era.”
— Prof. Dr. Istiningsih, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development

On the second day, students engaged in training sessions covering adaptation strategies, goal setting, time management, effective communication, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The sessions applied interactive methods, beginning with case studies to sharpen critical thinking, followed by structured materials and discussions. According to Muhammad Irfai Muslim, a facilitator from the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, this method ensures that students not only absorb the content but also develop a clear academic direction. “The hope is that, from the beginning, they set clear targets and are able to complete their studies on time,” he explained.

Facilitators across faculties agreed that Sospem is pivotal in helping students transition smoothly from secondary education to higher education. Dr. Sujadi, from the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, stressed the importance of this bridge. “Without proper preparation, students would struggle to adapt to the academic culture. Sospem helps them build productive habits—combining study with work, entrepreneurship, and organizational involvement—rather than merely attending classes and going home,” he said.

Students themselves expressed enthusiasm for the program. Aqila Nur Al Jum’ah, a new student from the Library Science program, found the time management module especially meaningful. “In high school, my time management was chaotic. Now I’ve learned how to set goals so that my life feels more structured and I’ll be ready after graduation,” she shared. Meanwhile, a student from Qur’anic Studies and Tafsir reflected that Sospem motivated them to think more critically, expand their networks, and gain fresh determination to become someone who contributes positively to society.

As the program concluded today, UIN Sunan Kalijaga reiterated its hope that new students will not only understand the university’s academic system but also embody the values of character, soft skills, and integrity that will support their long-term success. In line with its tagline “Empowering the Future,” the university reaffirmed its commitment to preparing students to succeed with excellence and graduate on time.