Indonesia
The Rector of Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) delivered a briefing outlining academic policy in preparation for the start of lectures for the 2019/2020 Even Semester at UNISMA’s Postgraduate Program.
Director of the Postgraduate Program, Prof. H. M. Mas’ud, MM, stated in his remarks: “The Postgraduate Program has just completed the process of establishing distinctive strengths and excellence across all of its study programs. Alhamdulillah, this has been made possible through the dedication and participation of every leader within the Postgraduate Program. We are currently finalising a set of specially oriented courses designed to support and reinforce the distinction and excellence of all our study programs.”
UNISMA Rector Prof. Dr. H. Masjuri, M.Si., addressing the gathering, emphasised: “Managing an institution demands considerable energy. Our lecturers stand at the very front line, serving as an extension of the Rector’s role.”
“In keeping with recent developments, I urge all lecturers to deliver research-based teaching. Lectures must be research-based, and community service likewise must be research-based. UNISMA has already begun implementing research-based community service programs (KKN), and this will continue to be developed on an ongoing basis. We are shifting our mindset, step by step.”
“We remain in a constant state of restlessness. This restlessness reflects a genuine drive toward change and progress. The Director, the Deputy Directors, and every Head of Study Program share in this restlessness, all working toward achieving major breakthroughs within UNISMA’s Postgraduate Program.”
In recognition of UNISMA’s existing strengths, the Rector called on all leadership to produce a dedicated magazine. This publication would showcase the flagship outputs of every study program. Among all these outstanding achievements, there will inevitably be some that stand out even further and these, he stressed, ought to be published in academic journals.
Other outputs likewise need to be cultivated into flagship achievements, and producing such excellence requires the active involvement and contribution of ideas from others.
“If our students rely solely on theory, then we are merely preserving the university as an ivory tower, one that produces intelligent graduates who nonetheless fail to grasp the realities of the world. Outputs and outcomes must be at the very core of our teaching. We must therefore begin by changing our mindset: ‘I do not wish to remain as I once was.'”
The inspiring briefing drew the close attention of all lecturers present, many of whom appeared to begin reflecting on how to spark spectacular change and development within the institution.
This renewed spirit for change and for transforming the institution’s long-standing circumstances now serves as the foundation for realising the Rector’s vision of establishing UNISMA as a leading, world-class university. (AL/PPS)
