Being a facilitator requires the ability to build meaningful interaction and learning experiences. That perspective was one of the key points emphasized during the Training of Trainers (ToT) for Sospem Facilitators, held by UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta's Center for Teaching and Staff Development (CTSD) on Wednesday and Thursday, August 5–6, 2026, at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business.

During the ToT, lecturers taking part as participants were guided through various aspects that support successful mentoring of new students. A number of learning clusters were covered, ranging from self-regulation and communication to academic integrity.

In one session led by Dr. Muqowim, participants revisited the function of ice-breaking activities in the learning process. "Ice-breaking activities shouldn't be seen merely as games to lighten the mood, but as a learning strategy that can be used to instill specific values," Dr. Muqowim said.

Building on this understanding of learning strategy, participants then examined the core competencies that need to be developed in new students. One of the clusters given particular attention during the ToT was self-regulation. This competency was considered essential for new students going through the transition from school to university life. Self-regulation includes the ability to adapt, set goals, manage time, and build resilience.

In the goal-setting session, participants were guided to understand that a goal cannot simply be a wish or an aspiration; it needs to be structured with clear direction. Using the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), participants explored how to formulate goals with clear, realistic indicators.

Dr. Muqowim invited participants to reflect on how a clearly defined goal shapes the way a person manages their time. When someone has a clear set of priorities, their daily activities become easier to direct toward achieving that goal.

Participants were also asked to review how they use their time day to day and to make sure their activities genuinely connect to the main goal they want to achieve.

“Even so, good planning doesn't always guarantee that every target will be met. That's why resilience is also an important part of this training. The ability to face failure, manage disappointment, and adjust when reality doesn't match expectations is something students need to be equipped with,” he said.

Beyond self-regulation, participants also received training on communication. According to Dr. Muqowim, facilitators need the ability to communicate assertively, delivering a message clearly while still respecting others. In the process of mentoring students, good communication is key to building relationships that are open and mutually supportive.

Participants were also encouraged to understand the importance of giving appreciation throughout the learning process. Recognizing a person's effort and progress is part of building a positive learning environment.

Another cluster covered in the training was academic integrity. Awareness of the need to avoid plagiarism is one of the foundational values that should be instilled from the moment students enter university.

Through this Sospem Facilitator ToT, UIN Sunan Kalijaga's CTSD aims to prepare lecturers to carry out their mentoring role more fully. Facilitators are being equipped to help build students' learning readiness, self-regulation, communication skills, and academic culture from the very start of their journey at the university. (humassk)