Entering higher education is more than simply moving from a school classroom to a university lecture hall. It involves a fundamental shift, from passively receiving knowledge to boldly exploring it, from dependence on teachers to independent learning, and from merely understanding knowledge to producing ideas of genuine value.

This shift in how students learn was the central focus of the Learning Orientation Program (SOSPEM) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, held Wednesday–Thursday (8/26–27/2026). The program, attended by all incoming students, opened in a hybrid format via Zoom Meeting and in person at the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Multipurpose Building.

Head of the Center for Teaching Staff Development (CTSD) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Dr. Muqowim, explained that SOSPEM is an important part of the new student welcoming series. The program is designed to help new students understand the learning culture of higher education while also grasping UIN Sunan Kalijaga's core values: Integrative-Interconnective, Dedicative-Innovative, and Inclusive Continuous Improvement.

“SOSPEM equips new students with three essential capacities for navigating campus life: the ability to manage themselves through goal-setting, time management, and resilience; the ability to build social relationships through communication and empathy; and the ability to uphold integrity throughout every academic process,” he explained.

The CTSD chair added that the Learning Orientation Program uses an andragogical approach that positions students as active subjects, each bringing experience and knowledge that can enrich the shared learning process.

“Unlike learning in school, which tends to be pedagogical, learning in higher education demands greater independence and responsibility. Students must be able to manage themselves in order to meet the academic and personal development goals they set,” he concluded.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development, Prof. Dr. Istiningsih, struck a similar note, explaining that university-level learning follows a different pattern than schooling. Students can no longer simply wait for lecturers to deliver material; instead, they must actively explore, build concepts, engage in discussion, collaborate, and discover knowledge independently.

“The learning process in higher education requires independence, creativity, collaboration, active participation, and the courage to engage in discussion. Through this process, students are shaped into true scholars, not merely mastering knowledge, but capable of producing it,” she explained.

Amid the growth of technology and artificial intelligence, students were also encouraged to use technology critically and responsibly. Technology, she noted, should support the learning process rather than take over human direction and purpose.

“Master knowledge and technology, strengthen your faith, build your character, and bring benefit to society. Welcome to this new academic journey,” she said.

In the same session, Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan delivered remarks via video, affirming that SOSPEM serves as the first gateway for new students to understand the academic culture of a university with a long scholarly tradition.

According to the Rector, becoming a university student means entering a world of learning that demands more than memorization. Students must be able to think critically, ask questions, engage in dialogue, conduct research, and generate ideas.

“Stay open to difference, because campus is a meeting place for people of many different backgrounds. Learn to engage in dialogue without losing your principles, build empathy, and make sure the knowledge you gain benefits society, the nation, and the state. Dare to dream big. Use your years at university to grow through research, organizations, and networking,” the Rector urged.

The Rector also encouraged students to cultivate a love of learning, build strong reading habits, and avoid treating exams as the sole reason to study. He stressed the importance of upholding academic integrity by avoiding plagiarism and using artificial intelligence to support learning rather than replace the thinking process.

Beyond diligent study, students were encouraged to dream big, get involved in research and student organizations, expand their networks, and build social awareness, since knowledge should not remain merely a personal achievement, but should bring benefit to society, the nation, and the state.

“All of you are part of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's future. Be students who are not only proud to be part of this campus, but who will one day make this campus proud through your contributions,” the Rector affirmed.

Prof. Noorhaidi also urged new students to take part in the Learning Orientation Program earnestly and with genuine curiosity, expressing hope that the process would shape students who grow ever more knowledgeable, principled, mature, and beneficial to others, while marking their first step as part of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga family.

The opening of SOSPEM was marked by a gong-striking ceremony led by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development, accompanied by the CTSD chair and vice deans. The sound of the gong marked the beginning of a new journey for thousands of students, learning to be more independent, thinking more critically, upholding integrity, and preparing knowledge that will one day be meaningful for others. (humassk)