Being a lecturer is not simply about fulfilling a teaching obligation. An academic is expected to keep learning, conducting research, producing scholarly work, and leaving an academic track record that contributes to the advancement of knowledge. This message was conveyed by UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta Rector, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, at the Inauguration and Oath-Taking Ceremony for First-Time Functional Positions at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, held Tuesday (9/29/2026).

A total of 15 staff members (lecturers) were officially inaugurated and sworn into their first functional academic positions, consisting of 11 Assistant Professors (Asisten Ahli) and 4 Lecturers (Lektor). The ceremony took place in the 1st-Floor Meeting Room of the Saifuddin Zuhri Building (PAU), UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

The event began with the reading of the Decree of the Minister of Religious Affairs, followed by the oath of office administered by the Head of the Bureau of General Administration and Finance (AUK) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

Of the 15 functional officials inaugurated, the 11 Assistant Professors came from a number of faculties: 4 from FEBI (Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business), 1 from FISHUM (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities), 3 from FUPI (Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought), 1 from FITK (Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training), and 2 from FST (Faculty of Science and Technology). Meanwhile, the four officials inaugurated as Lecturers consisted of 2 from FDK (Faculty of Da'wah and Communication), 1 from FADIB (Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences), and 1 from the Graduate School.

In his remarks, the Rector emphasized that appointment to a functional position should be understood as a professional trust, not merely an administrative change of status. As civil servants (ASN), those inaugurated carry a responsibility to uphold Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, comply with prevailing laws and regulations, and maintain ethical conduct in carrying out their duties and authority.

Furthermore, Prof. Noorhaidi emphasized the distinctive nature of the lecturing profession as part of the academic community. According to him, a lecturer is, in essence, “a researcher who teaches.” For that reason, academic activity should not stop at routine teaching, but must be complemented by research activity and the production of knowledge.

“Producing knowledge matters. Don't just fulfill your teaching obligations, there must be an academic track record,” the Rector said.

He reminded lecturers not to become trapped in administrative and bureaucratic routine to the point that it leaves little room for developing academic capacity. Quality scholarly work, he said, needs to be part of a lecturer's academic journey, not merely produced to satisfy administrative requirements for promotion.

The Rector also encouraged lecturers still holding a master's degree qualification to begin planning their continued studies toward a doctoral degree (Ph.D.), with the opportunity to study abroad as one priority. This step, he said, is expected to strengthen lecturers' capacity as independent scholars, possessing scholarly depth, academic independence, and a broader network of knowledge.

On this occasion, Prof. Noorhaidi also highlighted the importance of personal commitment in producing scholarly work. Academic productivity, he said, is not determined solely by the size of research funding available. The willingness to read, think, research, write, and work consistently is an essential part of building an academic reputation.

In line with technological developments, the Rector also reminded lecturers to use artificial intelligence (AI) wisely. AI can be used as a learning partner and supporting tool, including in helping search for and map relevant literature. However, this technology should not replace the process of thinking, reading, analyzing, and writing that forms the core foundation of academic work.

This message carries particular relevance for lecturers newly entering functional positions, as well as those entrusted with the rank of Lektor. These functional positions are expected to mark the starting point for building a more productive and impactful academic journey.

Through the strengthening of competencies, continued education, research, publication, and knowledge production, UIN Sunan Kalijaga continues to encourage the growth of an academic culture oriented not merely toward fulfilling obligations, but toward the emergence of scholarly work and meaningful contribution to knowledge.

The inauguration of these 15 functional officials thus forms part of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's effort to strengthen the quality of its human resources while building an academic ecosystem capable of generating knowledge and delivering benefit to society. (humassk)