An academic degree carries the responsibility to think independently, uphold integrity, and contribute to society. UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan delivered this message to graduates at the Period I Graduation Ceremony of Academic Year 2026/2027 in the Prof. Amin Abdullah Building on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Amid the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Rector reminded graduates that the ability to think logically and critically remains the foundation of higher education. Technology must be used with awareness and responsibility, while the learning process must keep sharpening students' ability to understand problems and make decisions.

"Amid advances in AI, the ability to think logically and critically needs to keep being sharpened. Use AI to support the learning process, while maintaining independent thinking and academic responsibility. I believe UIN Sunan Kalijaga students are able to use technology wisely," he said.

The Open Senate Session, officially opened by the University Senate Chair Prof. Dr. Kamsi, kicked off a graduation series running November 10-12, 2026. Over the three days, UIN Sunan Kalijaga will graduate 2,047 students.

On the first day, 687 graduates took part in the ceremony: 260 from the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, 212 from the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, and 215 from the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business.

On the occasion, Prof. Noorhaidi also said that completing one's studies is a valuable achievement to be grateful for. Behind the degree are perseverance through the academic process, completing assignments, and facing various difficulties during college.

That process is provision for graduates to take a role in national development. In his view, academic ability must go together with honesty, discipline, responsibility, and a willingness to keep striving.

"Honesty, discipline, responsibility, and tireless, continuous striving are the values that will forge you into outstanding future leaders," he said.

With this provision, graduates are expected to read opportunities, adapt to changes in the world of work, and keep developing their abilities. The uncertainty that comes with the transition after college must be met with a readiness to learn and the courage to try.

"The world keeps changing and in time will find equilibrium, or balance. According to experts, major changes in the world of work will peak in 2030. After that, a new balance in the global world of work will begin to form," he said.

That spirit of continued growth also guides the university's development. In his speech, the Rector outlined several agendas, from developing science, technology, and STEM, to the aim of establishing a Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (the Medicine program has already been established and is being developed alongside health sciences programs), to the construction of Campus II in Pajangan, which is in progress.

"We want to contribute more broadly to the nation and the state, among other things through developing our campus and institutions to become a university that counts at the national and global levels," he concluded.

At the first-day ceremony, UIN Sunan Kalijaga also recognized six graduates who were the best and fastest finishers at the bachelor's and master's levels.

At the bachelor's level, Rizky Kurniasari of the Islamic Banking Study Program, Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, earned a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.89; Salsabila Suhaimah Arrujiyyah Ambril of the Library Science Study Program, Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, earned a GPA of 3.91. Aaz Anzali of the Islamic Community Development Study Program, Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, finished with a GPA of 3.95.

At the master's level, Shelinda Cahaya of the Master's Program in Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, earned a GPA of 3.78; Alfaina Zia Inayati of the Master's Program in Islamic Economics, Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, earned 3.84. A. Indri Wahyuni of the Master's Program in Islamic Community Development, Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, earned 3.98.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Rizky Kurniasari reflected on education as a space to grow and gain equal opportunity. She recalled the doubts that can accompany students when facing big dreams.

"It turns out that each of us deserves to dream, is worthy of dreaming. We are often doubted and belittled, feeling small amid a pile of big dreams. God is Most Kind for bringing us to this place," she said.

For Rizky, UIN Sunan Kalijaga is a place where equality grows and is present in daily life, something that once felt far away and that she can now experience herself.

Yet reaching graduation day is also the result of shared struggle. Family and loved ones accompanied the journey with support, prayers, and hope.

She especially thanked parents who worked to provide their children's education.

"Mother, Father, thank you for passing down such a precious provision to us: education. You brought us to experience university, even when you never had that chance yourselves. May every parent who strives to educate their child be granted paradise without reckoning," she said sadly.

She also thanked UIN Sunan Kalijaga for being a space where graduates could learn, develop themselves, and complete their education.

"Congratulations on continuing an even greater journey. If along the way we meet failure and defeat, believe that what is yours will never pass you by," she concluded.

From the senate hall, the graduates begin their next journey with knowledge, experience, and their families' hopes. The messages on critical thinking, integrity, and the courage to dream are reminders that education gains its meaning when this provision is carried into work in society. (humassk)