UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta once again held an Open Senate Session for the First Period Commencement of Academic Year 2026/2027 in the Prof. Amin Abdullah Building on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The second day of commencement, officially opened by the University Senate Chair, Prof. Dr. Kamsi, was attended by 688 graduates from three faculties and the Graduate School.

The graduates comprised 231 from the Faculty of Usuluddin and Islamic Thought, 177 from the Faculty of Science and Technology, 155 from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and 125 from the Graduate School. This number is part of the 2,047 graduates sent off during the First Period Commencement of Academic Year 2026/2027.

The Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, said the graduation is part of the university's contribution to improving the quality of Indonesia's human resources.

"Through higher education, UIN Sunan Kalijaga prepares an educated and capable generation that can take on roles in the life of society," he said.

In his address, Prof. Noorhaidi framed the academic degree as both an intellectual and a moral responsibility. He described the meaning of scholarship through three qualities that graduates should embody: intelligence, virtue, and wisdom.

Intelligence, he explained, can be shown through the ability to think logically, critically, and creatively. That ability requires a willingness to question established assumptions, consider diverse perspectives, and seek evidence before reaching conclusions. In this way, the actions one takes rest on arguments that can be justified.

Virtue, he continued, relates to moral character expressed in integrity, honesty, hard work, and discipline. Wisdom, meanwhile, determines how knowledge and abilities are used, with consideration for broader interests.

"Having wisdom means that we act, behave, and make decisions by considering the principle of goodness for many people, for society, the nation, the state, and the civilization of humankind," he said.

These three qualities reflect an approach to education that connects mastery of knowledge with ethical consideration. Graduates are expected to understand problems in depth, take positions responsibly, and weigh the consequences of their actions for shared life.

Before the graduates and their guardians, the Rector also affirmed that UIN Sunan Kalijaga has long stood on the integration-interconnection paradigm, grounded in moral and religious values and integrity, which has led to the university's various achievements. These achievements are inseparable from the cooperation of the entire academic community, especially students, who are the heart of learning, and have helped UIN Sunan Kalijaga earn second place nationally in the THE WUR 2027 (Times Higher Education World University Rankings).

In his view, this achievement should be a source of confidence for graduates as they enter a wider sphere of service.

"Therefore, you must be confident in welcoming your future," he said.

On this occasion, the Rector cited the work of alumni, including Ganjar Alfian, a lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Fachrul Nurkolis, a scientist known for discovering anticancer active compounds and for a publication record running to hundreds of Scopus-indexed articles. He also mentioned Usuluddin alumnus Annas Rulo Mukhlisin, who is now pursuing a doctorate at Harvard University.

For this reason, the Rector urged the graduates to have courage and resilience in facing challenges while maintaining their intellectual quality and personal integrity.

"You must be brave and resilient in facing the challenges ahead. Hold on to those three things, uphold the good name of your alma mater, and believe that you can work and give your best for the nation," he said.

David Suharjanto, speaking on behalf of the graduates, struck a similar note, saying that graduation marks the beginning of greater responsibility. After completing their studies, graduates will take varied paths, from pursuing further education and building careers to contributing within their communities.

"Don't be afraid to face challenges. Choose the path that brings success for yourself and benefit to others. In the end, let us uphold our alma mater with integrity and put into practice the knowledge we have gained," David said.

On the second day of commencement, seven graduates at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels also earned the distinction of best and fastest graduate.

At the bachelor's level, the distinction went to Syefira Maharani Tasynim of the Communication Studies Program, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, with a GPA of 3.86; Ilham Ikhlasul Amal of the Biology Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, with a GPA of 3.88; and Rina of the Sociology of Religion Program, Faculty of Usuluddin and Islamic Thought, with a GPA of 3.91.

At the master's level, the recipients were Basmawati Haris of the Master's Program in Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies, Graduate School, with a GPA of 3.93; Siti Maslahatul Khaer of the Master's Program in Qur'anic Sciences and Exegesis, Faculty of Usuluddin and Islamic Thought, with a GPA of 3.96; and David Suharjanto of the Master's Program in Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, with a perfect GPA of 4.00.

At the doctoral level, the best and fastest graduate distinction went to Abd. Aziz Faiz of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Studies, Graduate School, with a GPA of 3.92.

This commencement brought together recognition of academic achievement with the responsibility to put knowledge into practice. The message of intelligence, virtue, and wisdom serves as provision for graduates as they pursue their varied paths after university, while carrying the educational values of UIN Sunan Kalijaga into their work, creations, and service to society. (humassk)