UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta once again held an Open Senate Session for the Period I Graduation Ceremony of Academic Year 2026/2027 in the Prof. Amin Abdullah Building on Thursday, November 12, 2026. On the third day of the graduation series, 672 graduates from the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK) and the Faculty of Sharia and Law (FSH) were officially sent off to continue their journey of service in society.

The Open Senate Session was officially opened by University Senate Chair Prof. Dr. Kamsi. Of the third day's graduates, 410 came from FITK and 262 from FSH. This number is part of the 2,047 graduates in the Period I Graduation Ceremony of Academic Year 2026/2027.

In the Rector's remarks, delivered by video, Prof. Dr. Noorhaidi Hasan congratulated all graduates and expressed appreciation to the parents and families who gave support and made sacrifices while the graduates pursued their education. The Rector could not attend in person because he was representing the university at a public hearing on public body information transparency held by the Central Information Commission in Jakarta.

The Rector reminded graduates that graduation is not the end of the learning journey but the start of a new chapter of life full of change and challenges. For that reason, graduates are expected to keep developing themselves, to be adaptive, creative, and principled, and to be able to offer solutions to society's problems.

"Graduation is not the end of the learning journey, but the beginning of a new chapter of life," he said.

He also affirmed that the bond between alumni and their alma mater does not end after the graduation ceremony. "Once a Sunan Kalijaga student, always a part of Sunan Kalijaga family," he said.

Meanwhile, Vice Rector II Prof. Moch. Sodik stressed in his remarks that education at UIN Sunan Kalijaga is oriented not only toward intellectual intelligence, skills, and productivity but also toward building character and integrity. Education must push students to keep growing and to become agents of change for society and the environment.

He urged graduates to develop three main competencies: how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, and how to behave ethically. These cover the ability to think critically in analyzing information and evaluating evidence, to communicate effectively while respecting others' opinions, and to act ethically and responsibly.

In his view, these competencies must go hand in hand with UIN Sunan Kalijaga's core values: integrative-interconnective, dedicative-innovative, inclusive-sustainable, and continuity of growth. These values are the foundation for graduates to bring public benefit (kemaslahatan) and make real contributions in society.

"You are lifelong learners. Why were you able to graduate quickly? Because while your friends were playing, you studied at night. When your friends were sleeping, you were thinking," he said, reminding graduates that academic success must be a foothold for continued learning and developing their capacities.

On the occasion, graduate representative Aulia Triana Putri of the Islamic Religious Education Study Program at FITK delivered a commencement speech reflecting on the graduates' long journey in completing their education. She recalled the six requirements for gaining knowledge from a popular verse: intelligence, enthusiasm, earnestness, funds, a teacher's guidance, and a long time.

Aulia also expressed appreciation to everyone who supported the educational process, from lecturers, university leaders, and administrative staff to campus security and cleaning staff. In particular, she thanked parents for their prayers, sincerity, and sacrifices that carried the graduates to graduation day.

Facing life after campus, she urged graduates not to fear uncertainty, including the possibility of failing or not finding a job right away. In her view, education and knowledge give them the provisions to face many situations and the courage to try again.

"If we fall, let us rise. If we fail, let us try again. If we are tired, let us rest, then carry on. And don't forget to keep learning, because learning doesn't stop at the campus gate," she said.

At the third-day ceremony, six graduates at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels also received the title of best and fastest graduate. At the bachelor's level, the awards went to Aisyah Sabrina Indriyani of the Islamic Family Law (Ahwal Syakhshiyyah) Study Program at FSH, with a GPA of 3.92, and M. Iklilul Ilmy of the Islamic Religious Education Study Program at FITK, with a GPA of 3.95.

At the master's level, the title went to Mariya Ulva of the Master's Program in Sharia Studies at FSH, with a GPA of 3.96, and Salsabila Nur Imatul Adzillah of the Master's Program in Islamic Religious Education at FITK, with a GPA of 3.99.

At the doctoral level, the awards went to Suwardi of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Religious Education at FITK, with a GPA of 3.84, and Novingky Ferdinand of the Doctoral Program in Sharia Studies at FSH, with a GPA of 3.94.

Through this graduation, UIN Sunan Kalijaga affirms its commitment to offering higher education that produces graduates who are not only academically excellent but also principled, inclusive, and socially caring. Graduates are expected to carry the values of knowledge and humanity they gained in their studies to benefit society, the nation, and the world. (humassk)