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| The Handover of Souvenirs to Andalas University. (Photo: Faqih Humas) |
The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) welcomed a visit from Andalas University (Unand) on October 24th. During their visit, Unand learned and engaged in discussions with UMM about various aspects, including innovative teaching methods and programs aimed at producing excellent graduates.
Professor Abdul Hakam, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering at Unand, expressed his desire to learn from UMM about how they continue to progress and develop. "As we all know, UMM has remarkable creativity and successfully implements the three pillars of higher education. They have thought far ahead about the future, such as the Future Work Center, which is future-oriented. This is very interesting," he added.
Read more : UMM Student Team Wins National Trial for Their Research on Human Trafficking
Furthermore, Hakam was also interested in UMM's Professor as Community Development Catalyst (PPPM) program. He inquired about how the research and collaborations carried out under this program benefit society widely.
In response, UMM's Rector, Professor Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd, explained that PPPM is designed to address issues within local communities. All actions are rooted in awareness. According to him, societal problems cannot be solved partially; they require comprehensive solutions. "This is achieved through collaboration with local governments. One of the things we have done is collaborate with Jember," Fauzan said.
In addition, he emphasized that it is necessary to take a different approach to gain attention from others. For example, the UMM Pasti program emerged from the awareness that parents want their children to graduate on time and secure jobs quickly after graduation.
"Because of these questions, UMM Pasti was created. Guaranteed on-time graduation, guaranteed employment, and guaranteed independence," he explained.
The first step is ensuring on-time graduation. This can be achieved through redesigning, affirmation, and recognition. UMM always strives to appreciate the achievements of its students. Thus, students can graduate without writing a thesis as long as they create significant work. "Achievements and masterpieces created by students can serve as substitutes for the thesis or final project," he said.
Secondly, ensuring that graduates are self-reliant and employable. In their sixth semester, students are encouraged to participate in the Center of Excellence (CoE). Consequently, upon graduation, students are assured of possessing competencies that are valuable in the job market.
Fauzan stated that establishing CoE is not haphazard. The prerequisite is to collaborate with companies with national and international reputations. "With this approach, UMM can be considered a quasi-compulsory service higher education institution," Fauzan concluded. (*dev/wil/fajr)
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