Tuesday (August 28), all new Regular A students of Widyatama University for the 2017/2018 academic year participated in the University Introduction Program (PPU) at the Widyatama University Auditorium (GSG). The four-day event was attended by more than a thousand students from Widyatama University. The PPU was opened with a solemn Open Senate Session by the Rector, Vice Rectors, Deans, and University Senate at exactly 8:00 a.m. This was followed by a report from the Head of the Student Affairs Bureau of Widyatama University, Mrs. Aida Wijaya, S.E., M.Si., Ak.
In her report, Aida said that during this year’s New Student Admissions period, nearly 200 new students received scholarships in various categories, including Teacher/Lecturer Children Scholarships, Scholarships for residents of Sukapada Village, Bandung, Diploma Scholarships, Flagship Program Scholarships, Academic PMDK 1, Scholarships for Widyatama employees’ children, and Bidikmisi Scholarships. On the same occasion, scholarships from the Widyatama Foundation, PT. Ultra Jaya, and Bank OCBC NISP were awarded to 170 active students.
Observing the massive phenomenon of people who are unaware of the law, the Head of the West Java High Court, Mr. Setia Untung Arimuladi, S.H., M.Hum, gave a public lecture at the PPU event at Widyatama University. Setia emphasized that the public, especially the youth, must be educated amid the freedom of expression on various social media platforms. It is crucial to filter content before posting on social media and to fully understand the applicable regulations.
To introduce the institution chosen by new students, the Rector of Widyatama University, Dr. H. Islahuzzaman, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., presented all the programs available at Widyatama University in terms of academics, national and international cooperation, the university’s plans for the next 25 years, and the technical aspects of the teaching and learning process. On this occasion, Widyatama University launched “UTama Emas,” a long-term plan to become a world-class university by 2038.
Essentially, the University Orientation Program aims to prepare new students for their new educational environment through a series of events condensed into a few days. The stigma of “ospek” (orientation week) being violent and a place for hazing must begin to change toward more positive aspects.
In fact, orientation programs should be suspended until universities can change the campus introduction process in a proper and respectful manner. This is a new approach by Widyatama University in organizing orientation programs that are free from discrimination, violence, and hazing by seniors. Activities that focus more on academics and soft skills development are emphasized to be more beneficial for new students who will soon begin their studies. The event lasted for four days, and this year’s PPU activities included an open Senate session, healthy living without drugs, how to organize, campus insights, introduction to student institutions, student organizations, and student activity units.
