Banda Aceh, August 15, 2025. The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), successfully held the Academic and Character Development Program for New Students (Pakarmaru) on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the FMIPA Building, Darussalam, Banda Aceh. This event marked an important moment in welcoming 605 new students from seven study programs within the faculty.
The faculty-level Pakarmaru served as a continuation of the university-wide orientation, which took place on August 11–14, 2025. After attending general sessions at the university level, the new students were introduced more closely to the academic environment, scientific culture, and student organizations within FMIPA.
The opening ceremony was held solemnly, attended by the faculty leadership, lecturers, administrative staff, organizing committee, and student representatives. The event began with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem and the USK Hymn, followed by prayers for the smooth running of the program.
In his opening remarks, Dean of FMIPA, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si., M.Tech., officially inaugurated the 2025 Pakarmaru. He emphasized the importance of synergy between academic competence (hard skills), interpersonal abilities (soft skills), and character building. According to him, these three pillars form the foundation for students to grow into well-rounded scientists and professionals.
“FMIPA students must be disciplined, resilient, and adaptive to change. You are not only here to learn theories but also to understand how to apply science for the benefit of society,” stated Prof. Taufik in his speech.
He further explained FMIPA’s vision of becoming a socio-sciencepreneurial faculty an institution that integrates scientific knowledge with social entrepreneurship. Through this vision, the faculty is committed to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also capable of creating innovations that positively impact both society and the environment.
Prof. Taufik also highlighted the faculty’s mission to enhance the quality of graduates, expand access to inclusive education, and strengthen academic collaborations at national and international levels. These efforts align with USK’s broader mission to build a research-based and innovation-driven higher education environment.
Following the opening ceremony, several academic and character development sessions were presented. Dr. Nasrullah Zaini, S.Si., M.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, delivered a presentation on FMIPA’s academic system and curriculum. He introduced the concept of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and explained how the faculty’s learning process focuses on competence and measurable learning outcomes.
Dr. Nasrullah also encouraged students to adapt to the challenges of higher education. “University learning requires independent thinking, collaboration, and scientific problem-solving. Students must learn how to analyze data critically and communicate their ideas effectively,” he remarked.
The next session featured Dr. Rer. Nat. Ilham Maulana, S.Si., who delivered a lecture on character building and academic ethics. He emphasized that being a science student means not only mastering experiments and theories but also upholding integrity, honesty, and responsibility in the pursuit and application of scientific knowledge.
Dr. Ilham urged students to cultivate a scientific mindset rooted in honesty, hard work, and social awareness. He cited various examples of how science students can contribute to society through environmental research, technological innovation, and data-driven community service.
Beyond the academic sessions, the event also introduced new students to student life within the faculty. They were introduced to the structure and roles of student organizations such as the Student Executive Board (BEM) and various other student associations (Ormawa), which serve as platforms for leadership, creativity, and talent development.
The event involved an organizing committee composed of senior students who played an active role in coordinating the activities. The warm and lively interactions between new students and the committee reflected the spirit of solidarity that characterizes the FMIPA community.
For many participants, Pakarmaru was their first experience of the university’s academic atmosphere. They expressed pride in becoming part of the FMIPA family and enthusiasm to begin their academic journey in science and technology at USK.
One of the new students from the Biology Study Program, Nur Aisyah, shared her impression, saying, “This activity is very insightful because it helps us understand the faculty’s values and expectations. It also motivates us to be active, responsible, and high-achieving students.”
Through this program, the academic community of FMIPA hopes that new students will adapt quickly to the campus environment, embrace the culture of scientific inquiry, and develop their potential in accordance with their chosen field of study.
The 2025 FMIPA Pakarmaru also reflects the faculty’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through academic and character improvement, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through the promotion of socio-scientific entrepreneurship, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening academic collaboration and institutional partnerships.
May the spirit of Pakarmaru 2025 inspire FMIPA-USK students to become future leaders who are knowledgeable, ethical, and committed to achieving sustainable development through science and innovation.
