UNIPMA — A total of 851 freshmen at Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) were equipped with the ability to adapt to university life while also gaining an understanding of the ethics of using artificial intelligence (AI). The training was part of the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB), themed “Cendekia Generation: Competitive, Adaptive, and Impactful.”

UNIPMA Rector Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., said in an interview that PKKMB serves as a momentum for students to become familiar with the education system, academic environment, as well as various campus facilities and services.

“We hope that freshmen can immediately adapt to the higher education system. They also need to become familiar with the campus facilities and environment,” he said on Thursday (11/9), yesterday.

In addition to academic orientation, students received materials on national insight, religious moderation, as well as the prevention of violence and bullying. According to Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., character development needs to go hand in hand with academic achievement through responsibility, independence, and honesty.

Technological developments were also a focus of the freshmen orientation. Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., reminded students to use AI to assist with their work and coursework without disregarding academic norms and ethics.

“AI is a tool to make work easier. However, its use must still comply with applicable norms. There are ethical considerations that must be observed so that technology is not misused,” he stressed.

UNIPMA also encourages students to develop competencies beyond academic achievement, including through certifications relevant to their fields of study. Certifications are considered an added value when graduates enter the workforce because they demonstrate skills relevant to professional needs.

“Students should not only have good academic results but also possess other competencies,” added Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd.

On the first day of PKKMB, Monday (7/9), students received material on PPLP-PT PGRI Madiun, delivered by the Chairperson of PPLP-PT PGRI Madiun. Academic and research materials in higher education were delivered by Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. Marheny Lukitasari, M.Pd., while student services were presented by Vice Rector II Dr. Elva Nuraina, M.Si.

Character-building material based on a growth mindset was delivered by Vice Rector III Dr. Jeffry Handhika, M.Pd., M.Si. Meanwhile, materials on communication ethics, responsible social media use, and content creation featured Dr. Yoga Ardian Feriandi, M.Pd., and Rihan Mustafa Z, S.E., M.Ak.

Students also took part in a campus environment orientation covering various bureaus, units, and centers at UNIPMA. The materials were delivered by the heads, deputies, and staff of the respective bureaus, units, and centers.

In terms of institutional development, UNIPMA is currently conducting the selection process for students of the Professional Pharmacist Program following the issuance of its operating permit. The university is also processing the selection for its doctoral (Ph.D.) program and has nominated two lecturers to be inaugurated as professors.

“Our greatest hope for 2027 concerns accreditation. So that when we add several study programs in the future, they can achieve excellent accreditation, including institutional accreditation,” concluded Dr. H. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd.