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| Meeting with the Parents of New Students at White Campus for the 2024-2025 Academic Year with UMM Leaders (Photo: Adit PR) |
Graduating from The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) does not necessarily require a thesis; there are other pathways that students can take. This was emphasized by UMM Rector Prof. Dr. Nazaruddin Malik, M.Si., in front of thousands of parents of new students (Maba) on September 7, 2024. The event was part of the Meeting with the Parents of New Students at White Campus for the 2024-2025 academic year with UMM leaders.
Nazar further explained that relying solely on a thesis as the only final project option could limit students' creativity, particularly in developing their interests and talents.
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“UMM provides various mechanisms for final projects. So, a final project does not always have to be a thesis. It can also be a publication in a reputable journal, research, Center of Excellence mechanisms, or various other achievements, including in non-academic fields. We provide these options so that students can explore their interests and talents further,” he explained.
He also mentioned that the financial system at UMM is very flexible. Parents can pay tuition fees (SPP) twice per semester. Even for the Education Development Fund (DPP), payments can be made up to 12 times during the study period.
“As an economist, I am well aware of the current economic situation. The post-COVID era has not yet stabilized. Many sectors have experienced a decline, including public purchasing power. This inevitably affects revenue levels. Therefore, we designed the financing scheme at UMM to provide relaxation in payments,” he said.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the UMM Daily Management Board (BPH) Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., explained that UMM provides a series of guarantees to all students and their parents, including Guaranteed Graduation on Time, Guaranteed Employment, and Guaranteed Independence. According to him, these guarantees reflect the campus's commitment to its students.
“If you ask the campus when your child can graduate, the usual answer from most universities depends on the student's performance. But in my opinion, that is not a responsible answer. Therefore, we can ensure that your child can graduate on time with skills acquired through various UMM programs,” he asserted.
Fauzan also explained UMM's flagship program, the Center of Excellence (CoE), based on study programs that serve as a platform for students to enhance their interests and talents. Students can focus more on the specialization they wish to pursue.
“For example, in the animal science program, there is a CoE for Professional Poultry and Ruminants. Students can choose one if they are truly interested in that class. These classes also collaborate directly with partners from the Business and Industry (DUDI). They can learn and practice directly, and as a bonus, they may even start working there before graduating,” he explained.
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Lastly, Fauzan thanked all the parents of new students for entrusting their children to the White Campus. He also advised all parents to stay in touch with their children throughout their studies at UMM.
“Parents should not lose communication with their children during their studies. I believe that those of you who entrust your children to UMM are well aware of UMM's reputation at both the national and international levels,” he concluded. (Faq/Wil/Fajr)
