September 3, 2024, marked the second day of the Hello Kampus event, an event to welcome the new students of Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) for the 2024-2025 academic year. The event included an introduction to each academic program offered by UNDIRA on the 5th floor, which was warmly received by the new students.

The event began with a presentation by Mr. Tri Munanto, SE., M.Ak., Chairman of the Belmawa and Achievement Task Force at LLDikti Region III. In his presentation, he emphasized that life is a metamorphosis, a concept that can be applied to the academic journey the new students are about to embark on.

He explained the various types of higher education, which include different specializations and teaching methods. Academic institutions focus on providing a deep theoretical understanding in specific fields of study. Vocational institutions emphasize practical skills that can be directly applied in the workforce, often tailored to meet specific market demands and involving extensive practical training. Meanwhile, professional institutions prepare students for specific careers that require certification or professional licenses, combining theoretical knowledge with practical training and often adhering to standards set by accreditation bodies or professional associations.

In the academic world, students have the freedom to express their academic aspirations objectively for the betterment of themselves and society. This expression can take the form of research or other scholarly activities. To motivate students, the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud) offers various options to channel their interests and talents. For campus-approved research, students are entitled to grants, and their research results are stored in the PDDikti data bank as a portfolio of their contributions.

Regarding the teaching and learning system at UNDIRA, it was explained that the university implements the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) system, which emphasizes flexibility in education. This flexible system allows students to participate in internships after the fourth semester, with the internship evaluations being transcribed as part of the students' academic record.

In another presentation by Mrs. Desi Rahmayanti, S.Kom., M.T., and Mr. Caturida Meiwanto D., S.E., M.Ak., PhD., it was highlighted that UNDIRA has adopted Google Workspace for education, which includes tools such as Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. Additionally, there is a communication forum and feedback system available through Google Sites, accessible to students. Google Sites also serves to document the learning reforms that students will experience at the end of each semester.

Mr. Margono Sugeng, M.Sc., further elaborated on the steps being taken to develop the skills and competencies of graduates for the year 2030. These include utilizing modern technology to support the teaching and learning process and integrating the Tri Dharma of higher education into community service as one of UNDIRA's educational goals.

However, university education is not the only measure of success, especially in terms of contributing to the nation. In the final session, Colonel Sus. Ratih Pusparini, S.S., M.A., the first woman to participate in the UN Peacekeeping Mission and Subdirectorate Head at Lemhannas RI, discussed the importance of ideology in shaping an individual's mindset. She emphasized that caring for the nation and committing to national progress are ways to preserve national identity.

Mrs. Ratih Pusparini's message resonated with the closing remarks by Mr. Sagoro Dharmawan, who stressed that vision is more important than knowledge, particularly for students. He encouraged them to maintain integrity towards themselves and the nation, not only in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth but also in contributing to the glory of the nation and their families. Ultimately, the knowledge gained can only take one as far as their imagination allows, but it is the prayers of their parents and the integrity of their character that will determine their future success.