Following the directions for implementing higher education in Indonesia, namely providing students with the opportunity to take part in the Independent Campus Learning (MBKM) program. The Undergraduate Chemistry Study Program (Prodi) FMIPA UNTAN carries out socialization of the MBKM program to all students of the Undergraduate Chemistry study program, as well as giving the opportunity to MBKM participants who have completed the activity to explain their experiences.
The activity took place on Tuesday 12 September 2023 in the UNTAN Theater Room 1 Conference building, which aims to disseminate information about several MBKM schemes and increase student interest in participating in the program. This activity was attended by students, lecturers and the MBKM Undergraduate Chemistry Study Program team with a total of 232 participants attending.
The presenter for this activity was the MBKM Study Program (Puji Ardiningsih, S.Si., M.Si), the activity began with a report on the implementation of MBKM by the Head of the Undergraduate Chemistry Study Program (Imelda, H. Silalahi Ph.D). The number of students who have taken part in the MBKM program to date is 150 people from various MKBM modes including: Student Exchange (Jend. Soedirman University), Permatasari (West BKS: ITERA and Univ. Riau), International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA, University of Padua -Italy), Certified Independent Study and Internship (MSIB), Young Fighters Ministry of Social Affairs Student Entrepreneurship Development, Independent Research, Student Creativity Program, and Independent Study. Some of these students have undergone the program for one semester and received a study load of 21 credits.
The next speech was by the Head of the Chemistry Department (Kajur) Dr. Andi Hairil Alimuddin, S.Si., M.Si also officially opened the event. On this occasion the Head of the Chemistry Department expressed his appreciation to the participants who had participated in the activities well and participated in supporting the Ministry of Education and Research and Technology's Independent Campus Program. The achievement of this program is an effort to improve the main indicators of success in higher education, especially the Undergraduate Chemistry Study Program under the auspices of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UNTAN. The chemistry department also continues to evaluate and identify deficiencies in the implementation of the MBKM program so that future implementation can be even better. At the end of his speech, the Head of Chemistry also expressed his thanks to the faculty, partners and MBKM team who have supported and made this program a success.
After the speech and opening, the session continued with sharing of experiences conveyed by 13 selected participants during the MKBM Program which was guided by the MBKM team (Dr. Ajuk Sapar, SSi., M.Si). Participants in the IISMA and ICT programs revealed that the biggest challenges while participating in activities were language, homesickness and academic pressure. However, these challenges and obstacles are nothing compared to the benefits, namely the opportunity to improve foreign language skills, study and enrich foreign cultures, experience different academic atmospheres, and expand student networks and connections from overseas universities. Participants from other modes conveyed the same thing, namely: gaining experience working in industry, research ideas for their thesis final project, experience interacting directly with the village community, and adding new insights that have not been obtained on campus.
On this occasion the MBKM team (Dr. Anthoni Aritonang, S.Si., M.Si ) also participated in providing motivation to the participants present. The event closed with certificates, door prizes and a group photo session.
