Medan, Indonesia – September 8, 2025 — The Master’s Program in English Education of Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) of North Sumatra held its New Students Orientation on Monday, September 8, 2025. The event, conducted virtually via Zoom, aimed to welcome incoming graduate students and provide comprehensive guidance on academic expectations, curriculum, and administrative procedures for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The orientation was attended by the faculty leadership, program coordinators, and all newly admitted students of the Master’s Program in English Education. The session ran from 4:00 PM to 6:15 PM Western Indonesian Time and featured opening remarks, academic presentations, administrative explanations, and an interactive Q&A session.
The program began with an opening ceremony and a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Tien Rafida, M.Hum, Dean of the Faculty of Tarbiyah Science and Teacher Training. In her remarks, Prof. Rafida emphasized the faculty’s commitment to shaping educators with professionalism, character, and global competitiveness.
“We are proud to welcome all of you to this academic community. As graduate students, you are not only learners but also future innovators in English Language Teaching (ELT). Our mission is to nurture educators who are ethical, competent, and adaptive to the demands of a globalized world,” Prof. Rafida stated.
She further encouraged students to take advantage of the faculty’s international collaborations, research opportunities, and digital learning initiatives, highlighting that UINSU continues to position itself as a center for academic excellence in language education.
Following the Dean’s remarks, Dr. Muhammad Dalimunte, M.Hum, Vice Dean for Administration and Finance, delivered a special address to the new students. He underlined the importance of institutional support and financial transparency in creating a conducive learning environment.
“Your academic success is our priority. The faculty provides not only quality instruction but also robust administrative support to ensure a smooth learning process. We believe that education is an investment, and we are committed to managing resources responsibly to benefit your academic journey,” said Dr. Dalimunte.
He also highlighted the role of digital systems such as SIA and PDDIKTI in maintaining accurate academic records, ensuring students can access their data anytime.
The highlight of the orientation was the course explanation session by Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D, Head of the Master’s Program in English Education.
In his presentation, Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D introduced the program structure, key learning outcomes, and the nine flagship initiatives designed to enhance students’ academic and professional competencies. These flagship programs are intended to strengthen students’ exposure to international academic forums, research collaborations, and real-world educational practices.
The 9 Flagship Programs presented include:
- Stadium General (September)
- Guest Lectures (October & March)
- International Visiting Professors (April & November)
- Graduate Academic Forum (First and Third Week Monthly)
- Weekly Seminars for 3rd-Semester Students
- International Joint Conference (August)
- International Community Services (May)
- International Student Engagement (May)
- International Visiting Lecturer (May)
According to Dr. Maslathif:
“Our program is designed not only to deliver theoretical knowledge but also to develop practical and research-based competencies. These nine flagship programs will give you exposure to international academic discourse, research collaboration, and community engagement,” he explained.
He also emphasized the importance of student supplementary skills, such as English teaching consultancy, public speaking, academic publication, community service, and edupreneurship, which are essential for graduates to compete globally.
Dr. Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D also conveyed the expected graduate profiles, which include:
- Professional English Language Educators – equipped with pedagogical skills, classroom management, and innovative teaching strategies.
- Character-driven ELT Researchers – capable of conducting research that contributes to the advancement of English Language Teaching (ELT) while upholding ethical and professional values.
- Global Competitive ELT Innovators – creative individuals who can produce learning innovations and adapt to global educational challenges.
“These three profiles represent our commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also ready to lead in the global educational arena,” Dr. Maslathif stated.
Dr. Maslathif also reiterated the vision of the Master’s Program in English Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, UIN Sumatera Utara:
“To become a leading master’s program at the Southeast Asian level in the development of integrated English language education based on a transdisciplinary approach to create an independent learning society by 2025.”
Based on this vision, the missions of the program are as follows:
- To organize education and learning in the field of Integrated English Language Education based on the transdisciplinary Wahdatul Ulum approach.
- To conduct research in English Language Education that produces new knowledge and technology through a transdisciplinary framework.
- To implement community service in English Language Education to create an independent and prosperous learning society.
- To establish international collaboration with world-class universities in the field of English Language Education.
During the orientation, Dr. Maslathif also introduced the lecturers and their respective areas of expertise in the Master’s Program. The faculty members consist of professors, associate professors, and doctoral graduates specializing in various fields such as:
- English Language Teaching (ELT) methodology
- Applied Linguistics
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Academic Writing and Publication
- Educational Technology and Digital Pedagogy
- Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics
- English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
This diverse expertise ensures that students receive comprehensive learning experiences, from theoretical frameworks to practical applications in the field of English education.
To prepare graduates for global competitiveness, the program emphasizes additional skill development, including:
- English Teaching Consultancy – enabling students to provide professional consulting services in ELT.
- Public Speaking and Professional Communication – essential for academic presentations and professional networking.
- Academic Writing and International Publication – guiding students to publish in reputable journals.
- Community Service and Educational Leadership – promoting social responsibility and leadership roles in education.
- Edupreneurship – fostering entrepreneurial skills to create innovative educational products and services.
“We want our graduates to not only excel in academic and research areas but also to be capable of creating educational innovations that impact society,” added Dr. Maslathif.
Next, Nur Fadhillah Syam, the SIA and PDDIKTI Operator, provided an overview of academic and administrative procedures, including course registration, academic integrity, and compliance with the national higher education database.
“Please familiarize yourselves with our online academic system. It is crucial for maintaining your study plan, registering for courses, and ensuring your data is accurately recorded in PDDIKTI. This will also be essential for your graduation process,” Nur Fadhillah advised.
The orientation included an interactive Questions and Answers session, allowing students to clarify doubts about the curriculum, research requirements, and administrative policies.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Reflina, M.Pd, Secretary of the Master’s Program in English Education, who encouraged students to embrace a spirit of collaboration, research, and innovation throughout their academic journey.
“You are entering a program that not only prioritizes academic excellence but also values ethical responsibility and global competitiveness. We expect you to be proactive, creative, and engaged in every academic activity,” Reflina said.
The New Students Orientation 2025 successfully introduced students to the vision, mission, and academic culture of the Master’s Program in English Education at UIN North Sumatra. With its integrated curriculum, research-driven approach, and international outlook, the program aims to produce professional English educators, ethical ELT researchers, and innovative global leaders.
The orientation marks the beginning of a promising academic journey for the new cohort, setting the tone for excellence and innovation in English language education.
