USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a Campus Life Orientation program for new postgraduate, specialist, and professional program students at the USU Auditorium on Saturday (19/9/2026). The activity served as an initial introduction to the USU academic environment, helping new students understand the educational process, research, and scholarly development throughout their postgraduate studies.

The event was attended by USU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt.; Director of the USU Directorate of Educational Development, Prof. Dr. Rudi Hartono, S.Hut., M.Si.; USU Board of Trustees (MWA) Member, Prof. Dr. Erman Munir, M.Sc.; and USU Faculty of Cultural Sciences lecturer, Prof. Dr. Dra. T. Thyrhaya Zein, M.A. The event also involved education leaders and administrators, as well as new students from postgraduate, specialist, and professional programs.

USU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., stated that postgraduate education aims not only to understand existing knowledge but also to encourage students to develop, critically examine, and generate new contributions to society.

She also encouraged students to make the most of USU’s academic environment by building academic and professional networks, engaging in interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration, and maintaining integrity throughout their academic and professional endeavors.

“This education is not merely about understanding existing knowledge, but also about developing it, demonstrating it, critically examining it, and making new contributions,” she said.

Meanwhile, USU Board of Trustees (MWA) Member Prof. Dr. Erman Munir, M.Sc., explained that postgraduate students need to manage their time and prioritize their studies, particularly those who are also working. He emphasized the importance of time management to ensure that their education and research can progress effectively.

He also highlighted the importance of planning research from the beginning of the study period, from conducting research to preparing publications. According to him, the publication process takes time and must therefore be planned carefully to avoid delaying the completion of postgraduate studies.

“Research management must be properly implemented. When should I conduct research, and when should I start publishing? Because the publication process takes time,” he said.

Through this activity, new postgraduate, specialist, and professional program students at Universitas Sumatera Utara are expected to gain a clear understanding of their educational process, prepare for research from the outset, and develop their competencies and scholarly contributions throughout their studies at USU.