USU Public Relations – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a virtual orientation session via Zoom Meeting to prepare for the implementation of Compulsory Curriculum Courses (MKWK), Basic Disciplinary Courses (MKDK), and University Compulsory Courses (MKWU) on Tuesday (July 14, 2026).

The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni Relations, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., who emphasized that high-quality teaching begins not in the classroom, but with careful planning of the learning process.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Poppy stated that MKWK, MKDK, and MKWU play a strategic role as the foundation for shaping the character, values, and identity of students at Universitas Sumatera Utara.

"Quality learning does not begin when lecturers enter the classroom, but when we design the learning experiences that students will receive," she said.

She further emphasized that these three groups of courses are instrumental in shaping students' character, values, and mindset throughout their academic journey at USU.

"These three groups of courses are not merely complementary components of the curriculum; they serve as the foundation for developing students' character, ethics, and identity," she added.

The Director of the Directorate of Educational Development, Prof. Dr. Rudi Hartono, S.Hut., M.Si., highlighted the importance of ensuring readiness for course implementation in both online and face-to-face learning environments through effective coordination among all stakeholders.

"We hope that the implementation of MKWK, MKDK, and MKWU courses will run optimally, both online and offline, through strong cooperation and coordination among all relevant parties," he said.

The session's speaker, Ir. Galih Ari Wirawan Siregar, S.Pt., M.Si., IPM., CIT., explained that University Compulsory Courses (MKWU) are an essential component of Indonesia's national higher education curriculum, designed to foster students' personal development.

"The Compulsory Curriculum Courses represent the fundamental values of Indonesia and play an important role in shaping students' character," he explained.

He further noted that the implementation of MKWU is based on Law No. 12 of 2012 on Higher Education, which encompasses four core pillars: Religious Education, Pancasila, Citizenship Education, and the Indonesian Language.

"Through MKWU, students are expected not only to excel academically but also to develop strong character, integrity, and a deep sense of national identity," he added.

Through this orientation, students are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of MKWU as a cornerstone in developing a generation of graduates who are academically excellent, morally grounded, and equipped with strong character.