17 March 2022
Fenny Julistine Tarigan
Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is currently prioritizing the achievement of Key Performance Indicator (IKU) 2, which aims to provide students with off-campus experiences, requiring a minimum of 20 credits and at least national-level achievements. Through this initiative, students can engage in activities such as internships, research, village projects, student exchanges, entrepreneurship, and teaching. This IKU aims to encourage universities to offer more opportunities for students to develop themselves through diverse learning models, equipping them with practical skills. One such activity is the Thematic KKN (Community Service Program) coordinated by LPPM USU.
The event occurred on Thursday, March 17, 2022, and was officially opened by the Head of LPPM USU, Prof. Tulus, Vor.Dipl.Math., M.Si., Ph.D. In his opening remarks, Prof. Tulus emphasized that LPPM USU is committed to supporting the achievement of IKU through all programs in 2022, particularly in KKN, community service, and mentoring programs for fostered villages.
The meeting featured a presentation by Reni Asmara Ariga, S.Kp., MARS, Academic Advisor to the Rector of USU, who discussed the substance and recognition guidelines for KKN activities within the MBKM program to ensure that these activities contribute as data supporting the achievement of IKU 2 at USU. USU is actively working to recognize off-campus/field activities to enhance performance metrics. Therefore, support from all sectors, including academic programs and the academic information system, is essential for the success of this recognition effort.
In his additional remarks, Prof. Tulus highlighted that all activities planned by LPPM USU are designed to align with the university's recognition efforts. Thus, all activity guidelines have been adjusted to align with USU's recognition targets.
Siti Salmiah, drg., Sp.KGA, Advisor to the Rector for Collaboration and Research Product Commercialization, also shared her hopes during the event. She stressed the importance of integrating these activities with other achievements. Physical evidence of activities, such as MOUs/MOAs or other forms of documentation, is crucial to support collaboration goals.
The event was attended by 122 USU lecturers, including Vice Deans I and III and Heads/Secretaries of Study Programs at Universitas Sumatera Utara. Numerous questions and statements, both oral and written, were raised during the meeting, highlighting the need for intensive coordination and clear operational guidelines for implementation at the program level. One significant consequence is the need to synchronize the schedule for community service activities with USU's academic calendar.
Additional References:
Presentation Materials
Zoom Meeting Recording
