Surakarta, 20 February 2026 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), through its Direktorat Reputasi, Kemitraan, dan Urusan Internasional (Directorate of Reputation, Partnership, and International Affairs/DRKUI), organized a Welcoming Session for Inbound Students. The session was held to officially welcome and provide orientation for inbound students from Uzbekistan participating in exchange and credit transfer programs at UMS.
The event began with an introduction session between the inbound students and the Head of Study Program, Secretary of Study Program, and their assigned buddy, who will accompany them throughout their study period. The session was facilitated by Hepy Adityarini and aimed to establish initial communication while introducing students to the academic environment at UMS.
In his remarks, the Director of DRKUI, Nurgiyatna, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed appreciation and extended a warm welcome to the inbound students, encouraging them to adapt well both academically and socially during their studies at UMS.
“We are honored to welcome students from diverse backgrounds to Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. Your presence not only enriches our academic atmosphere but also strengthens the spirit of internationalization and global collaboration that we continuously promote,” he stated.
During the academic information session, participants were informed that regular classes for UMS students commenced on 9 February, while inbound students will officially begin attending classes on 23 February 2026.
The program continued with a presentation from the representative of PESMA KH. Mas Mansur UMS regarding dormitory regulations and facilities. PESMA serves as the official university dormitory, offering a secure living environment with 24-hour security while supporting students’ academic and social balance.
The presentation outlined the dormitory’s organizational structure and residential services, coordinated by the Duty Residential Coordinator who remains on standby. Facilities include an optional meal service at IDR 350,000 per month (operating Monday to Friday) and laundry services at IDR 5,000 per kilogram, with specific conditions applied to certain items.
Students were also briefed on dormitory regulations, including the prohibition of occupying a room alone, bringing certain electronic appliances, cooking inside rooms, and inviting guests into rooms. Additional policies concerning gate operating hours, overnight stay permissions, dress code, and ethical conduct were explained in detail. Students who violate the regulations will receive two warning letters before further sanctions are imposed.
In the subsequent session, inbound students engaged in discussions with the Head and Secretary of the Study Program, along with their respective buddies, to discuss course selection, class schedules, and campus adaptation. The assigned buddies are expected to provide intensive assistance during the first week of classes.
Hepy Adityarini, S.Pd., M.A., Ph.D., Head of Subdivision for Academic Partnership Development and Mobility at DRKUI UMS, emphasized that the university has prepared strategic measures to ensure a smooth adaptation process for inbound students, both academically and in dormitory life.
“We ensure that all inbound students are properly registered in their selected courses and will receive detailed schedule and classroom information before classes begin. Assigned buddies will also provide intensive support during the first week to assist with both academic and social adaptation,” she explained.
She further added that PESMA management will distribute written dormitory regulations and require students to sign a statement of compliance as a shared commitment to maintaining order and comfort within the dormitory environment. An official communication group will also be established to facilitate coordination and information sharing.
Furthermore, DRKUI will conduct periodic monitoring during the first month to ensure that students adjust well. “We maintain open communication. Should there be any academic or non-academic concerns, students are encouraged to report them immediately to DRKUI or the respective study program. We will also organize a feedback session after one month to directly gather students’ experiences and suggestions,” she concluded.
As part of its long-term commitment to higher education internationalization, UMS continues to expand its global partnership network, enhance support services for international students, and foster an inclusive academic ecosystem with global competitiveness. Through student mobility initiatives such as this, UMS reaffirms its role as an institution that embraces international collaboration and strives to become a welcoming academic home for students from around the world.
