MEDAN — The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), held the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) for Master’s (S2) and Doctoral (S3) Programs 2026 on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The activity was conducted in a hybrid format at Classroom 1, Faculty of Agriculture, and via Zoom Meeting, providing new students with an opportunity to become acquainted with the academic environment, study programs, and various opportunities for personal and professional development at FP USU.
The activity, which began at 11:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), was attended by 98 new students, consisting of 54 students from the Master’s Program in Agrotechnology, 12 from the Master’s Program in Animal Science, 20 from the Master’s Program in Agribusiness, 3 from the Master’s Program in Food Science, and 9 from the Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences.
The PKKMB was attended by Vice Dean I of FP USU, Dr. Nini Rahmawati, S.P., M.Si.; Vice Dean II, Prof. Luthfi Aziz Mahmud Siregar, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Vice Dean III, Dr. Ir. Posma Mangasi Pintaria Marbun, M.P.; heads of the Master’s and Doctoral study programs; the Secretary of the Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences; the Head of the Academic and Student Affairs Subdivision; lecturers; and administrative staff.
The event began with participant registration and a luncheon, followed by the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, a prayer, a welcome address and introduction to the Faculty of Agriculture by the Dean of FP USU, a group photo, introductions to the respective study programs, and the closing session.
In his remarks, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture USU, Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec., welcomed the new students and encouraged them to make full use of the facilities and resources available at the Faculty of Agriculture.
“Thank you for coming to the Faculty of Agriculture USU. Hopefully you can succeed with your studies. You have a network here for your better future, but also with our faculty,” said Dr. Rulianda.
The message highlights the importance of an educational environment that enables students to grow both academically and professionally. This is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, particularly through the provision of inclusive and high-quality higher education that supports the development of students’ competencies and skills.
In his presentation, Dr. Rulianda outlined the various potentials of the Faculty of Agriculture while emphasizing the preparations students need to make to develop as innovative academics. Master’s and Doctoral students were encouraged not only to complete their studies but also to produce high-quality research, develop new ideas, and strengthen their ability to publish scientific works, including in international journals.
This emphasis on research and innovation strengthens the Faculty of Agriculture’s contribution to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, particularly through the advancement of knowledge, technology, and innovation to address challenges in the agricultural sector. Postgraduate students are expected to produce research that goes beyond academic publication and provides meaningful relevance and benefits to society and sustainable agricultural development.
The Dean also encouraged students to actively build networks with fellow students, lecturers, researchers, partners, businesses, government institutions, and other stakeholders. Such networks are considered important for creating opportunities for collaboration, broadening perspectives, and developing partnerships in education, research, and community service.
This spirit is aligned with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving sustainable development. For postgraduate students, the ability to build professional and academic networks is an important part of developing cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration that can strengthen the impact of research and innovation.
Dr. Rulianda also emphasized the statement, “Agriculture is a system; agriculture needs more than farmers.” According to him, agriculture is a complex system that requires contributions from various disciplines and professions. Agricultural development requires not only farmers but also researchers, academics, innovators, entrepreneurs, technologists, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
This perspective is important for Master’s and Doctoral students as they develop the ability to view agricultural challenges from broader and multidisciplinary perspectives. Through education, research, innovation, and collaboration, students are expected to contribute to addressing challenges related to agricultural development, food security, the environment, and community welfare.
The Dean also invited students to reflect on the question, “What kind of student do you want to be?” The question serves as an encouragement for students to establish clear goals throughout their studies, develop positive habits, maintain discipline and consistency, and actively seek opportunities for learning and personal development.
This message was reinforced by the statement, “While you are waiting, the world moves.” Students were reminded that developments in science, technology, and societal needs continue to evolve. Therefore, students are encouraged not simply to wait, but to take initiative by learning, conducting research, building collaborations, developing innovations, and making meaningful contributions.
Following the session with the Dean, the activity continued with introductions to each study program, conducted both in person and through Zoom Meeting. The session provided new students with information about their respective academic environments and the learning processes at the Master’s and Doctoral levels.
Through this PKKMB, the Faculty of Agriculture USU hopes that new Master’s and Doctoral students will begin their academic journey with enthusiasm for learning, research, innovation, and collaboration. The activity serves not only as an introduction to the campus environment but also as part of the faculty’s efforts to develop high-quality human resources capable of contributing to sustainable development.
By strengthening quality education (SDG 4), innovation and knowledge development (SDG 9), and partnerships and collaboration (SDG 17), Master’s and Doctoral students at FP USU are expected to develop into academics, researchers, professionals, and leaders who make positive contributions to agricultural advancement at both the national and international levels.