Medan, August 31, 2026 – The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), received a visit from the USU Academic Senate to gather input regarding the development and implementation of academic activities at the faculty. The activity took place in the Meeting Room of the Main Building of FP USU and was attended by members of the USU Academic Senate, the FP USU Dean's Office, as well as the Heads and Secretaries of Study Programs within the Faculty of Agriculture USU.
The activity began with an introduction to the members of FP USU and a presentation of the faculty profile by the Dean of FP USU, Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo. In his presentation, the Dean outlined the development of FP USU, ranging from study programs, lecturers and students, graduates, student achievements, research and community service, to cooperation and partnership strengthening.
The Dean stated that the number of new students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels had increased compared to the previous year. The trend of students graduating on time also showed positive development. During the 2024–2026 period, students of FP USU recorded 118 achievements at various levels. Moving forward, the faculty will continue to encourage students to participate in various competitions to strengthen the culture of achievement and improve competitiveness.
In the areas of research and publication, strengthening lecturers' human resources is one of the main concerns. The Dean emphasized the importance of policy support and incentives to encourage lecturers to increase their research and publication productivity. According to him, improving the quality of the faculty depends not only on students but also on the quality, competence, and academic culture of lecturers.
“The most important point is improving the quality of lecturers. The problem lies with the lecturers, not the students. Therefore, we need to change our mindset and perspective,” said the Dean.
Laboratory maintenance is also one of the priorities of FP USU. As a science-based faculty, the availability of adequate laboratories and equipment is very important in supporting the learning and research processes. The faculty is also currently updating its research roadmap using an approach based on leading commodities and regional potential, so that research development can be directed in a more integrated manner from upstream to downstream.
Strengthening partnerships with industry and the government is also an important part of the faculty's development strategy. FP USU continues to build networks through public lectures, internships, Field Work Practice (PKL), research, and community service activities. The involvement of practitioners and industry partners is expected to further strengthen the relevance of the curriculum to workforce needs and improve graduate competencies.
During the meeting, the USU Academic Senate also provided input regarding the development of PSDKU, the utilization of the Kwala Bekala area, internationalization, alumni career assurance, strengthening scientific publications, and the implementation of an Outcome-Based Education (OBE)-based curriculum. The Senate also encouraged FP USU to continue innovating and ensure that the faculty's development direction is aligned with the vision of Universitas Sumatera Utara.
In response, the Dean of FP USU stated that the faculty would continue to strengthen cooperation with industry, the government, and various stakeholders. The development of Kwala Bekala is also one of the strategic plans that will gradually be directed to support research, livestock, fisheries, and agricultural commodity development activities.
This activity is in line with FP USU's commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through strengthening education quality and student competencies, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through laboratory and research development, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strengthening collaboration with industry, the government, and various strategic partners. Efforts to improve the relevance of graduates to workforce needs also contribute to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Closing the activity, the Dean of FP USU expressed appreciation for the visit and discussion with the USU Academic Senate. The meeting is expected to serve as a momentum to align visions, conduct evaluations, and formulate sustainable steps for the development of the faculty.
Through synergy among university leaders, faculties, study programs, lecturers, students, and partners, FP USU is committed to continuously improving the quality of human resources, academic culture, research, innovation, and partnerships to make a tangible contribution to the development of agriculture and society.