The Pembinaan Akademik dan Karakter Mahasiswa Baru (PAKARMARU) or Academic and Character Development for New Students is an annual event organized by Syiah Kuala University (USK). During the pandemic, this was the second time PAKARMARU was held online via Zoom Cloud Meeting, conducted in three stages: University PAKARMARU, Faculty PAKARMARU, and Department PAKARMARU.
The PAKARMARU for the Mathematics Department was attended by all 2021 freshmen who were accepted into the Undergraduate Mathematics Study Program (S1), as well as the Head and Secretary of the Department, lecturers, and the Department’s student organization representatives, on Friday, August 13, 2021.
“PAKARMARU aims to introduce the Mathematics Department to the 2021 freshmen, who previously may not have known about it. This introduction includes the lecturers, alumni, and the academic system of the Undergraduate Mathematics Study Program,” said Eri Erdian, the Chairperson of the 2021 PAKARMARU Committee.
In the presentation of the department profile delivered directly by the Head of the Mathematics Department FMIPA USK, Nurmaulidar, M.Sc., she introduced the undergraduate program to the new students. She also introduced the lecturers who teach in the program and highlighted the achievements of Mathematics students at both national and international levels.
In addition, the Secretary of the Department, Dr. Rini Oktavia, M.Si., M.A., explained the learning system and process in the Undergraduate Mathematics Program, including both the non-MBKM (Independent Learning–Independent Campus) and MBKM academic pathways that Mathematics students can pursue during their studies. She also encouraged new students to stay motivated and enthusiastic about learning despite the ongoing pandemic situation.
Besides the academic system, the event also introduced the student organization within the Mathematics Program — the Himpunan Mahasiswa Matematika (HIMATIKA) — which was presented directly by its chairperson, M. Faishal Majid R.A.
Alumni were also present to share success tips for studying Mathematics at FMIPA USK. One of them, M. Reza Subakti, S.Mat., expressed that Mathematics students should be grateful to have the opportunity to study in the Mathematics Department FMIPA USK. According to him, students receive numerous facilities, including various laboratories, computers, journals, excellent buildings, and fully air-conditioned classrooms. Furthermore, students have the privilege of learning from professional lecturers who apply engaging teaching methods. He also stated that it is well-deserved for the Mathematics Department to have earned an Accreditation A.
The session continued with a video presentation featuring Nurul Wahyuni, who is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Mathematics in the United States. She advised students to study diligently and to continuously improve their English proficiency as an international language.
The event concluded with a prayer recitation and a group photo session.