UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held a graduation ceremony in the New Normal uniquely in the Period III Graduation Ceremony, Saturday (27/6/2020), through online and offline ceremony using environmentally friendly vehicles drive-thru.
Fifteen graduates with cum laude predicate were graduated in the offline system by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho to represent their fellow students who follow the ceremony through UNS YouTube channel live stream. Wearing their graduation toga, the cum laude graduates drive environmentally friendly transport such as pedicab, andong, bicycle, and electrical motorbike and cars motor created by Information and Technology Center of Excellence (Pusat Unggulan Ipteks – PUI) UNS. These vehicles stopped in front of the dr. Prakosa Building UNS and waited for the Rector to move graduation tassel.
In his remark, Prof. Jamal stated that Period III graduation is a form of physical distancing and health protocol suggested by the government. This step is taken considering the transmission of Covid-19 that present in almost all regions in Indonesia. Drive-thru concept is added as a unique and creative innovation of UNS. The Rector hoped that, regardless of the pandemic situation, the graduates will be able to adjust themselves and create a new lifestyle.
“I believe and sure that in this pandemic, as the young generation, you all have the capacities, adaptabilities, and ability to create a new conducive environment, adapting yourself to all kind of situation, including applying the New Normal to avoid negative impacts of Covid-19 pandemic,” Prof. Jamal stated.
Prof. Jamal also highlighted the importance of instilling critical thinking. According to him, intelligence is critically needed to adapt oneself amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Well-developed adaptability will grant its user a more realistic point of view in facing their life. The Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Ahmad Yunus, reported that UNS graduating 329 students from doctoral, magister, specialist doctor program, undergraduate, and diploma program. From this number, 131 students graduated with cum laude predicate. The graduation ceremony was attended by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) RI, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mahfud MD. Humas UNS/Yefta/Dwi