Jakarta, FU Online News – The Faculty of Ushuluddin successfully organized the Academic and Student Culture Orientation Program (PBAK) for graduate students on September 2–3, 2025, carrying the theme “Fostering a Research Culture Towards an Excellent Ushuluddin.” The event took place at the Main Library Auditorium and was attended by 56 students from the 2024 and 2025 cohorts, representing three master's programs: Qur’anic and Tafsir Studies, Islamic Theology and Philosophy, and Comparative Religion Studies.

The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Prof. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of PBAK as the starting point in shaping the academic character of postgraduate students.

“PBAK is not merely an orientation but a momentum to build a research culture that is excellent, full of integrity, and contributes meaningfully to the development of Ushuluddin studies at both national and global levels,” he remarked.

Also in attendance were the Vice Deans:

• Dr. Eva Nugraha, M.Ag. (Vice Dean for Academic Affairs),

• Dr. Lilik Ummi Kaltsum, M.A. (Vice Dean for General Administration), and

• Dr. Aktobi Ghozali, M.A. (Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation).

Additionally, the event was attended by the Heads and Secretaries of the Graduate Programs, namely:

• Dr. Ahmad Fudhaili, M.Ag. and Dr. Humaidi, S.Th.I., M.Ud. (Head and Secretary of the Qur’anic and Tafsir Studies Program),

• Prof. Dr. Bambang Irawan, M.Ag. and Muhamad Tamamul Iman, M.Phil. (Head and Secretary of the Islamic Theology and Philosophy Program and Comparative Religion Studies Program).

In the next session, Dr. Eva Nugraha, M.Ag. delivered a presentation on the faculty’s vision, mission, academic regulations, and scholarly culture. Students were also introduced to the program structure and curriculum, research roadmap, and strategies for completing their studies on time.

Digital Literacy and Academic Resources

The first day concluded with a session on Library and Repository Literacy facilitated by the Head of the Library Center, Agus Rifai, S.Ag., S.S., M.Ag., Ph.D., accompanied by librarian Maryulisman, S.IP. This session equipped students with skills to access international journals, digital repositories, and utilize the Learning Management System (LMS), including Turnitin to uphold academic integrity.

Methodology and Academic Writing Strengthening

The second day focused on strengthening research methodology and academic writing. Prof. Dr. Media Zainul Bahri, M.Ag. delivered a lecture on Research Methodology Reinforcement, highlighting the importance of validity, reliability, and research ethics.

The session continued with Thesis Writing Enhancement, presented by Dr. Rahmat Hidayatullah, M.A. and Dr. Rizky Yazid, M.Ag., who provided guidance on the structure of academic writing, scholarly writing styles, and citation ethics.

Thesis Mentorship Program

As a follow-up to the orientation, the Faculty of Ushuluddin has prepared a Thesis Mentorship Program to run from September 8, 2025, to January 2026. This initiative aims to assist students in preparing their research proposals and theses from an early stage to support timely graduation.

The PBAK program concluded with an evaluation session, reflections from participants, and a group photo session.

Through the successful implementation of this PBAK, the Faculty of Ushuluddin reaffirms its commitment to producing master's graduates who are excellent, ethical, and competitive in the scholarly tradition of Ushuluddin studies. (Ishmatun Nisa/Ahmad Rizal)