he Social Welfare Study Program (IKS) of the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta organized its annual Academic Orientation Program (Sosialisasi Pembelajaran/Sospem) for the incoming Class of 2025 from 25–27 August 2025 at the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication.

The three-day program was designed to support first-year students as they transition into university life, equipping them with the academic, social, and personal foundations necessary for success in higher education. The initiative also introduced students to the values, learning culture, and educational objectives of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, as well as the distinctive vision and mission of the Social Welfare Study Program.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of higher education and the growing complexity of social challenges, the orientation curriculum was updated to reflect both institutional developments and broader societal needs. Topics included UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Core Values, Religious Moderation, National Pillars and Civic Values, Student-Centered Learning (SCL) and Academic Ethics, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence, and a series of program-specific sessions focused on academic regulations and professional development.

A central feature of this year’s orientation was the introduction to the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) 2024 Curriculum, which serves as the academic framework for the Social Welfare Study Program. During these sessions, students were introduced to the program’s Graduate Learning Outcomes (Capaian Pembelajaran Lulusan/CPL), graduate profiles, expected competencies, curriculum structure, and future career pathways.

Faculty members emphasized how the OBE curriculum is designed to ensure that students acquire not only theoretical knowledge but also practical competencies required in contemporary social welfare practice. Students were encouraged to view their academic journey as a structured pathway toward becoming professionals capable of addressing social problems, promoting community well-being, and contributing to social development at local, national, and global levels.

The orientation also highlighted the diverse career opportunities available to Social Welfare graduates, including roles in social services, community development, social protection programs, rehabilitation services, humanitarian and disaster response, policy analysis, philanthropy, nonprofit management, corporate social responsibility, and social research.

The program was facilitated by Social Welfare faculty members, including Siti Solechah, M.Si., Abidah Muflihati, M.Si., Lathiful Khuluq, Ph.D., Dr. Asep Jahidin, M.Si., Andayani, S.IP., MSW., Noorkamilah, M.Si., Khotibul Umam, M.Si., M. Ulil Absor, Ph.D., M. Izzul Haq, Ph.D., and Idan Ramdani, M.A.

A total of 90 newly admitted students participated in the program, which was organized under the auspices of the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication.

By the conclusion of the orientation, students had gained a clearer understanding of their academic roadmap, the competencies expected of future graduates, and the professional opportunities awaiting them. The program reaffirmed the study program’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible, academically competent, and ethically grounded graduates prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.

“The orientation is not merely about introducing university regulations and academic procedures,” the organizers noted. “It is about helping students discover their purpose, understand their professional identity, and begin their journey as future social welfare practitioners and agents of social change.”