Mangupura – Udayana University (Unud) graduated 1,272 students during its 178th Graduation Ceremony, held at the Giri Nata Mandala Cultural Hall within the Badung Government Center (Puspem) on Saturday (August 29).
Graduates from various academic levels were encouraged to apply the knowledge and competencies gained during their studies to make tangible contributions to society, the nation, and the country.
The 178th graduation ceremony included graduates from Diploma, Professional, Bachelor’s, Specialist, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Of the total graduates, 744 achieved *Cum Laude* (With Honors) status, comprising 12 Doctoral, 58 Master’s, 37 Specialist, 20 Professional, 574 Bachelor’s/Applied Bachelor’s, and 43 Diploma graduates.
Udayana University’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Ir. I Nengah Sujaya, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., reported that of the 1,272 graduates, 990 were from Bachelor’s or Applied Bachelor’s programs. Female graduates numbered 541 (54.65 percent), while male graduates totaled 449 (45.35 percent).
Regarding academic performance, the average Grade Point Average (GPA) for female graduates was 3.83, higher than the 3.79 average for male graduates. Meanwhile, the average study duration was 7.98 semesters for female graduates and 8.33 semesters for male graduates. This achievement reflects the educational journey undertaken by the graduates of Udayana University. The academic foundation, competencies, and experiences gained during their studies are expected to serve as valuable assets, enabling graduates to continue growing while benefiting their professional environments and society at large.
The Rector of Udayana University, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, S.T., Ph.D., expressed his pride in the graduates’ successful completion of their studies. With the addition of 1,272 graduates at the 178th graduation ceremony, the total number of Udayana University alumni has now reached 139,527.
“On behalf of myself, the institution, and the entire Udayana University academic community, it is with great pride that we send forth these 1,272 graduates at this 178th commencement ceremony,” said Prof. Sudarsana.
The Rector emphasized that graduation is not the end of the journey, but rather the beginning of a new phase where graduates must face challenges and assume broader roles in society. Their status as alumni also entails a responsibility to uphold the values and reputation of their alma mater through their respective endeavors.
“As alumni, you represent Udayana University in the community. Your conduct in society will serve as a reflection of this campus,” he asserted.
Therefore, Prof. Sudarsana urged the alumni to always think, speak, and act with integrity and kindness, and to safeguard the good name of Udayana University. He expressed hope that the knowledge acquired during their education would not remain merely an academic achievement but would be translated into practice and service within their respective fields of expertise.
Graduates are encouraged to continue learning, enhancing their competencies, and working both smartly and sincerely. Equipped with these attributes, alumni are expected to play a role in addressing societal needs and challenges, while contributing to the advancement of the nation and the state.
“May the knowledge you have gained be effectively applied for the betterment of society, the nation, and the state,” he hoped. To maintain the bond between alumni and their alma mater, the Rector also encouraged graduates to actively participate in the Udayana University Alumni Association (IKAYANA). The alumni network is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration and contribution, strengthening ties among graduates, Udayana University, and the wider community.
Furthermore, alumni are encouraged to complete the online tracer study questionnaire. Data and feedback from alumni play a crucial role in evaluating and enhancing educational programs, ensuring they remain relevant to the needs of society and the workforce.
The Rector also expressed appreciation to the parents, guardians, and families of the graduates for the support provided throughout their educational journey. The graduates’ success is a result of their hard work and perseverance, as well as the support from their families and the various parties who accompanied them during their academic pursuits.
Through this 178th graduation ceremony, Udayana University reaffirms its role in producing graduates who not only excel academically but also embrace the responsibility of applying their knowledge and skills for the benefit of society. With the addition of 1,272 new alumni, the university hopes to see even greater contributions and positive impacts on the community, the nation, and the country.