The Rector of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Prof. Dr. M. Solehuddin, M.Pd., M.A., highlighted the significance of the Campus Orientation and General Lecture as a meaningful and inspiring starting point for new students. During his speech at the Closing Ceremony of the 2024/2025 Academic Year Orientation at the Gymnasium of UPI’s Bumi Siliwangi Campus on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, he congratulated the students embarking on a challenging journey at UPI and urged them to become agents of change who bring positive impacts to the nation.
Prof. Solehuddin emphasized the competitive nature of today’s world, stating, “Our current era is highly challenging and competitive. Like it or not, we are constantly being compared and judged. Therefore, there is no room for mediocrity. If we remain ordinary, we will surely be left behind.”
He further elaborated on UPI’s vision of being “Leading and Outstanding,” acknowledging that this vision is difficult to interpret and achieve in real life. He urged students to adopt an extraordinary attitude in all aspects of their lives to embody this vision. “If we want to be Leading and Outstanding, we must be extraordinary in everything we do. So, make it your mission to become exceptional UPI students. Let’s innovate and collaborate with lecturers through academic research,” he advised.
Prof. Solehuddin also stressed the importance of collaboration in academic activities, noting that great goals can only be achieved through strong synergy between students, lecturers, and all campus elements. To gain recognition at both national and international levels, he encouraged students to maximize their potential and abilities in their studies and personal development according to their interests and talents.
In addition to equipping themselves with the necessary 21st-century skills, he highlighted the need to effectively utilize the latest technology and, most importantly, to rely on faith in God for the success of their efforts.
On the same occasion, the Director of UPI’s Student Affairs Directorate, Prof. Dr. Prayoga Bestari, S.Pd., M.Si., acknowledged the remarkable potential of UPI’s new students. He expressed his hope that they would excel academically and non-academically, succeed in organizational activities, and be willing to step out of their comfort zones.
“Stepping out of your comfort zone requires physical and mental strength to face various challenges both domestically and internationally, enabling you to compete,” he said. He urged students to enhance and develop their skills at UPI to master multiple talents or specific fields.