On November 5, 2024, the Mathematics Study Program at the Faculty of Science, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), conducted a curriculum benchmarking activity focused on the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of MIPA, UGM. This program aimed to ensure that the applied curriculum meets relevant academic standards and aligns with scientific developments and industry needs.
The ITERA delegation was led by Dear Michiko Mutiara Noor, S.Si., M.Si. (Quality Control Unit of the Faculty of Science), accompanied by several lecturers and administrative staff, including Achmad Suryadi Nasution, S.Si., M.Sc. (Quality Control Unit of the Study Program), Triyana Muliawati, S.Si., M.Si. (Head of the Expert Group/Research Group), Aswan Anggun Pribadi, M.Si. (Coordinator of Student Affairs and Alumni), Tiara Shofi Edriani, S.Si., M.Si. (Curriculum and MBKM Coordinator), Nela Rizka, S.Pd., M.Si. (Final Project Coordinator), Riko Rakhmat, S.Si. (Mathematics Laboratory Assistant), and Natya Harum Salsabillah, S.Si. (Administrative Staff).
The benchmarking was conducted by comparing ITERA’s curriculum with those of leading higher education institutions, both domestic and international. The process also involved discussions and collaborations with other institutions to gain broader perspectives. In the MBKM program, students are encouraged to take learning opportunities outside their study program, such as internships, research projects, entrepreneurship, and student exchange programs. This is expected to enhance students’ practical skills and competencies in line with job market demands.
The results of this benchmarking are expected to help ITERA strengthen its curriculum to be more flexible and adaptive. Thus, graduates of the Mathematics Study Program at ITERA can possess more comprehensive skills and be competitive in the professional world. The adoption of MBKM principles is a significant step in integrating the curriculum with industry needs and making learning more focused on student competency development.
Keywords: Curriculum Benchmarking, MBKM, Academic
Author: Siti Aisyah
Editor: Silvina Rosita Yulianti
Photographer: Siti Aisyah