The Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM), Universitas Diponegoro, organized the Character Education Program (Pendikar) for new students from Wednesday to Friday, 12–14 August 2026. The program continued the series of campus life orientation activities while also serving as character-building preparation for new students as they begin their academic journey and adapt to university life.
Pendikar involved academic advisors as facilitators and students as co-facilitators. New students participated in groups arranged according to their respective study programs. The activities were designed interactively through material presentations, group discussions, case studies, personal reflections, games, and the development of commitments that could be applied in everyday life.
On the first day, Wednesday, 12 August 2026, the program began with an introduction to Pendikar and Kediponegoroan, followed by a pre-test. Students then participated in four main sessions focusing on the character values of Caring, Adaptive, Intelligent, and Resilient. Through these sessions, students were encouraged to develop concern for their surroundings, the ability to adapt to change, sound decision-making skills, and resilience in facing various challenges throughout university life.
Learning on the first day was not limited to material presentations, but also included case studies, individual reflection, and group discussions. Students were encouraged to recognize their responses to different situations, formulate solutions to problems, and understand the importance of resilience and help-seeking behavior when facing difficulties. A number of group games were also incorporated to create an active learning environment while strengthening students’ understanding of the character values introduced during the sessions.
The Pendikar program continued on Thursday, 13 August 2026, with a discussion on Growth Mindset and several habits intended to support students throughout their university experience. Students were introduced to the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and were encouraged to understand the importance of taking responsibility for their choices, developing a personal vision, and setting priorities in both academic and personal life.
The program continued with sessions titled We Win Together and Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the ability to listen to others. Through individual assignments, discussions, communication simulations, and case studies, students were encouraged to view differences as opportunities for collaboration, develop mutually beneficial solutions, and build more empathetic communication in academic and social settings.
On the final day, Friday, 14 August 2026, the activities focused on Synergy and Sharpening the Self. Students were encouraged to appreciate differences, work collaboratively, and combine different perspectives to create better solutions. They also received guidance on maintaining balance across four dimensions of self-renewal: physical, mental, spiritual, and social-emotional well-being.
As the final part of the Pendikar series, students developed a Growth Plan for the upcoming semester covering academic development, independent living, social relationships, character and personal development, as well as physical and mental health. Students also created a Circle of Support to strengthen peer support and establish communication mechanisms for monitoring one another’s progress. The entire program concluded with a post-test.
Through Pendikar 2026, FSM UNDIP seeks to equip new students not only with academic readiness but also with the character and skills needed to navigate university education. The values of caring, adaptability, intelligence, resilience, responsibility, collaboration, and continuous self-development are expected to serve as important foundations for students as they grow and contribute as part of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universitas Diponegoro.