Enhancing Academic Quality and Professionalism through “Lecturer Certification” Program

On October 22, 2024, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) held a meeting with officials from the Directorate General of Islamic Higher Education (Dirjen Pendis) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA). The meeting focused on discussing the ‘Lecturer Certification’ Program, aimed at enhancing the quality and professionalism of UIII’s academics and lecturers.

Led by Mrs. Ummu Shofiyah, M.A., Sub-Coordinator of Professional Development, and Mr. Sugiyono, M.IP., from the Sub-Directorate of Manpower at MoRA, the session was exclusively held at the fourth floor of UIII Rectorate building and attended by UIII lecturers eager to learn about the program's processes and benefits. 

The lecturer certification program—colloquially known as Sertifikasi Dosen (Serdos), is a national initiative of the Indonesian government to improve the quality, integrity, and innovation of lecturers, while taking care of their welfare through the provision of professional allowances. This certification is a crucial part of the country’s broader agenda to strengthen the three pillars of higher education: teaching, research, and community service. 

During the meeting, Mrs. Shofiyah explained that the certification process goes beyond administrative formalities. "It is a vital step in assuring the quality of teaching staff and aligning them with the National Higher Education Standards, which cover education, research, and community engagement," she stated. 

The session focused on the early steps of the certification, particularly preparing a curriculum vitae and self-description. These documents are key to the application and must meet specific standards to reflect each lecturer’s professionalism and contributions. Mrs. Shofiyah, helped by Mr. Sugiyono, offered detailed guidance on how to complete and submit the required materials. 

Furthermore, they also explained the assessment aspect of the application which would be conducted both internally by superiors, peers, and students, and externally by appointed assessors. This rigorous process, while enhancing the institution’s growing academic reputation, also aids in career development of the lecturers, particularly those seeking promotion to senior academic positions, such as Senior Lecturer or Professor.  

Through the Lecturer Certification program, UIII demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence. The program aims to foster an environment of professionalism and innovation, ensuring that UIII lecturers are well-prepared to meet both national and global standards.

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