MAKASSAR – Entering university is not just a move to a new level of education but also a phase of psychological transition that shapes identity and a sense of belonging to the academic environment. Various higher education studies show that positive experiences early in college contribute to learning motivation, students’ attachment to the campus, and their ability to adapt throughout their studies.
Hasanuddin University (Unhas) is distributing alma mater jackets free of charge to new students as part of welcoming them into campus life. In the program’s second year, it is given a personal touch through a greeting card from Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc.
A total of 6,970 alma mater jackets were prepared for students admitted through the national test-based admission (SNBT) and independent admission (Jalur Mandiri) tracks. The distribution continues the first phase, which was previously given to students admitted through the national merit-based admission (SNBP) track.
Inside each alma mater jacket package, students find a greeting card congratulating them on passing the competitive selection process, along with a message to begin their academic journey with enthusiasm for learning. Through the card, the Rector invites new students to become resilient learners and grow into a great generation during their studies at Unhas.
For Syarifah Nurazizah, a student in the Animal Science Study Program, receiving the alma mater jacket was a memorable moment. In Syarifah’s view, this symbol of campus identity brings pride and strengthens the feeling of being accepted as part of the academic community.
“I feel very happy, proud, and grateful to be part of Hasanuddin University. This alma mater jacket is a symbol of pride and of my identity as an Unhas student,” Syarifah said.
Syarifah said the Rector’s greeting card inside the jacket package left an even stronger impression. For Syarifah, the message offers a warm welcome to new students. The message “be a resilient learner and grow into a great generation at Hasanuddin University, our beloved campus” is what stayed with Syarifah most.
Syarifah also praised the orderly distribution of the jackets. “The service was very good and orderly,” Syarifah said.
Unhas Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Muhammad Ruslin, drg., M.Kes., Ph.D., Sp.B.M.Mf., Subsp.Ortognat.D., explained that students’ early experiences play an important role in building an emotional bond with their educational institution.
“New students are not only starting their academic journey but also becoming part of the large family of Hasanuddin University. That is why we want them to start that journey with pride, comfort, and a bond with their alma mater,” Prof. Ruslin said.
The distribution of alma mater jackets is one of the services coordinated by the Directorate of Student Affairs to support new students’ adaptation. The distribution is carried out in phases according to the admission track so that all students have a uniform first experience as they enter the academic environment.
Unhas Director of Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Ir. Suhasman, S.Hut., M.Si., IPM., stressed that the meaning of the alma mater jacket goes beyond its function as official student attire.
“The alma mater jacket symbolizes identity and pride as an Unhas student. We hope this gift gives new students a good start as they begin their journey at Unhas,” Prof. Suhasman said.
The second phase of alma mater jacket distribution began on 1 August 2026 at the JK Arenatorium of Hasanuddin University, Makassar. The distribution runs through today, Thursday, 6 August 2026. (*/kmhs/fjr)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.