The Student Character Development Program
[Surabaya, February 20, 2026] — The Directorate of Student Affairs of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues to strengthen its commitment to developing students who excel intellectually while also being mentally resilient and grounded in integrity through the Student Character Development Program. The program is implemented in a mentor–mentee format for first-year students who are recipients of the KIP Kuliah and PBSB scholarships.
Held on February 19–20 and February 28–March 1, 2026, the activities took place at the ITS Robotics Building and the ITS SCC Building, featuring lecturers, psychologists, and practitioners as speakers. The program is designed as a response to the growing challenges of mental health issues, value crises, and academic pressure faced by Generation Z in science- and technology-based higher education environments.
One of the speakers, Setiyo Gunawan, Head of the ITS Halal Study Center, emphasized the importance of holistic, value-based character development. In his presentation, he underlined that outstanding students are not defined solely by academic intelligence, but must also possess moral integrity, spiritual awareness, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
“Strong students are not only those who excel academically, but those who are able to maintain their integrity. When spiritual values, mental well-being, and intellectual honesty go hand in hand, that is where true character excellence is formed,” said Setiyo Gunawan.
He further added that a halal lifestyle is an integral part of students’ personal integrity in a comprehensive sense—not limited to consumption, but encompassing ways of thinking, learning processes, academic ethics, and behavior in social and digital spaces.
“A halal lifestyle is the alignment between intention, process, and outcomes. It is not only about what we consume, but also about how we study, work, and interact responsibly,” he added.
The program adopts an interpersonal and participatory approach, with small groups of 10–15 first-year students receiving intensive guidance from trained mentors. These mentors are equipped with knowledge on mental, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development, and are supported by psychologists and subject-matter experts to ensure responsive and sustainable student support.
The Directorate of Student Affairs of ITS hopes that this program will serve as a foundation for long-term character development, producing graduates who are mentally and emotionally resilient, spiritually grounded, integrity-driven, and intellectually competent—ready to make meaningful contributions to society, the nation, and the realization of Indonesia Emas 2045
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