Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta welcomed eighteen student from the 9th grade class at SMA Muhammadiyah Program Khusus (PK) Kottabarat for the Sit In University Program on Monday, 6 October 2025. These students will join classes at FEB UNS for two weeks: 12 students in the Management Study Program, and two students each in Accounting, Development Economics, and Digital Business. The opening ceremony took place at Meeting Room 1, Soeharno TS Building, FEB UNS, and was attended by the faculty leadership and representatives from the school.

The program started with a student handover ceremony, represented by the Principal of SMA Muhammadiyah PK Kottabarat, Hendro Susilo, S.Pd., and received by the Vice Dean for Academic and Research Affairs of FEB UNS, Prof. Dr. Tri Mulyaningsih, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D. In her remarks, Prof. Tri expressed appreciation for the trust placed in FEB UNS as a learning partner for the students. “We thank Mr. Hendro and the school leadership for entrusting FEB UNS to provide students with the opportunity to learn and experience academic life more closely,” said Prof. Tri.

Prof. Tri then introduced various study programs offered at FEB UNS, including Management, Development Economics, Accounting, and Digital Business, which matched the students’ interests. She emphasized the importance of understanding the academic requirements of each program based on the Merdeka Curriculum applied in schools. She also explained several admission pathways to UNS, such as the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP), National Selection Based on Test (SNBT), and the Independent Selection pathway.

She encouraged students to prepare early, both through academic achievements and by strengthening their test-taking skills. “Several study programs at FEB, such as Digital Business and Management, have highly competitive admission rates, so thorough preparation is essential,” she explained.

Furthermore, Prof. Tri introduced the International Class Program at FEB UNS, which offers a fully English-taught learning environment and international exposure through the UNS Global Challenge Program. “Students in the international class have the opportunity to receive support from UNS to participate in the UNS Global Challenge Program abroad,” she added.

Meanwhile, Principal Hendro Susilo explained that the Sit In University Program aims to provide students with first-hand experience of the learning environment at higher education institutions. “We want our students to develop strong mental readiness and competencies so that they can compete for their dream study programs. Through this activity, they gain insights into the academic atmosphere, learning processes, and opportunities for self-development at the university level,” he stated.

He also expressed hope that this initiative would strengthen collaboration with FEB UNS in preparing young generations who are faithful, competent, and able to make positive contributions to society. The Sit-in University Program represents one of FEB UNS’s concrete efforts to build stronger collaboration with secondary schools in fostering students’ learning motivation and readiness for higher education. This initiative aligns with the commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education.