21 January 2025
Fenny Julistine Tarigan
The Undergraduate in Economic Development Program of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) conducted a field assessment by the Independent Accreditation Institute for Economics, Management, Business, and Accounting (LAMEMBA) on Monday, January 20, 2025. The two-day event, held from January 20 to 21, 2025, took place in Prof. Dr. Suhadji Hadibroto Hall at FEB USU and was attended by faculty members and the assessment team.
The event officially commenced with a welcoming ceremony for the assessors, consisting of Prof. Suyanto, Ph.D., a Professor in Macroeconomics from Universitas Surabaya, and Prof. Dr. Apridar, S.E., M.Si., a Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the Universitas Syiah Kuala. In his opening remarks, the Dean of FEB USU thanked the assessors for their time and dedication in evaluating the Economic Development Program at FEB USU.
LAMEMBA is a higher education accreditation body aimed at evaluating and improving the quality of academic programs in economics. This institution was established by professional organizations such as the Indonesian Association of Economists (ISEI), the Indonesian Institute of Accountants (IAI), and the Association of Indonesian Faculties of Economics and Business (AFEBI). The assessment process included evaluations to enhance education quality, research, and community service.
The assessment began with interviews conducted by the assessors with various stakeholders, including students, alumni, and faculty members. In these interactive sessions, the assessors evaluated the extent to which the Development Economics Program met LAMEMBA's nine main criteria. These criteria include vision and mission, governance, student quality, human resources, financial management, infrastructure, education and research quality, community service, and achieving the three pillars of higher education (Tridharma).
According to Prof. Dr. Apridar, the field assessment aimed not only to evaluate the program's achievements but also to provide strategic recommendations to improve its academic and administrative quality. "We appreciate the enthusiasm and openness of all FEB USU academic staff in supporting this assessment process. The active participation of students, alumni, and stakeholders has greatly helped us obtain a comprehensive overview of the program's quality," he said.
This assessment activity is expected to be a strategic step for the Undergraduate in Economic Development Program at FEB USU to improve academic quality continually, support student competency development, and strengthen its role in the Tridharma of higher education. FEB USU extends its gratitude to all involved parties, especially the LAMEMBA assessors, for their dedication and professionalism during the assessment process.
