International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Gears Up for SN-GES 2025 Final Interviews
Cirebon, June 16, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) held a coordination meeting to finalize preparations for the final interview stage of the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellence Scholarship (SN-GES) 2025, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Attended by key university officials, including Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office; Ivo Dinasta Yanuar, M.Appling , the International Office’s Secretary; and Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si. , UINSSC’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, the session also welcomed Dr. Naila Farah, M.Ag., Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Communication and Broadcasting (FDKI). Department heads and secretaries such as Dr. Hj. Amroh Umaemah, M.Pd. (Head of the English Language Teaching Department), Evi Rovianti S.Si., M.Pd. (Head of the Biology Teacher Department), Dr. Yuyun Maryuningsih, S.Si., M.Pd. (Secretary of the Biology Teacher Department), Abdul Muizz A.W.K.A, M.Si. (Secretary of the Accounting Sharia Department), Abdu Zikrillah, M.Ag. (Head of the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting Department), Rani Ika Wijayanti, M.Med.Kom. (Secretary of the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting Department), and Jefik Zulfikar Hafidz, M.H. (Secretary of the Islamic Constitutional Law Department) also participated. Dr. Nana Priajana, an English Language Teaching Department lecturer, joined the discussion, reflecting the university’s collective commitment to the scholarship program.
The SN-GES program has become a flagship initiative for UINSSC, attracting prospective students worldwide. This year, twelve finalists advanced to the interview phase after rigorous document screening and pre-interview evaluations. The interviews will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, marking a critical step in selecting scholars who align with UINSSC’s values of inclusivity, academic excellence, and cross-cultural engagement. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and professionalism, stating, “Every detail must be thoroughly prepared because it reflects our commitment to international standards.” The program underscores UINSSC’s strategic vision to foster global dialogue through education while positioning the university as a hub for Islamic studies.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on organizing the interview logistics. The International Office outlined a structured schedule, assigning multilingual faculty members from departments such as English Language Teaching, Sharia Accounting, and Islamic Communication to conduct interviews in multiple languages. Technical protocols for virtual participation were finalized to ensure accessibility for candidates joining from abroad. Interview panels will include representatives from diverse academic backgrounds to foster balanced assessments. Detailed guidelines were distributed to interviewers, covering best practices for technical troubleshooting and ethical conduct during evaluations. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. reiterated the need for meticulous planning but did not provide additional quotes during this segment.
Beyond logistical arrangements, the discussion highlighted the need for a holistic evaluation framework. While academic excellence remains a priority, the selection criteria now emphasize applicants’ cultural awareness, leadership potential, and alignment with UINSSC’s mission as a globally minded institution. The Office plans to assess candidates’ extracurricular achievements, community involvement, and ability to thrive in interdisciplinary settings. This approach ensures that SN-GES recipients are well-equipped to represent UINSSC’s values on a global stage. The meeting concluded that interviews should prioritize these qualities alongside academic rigor.
To enhance accessibility and reliability, the International Office has invested in a dedicated digital platform for virtual interviews. The system underwent rigorous testing to ensure stability, with technical support teams on standby to assist candidates experiencing connectivity issues. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. emphasized that technology should facilitate, not hinder, the process, stating, “Technology should be a bridge, not a barrier.” The platform will record interviews for archival purposes, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, the Office provided interviewers with step-by-step guides to minimize technical disruptions and maintain a professional candidate experience. This infrastructure underscores UINSSC’s commitment to equitable access for applicants worldwide.
Looking ahead, the International Office is preparing welcome kits and orientation materials for successful awardees. These resources will include information about campus life, academic support services, cultural norms, and student organizations to help new students transition smoothly. The kits will also feature contact details for mentors and support networks, ensuring awardees receive personalized guidance before their arrival. By prioritizing pre-arrival support, UINSSC aims to strengthen its reputation as a student-centered institution. The Office plans to refine these resources based on feedback from previous cohorts.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of UINSSC’s broader vision for global engagement. The SN-GES program not only strengthens the university’s international profile but also enriches its academic community with diverse perspectives. Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf underscored the program’s role in advancing UINSSC’s reputation as a leader in Islamic education, stating, “This effort reflects our commitment to fostering global dialogue and inclusive excellence.” The International Office will continue to refine its processes, leveraging feedback from this year’s interviews to enhance future iterations of the scholarship. By aligning its goals with global educational trends, UINSSC aims to remain at the forefront of Islamic studies.
As the final preparations progress, the International Office remains poised to execute the SN-GES 2025 interviews with precision and care. By integrating rigorous academic standards with a holistic selection approach, UINSSC aims to attract scholars who will contribute meaningfully to its mission of bridging tradition and modernity. The upcoming interviews on Wednesday, June 18, 202 , mark a critical step in realizing the university’s ambition to become a globally recognized institution for Islamic studies, one student at a time.
Authors: Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna, Maulida Rahma, and Resa Diah Gayatri