The Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) at the University of the Philippines Diliman conducted its Student Orientation for the First Semester of Academic Year 2026–2027 on August 24, 2026. The activity was held in a hybrid-flexible (HyFlex) setup, allowing both onsite and online participation, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Room 300, Virata Hall, Institute for Small-Scale Industries (ISSI), University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.
The orientation welcomed new, continuing, and returning students of the Master of Arts in Islamic Studies (MAIS) program. In his welcome remarks, Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of UP IIS, opened the program by sharing student-centered insights on the opportunities and responsibilities that come with studying at the Institute. He highlighted the significance of the new Institute of Islamic Studies Complex (NIISC) and its potential to provide students with spaces and opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. He encouraged students to navigate between academic study and theory, on the one hand, and active engagement in research and extension services, on the other. In this sense, studying at the University of the Philippines Diliman goes beyond the four corners of the classroom; it is also about participating in the wider intellectual and social life of the Institute.
Prof. Wadi likewise emphasized the importance of students being empowered through NIISC’s non-curricular and student-centered programs. Through these opportunities, students can come to see themselves not only as graduate students, but as scholars—active participants in the conversations, discussions, and knowledge-making taking place within the Institute. The NIISC’s non-curricular and student-centered programs include Academic Research Utilization for Graduate Advancement (ARUGA), Teaching, Research, and Extension Cohorts (TRE), Building Resilience, Initiative, and Development for Students, Graduates, and Experts (BRIDGE), Islamic Studies League of Alumni, Associations, Mentors, Individuals, and Communities (ISLAAMIC), IIS Graduate Student Organization (GSO), Kapihan at Konsultayon sa IIS (KAPIHAN), and IIS Graduate Student Research Colloquium.
In the greater part of the program, Asst. Prof. Darwin J. Absari, College Secretary of UP IIS, together with the Institute’s staff, provided students with essential information on academic policies, guidelines, services, and other important matters to support them throughout their MAIS journey at the University of the Philippines Diliman. The orientation covered the following topics: a brief history of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies; details of the Master of Arts in Islamic Studies program; UP academic standards and registrar matters; student activities and helplines; NIISC Vision 2030: non-curricular, student-centered programs; and IIS offices and their services such as the Research, Publication, and Extension Division (RPED) and the IIS Library.
In keeping with UP academic standards, the discussion also emphasized the importance of academic integrity and ethical scholarship as part of the students’ academic responsibilities. In view of the increasing use of artificial intelligence in higher education, students were reminded that their academic work must demonstrate originality, proper attribution through correct citation and referencing, and the responsible use of sources and technologies.
Asst. Prof. Absari likened the Institute to “a big room in a big house (the University),” where students can explore and engage in both curricular and non-curricular activities. Through these experiences, students will not only develop intellectually but also become more culturally aware, socially responsible, and empathetic individuals. This reflects the UP IIS mantra: “To be the premier national institution of learning in Islamic studies that promotes excellence, honor, and service.”
The activity concluded with an open forum, during which students raised questions and concerns related to the information shared during the orientation. Asst. Prof. Absari addressed their concerns accordingly. As an annual activity, the IIS Student Orientation serves as an important avenue for welcoming students, providing essential guidance, and equipping them with the information and resources they need as they pursue their academic and scholarly endeavors.
Article by Kamaruddin Bin Alawi Mohammad, University Researcher II
Photos by Marlon B. Pervera, Administrative Assistant III
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