Amid demanding work schedules and family responsibilities, around 5,000 new students at Universitas Terbuka (UT) Surabaya have chosen to pursue higher education through distance learning this semester. Recognizing that most students are working professionals, UT Surabaya has reinforced its support system through the Distance Learning Success Support Service (LPKBJJ) and the New Student Orientation Program (OSMB), conducted both online and offline to help students adapt from the very beginning. 

According to UT Surabaya Director Dr. Suparti, M.Pd., enthusiasm for OSMB was notably high, with approximately 4,000 students participating online and 650 attending offline in the second phase, in addition to 725 offline participants in the first phase—bringing the total to nearly 5,000 new students. Beyond campus introduction, the orientation equips students with practical strategies, including structured study planning, time management techniques, effective reading methods, and exam preparation workshops. Students are guided to create realistic weekly study schedules tailored to their professional commitments and are trained to develop concise learning notes to improve exam readiness. 

Currently, UT Surabaya’s on-time graduation rate stands at around 60 percent, reflecting steady progress while highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing work and study. To further assist students, academic consultation services with lecturers are readily available. This comprehensive support aligns with UT’s commitment to expanding inclusive and flexible access to quality higher education, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). Through structured guidance and accessible services, UT Surabaya ensures that flexibility in learning is matched with clear direction—helping thousands of working learners stay on track toward graduation.