Nusa Mandiri University (UNM) urges students not just to chase high Grade Point Averages (GPAs), but to grasp the essence of the learning process. Head of UNM's Institute for Learning and Professional Development, Nurmalasari, stresses the need for an educational paradigm shift toward learning quality. The statement was made on January 29, 2026, in Jakarta.
Amid an academic culture that still measures student success by Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), Nusa Mandiri University (UNM), as a Digital Business Campus, invites students to reflect on their university goals. According to UNM, GPA is indeed an important academic indicator but should not be the sole focus in higher education.
The phenomenon of students overly oriented toward grades is common, where they study only for exams, memorize without deep understanding, and complete assignments merely to meet requirements. This causes the learning process to lose its meaning as a space for knowledge exploration and critical thinking development. The education system, which emphasizes grades as the main criterion for scholarships, job selections, and achievements, worsens this dilemma.
Head of UNM's Institute for Learning and Professional Development (LPPP), Nurmalasari, stated, “GPA is indeed important as an academic indicator, but far more important is how students build thinking skills, character, and reflective abilities. Higher education should produce true learners, not just grade seekers.” This statement was issued in an official release on Thursday (January 29, 2026).
Nurmalasari added that the pressure from piled-up assignments and grade targets often leads to mental fatigue among students. Many attend classes physically but have their minds focused on deadlines, not material comprehension. “If students are only busy completing tasks without understanding the meaning of learning, the campus loses its function as an intellectual growth space. At UNM, we encourage active, reflective, and contextual learning,” she continued.
UNM emphasizes a balance between academic achievements and soft skills development, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, time management, and work ethics. Through project-based approaches, discussions, and digital technology integration, UNM provides meaningful learning experiences relevant to the real world. “GPA should be the result of a healthy learning process, not a target pursued at the expense of mental health and understanding quality,” Nurmalasari asserted.
With this approach, UNM hopes its graduates will not only have good grades but also strong character, sharp thinking abilities, and readiness to face work and societal challenges.
