A Commitment to True Inclusion: The AIL UNAIR Team Accompanies Graduates with Disabilities at the 251st UNAIR Graduation Ceremony
Surabaya, 27 April 2025 — The University of Airlangga (Unair) reaffirmed its commitment to creating an inclusive and disability-friendly campus during its 251st graduation ceremony. Held at the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC), Campus C Unair, the two-day graduation ceremony, which took place on Saturday and Sunday (April 26–27, 2025), involved the Airlangga Inclusive Learning (AIL) Team to provide special assistance to graduates with disabilities and parents with physical limitations.
The 251st graduation ceremony was held in three sessions, with two sessions on the first day (Session 1 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Session 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and one session on the second day (from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). During these three sessions, the AIL Team deployed a total of six student volunteers who took turns on duty. Each session was staffed by two volunteers who had been trained to provide assistance to participants with disabilities, including in terms of mobility, navigation of the graduation hall, and social interaction.
The active involvement of AIL volunteers is one of the tangible manifestations of the values of inclusion that Airlangga University continues to promote. The AIL team, which was formed from the outset to assist students with special needs in various academic and non-academic activities, has now demonstrated its presence in a major formal university event.
Creating an Inclusive Campus: Equal Access for All
The involvement of the AIL Team in the graduation ceremony was not merely technical, but also reflected the campus philosophy of creating a fair and equal learning and activity environment. The volunteers' presence not only provided physical assistance, but also significant moral and emotional support for participants with disabilities and their families.
AIL volunteers not only assist graduates with disabilities during the ceremony, but also provide assistance to elderly parents or those with physical limitations, such as difficulty walking or using a wheelchair. They guide them along the route, show them where to sit, and ensure their comfort throughout the ceremony.
Voices of Volunteers: Learning from the Field, Touching Hearts
The experience of volunteering at an event as big as graduation left a deep impression on the students involved. Many of them were nervous at first, but later realized that the experience had a much greater meaning than just assisting with tasks.
Yoke, one of the volunteers who served in the first session, shared her experience. “Since I haven't graduated yet, this moment not only made me feel the warmth of graduation, but also how elderly parents, even those with physical limitations, tried very hard to attend their children's graduation,” she said. Salma, who was assigned to the second session, expressed her admiration for the event's atmosphere. “It was so much fun; I never expected to experience this,” she said. Angel, a volunteer assigned to the second day, also shared her mixed feelings while performing her duties. “It was awesome. I was scared at first, but once I started, there was a feeling I can't describe, sis,” she said.
All three agreed that being part of the support team was an experience that broadened their horizons and sharpened their empathy. They also hoped that the university would continue to encourage student involvement in social activities such as this.
Strategic Steps Toward an Inclusive Campus Future
The mentoring activities during this graduation ceremony also reflect AIL's role as a driving force for inclusion at Airlangga University. Since its establishment, AIL has been actively providing academic mentoring, advocacy, and socialization on disability issues. AIL's involvement in formal events such as graduation ceremonies is part of a long-term strategy to create a campus ecosystem that truly supports the full participation of students with special needs.
In addition to being a form of direct service, this activity also sends a strong message to the entire academic community: that diversity is an integral part of Unair's identity as a higher education institution. An inclusive approach is not only the responsibility of one team, but of all those involved in campus life — from lecturers and educational staff to fellow students.
Hopes and Continuation
Through the active role of the AIL Team in this 251st Graduation Ceremony, Airlangga University has once again reaffirmed its identity as a campus that is not only academically excellent, but also humanistic and fair. The assistance provided not only helps in practical terms, but also creates a space for students with disabilities and their families to fully experience this happy moment.
Going forward, the AIL Team hopes that volunteer involvement can be expanded not only in major events such as graduations, but also in everyday campus life. That way, the goal of making the campus a place where all students, without exception, can grow together can be fully realized.
Author : Yokebeth Patria
Editor : Rozi
