The Power of the Mobilizer Lecturer in the Independent Campus Program: An Exploration of Roles, Strategies, and Impact

Mobilizer lecturers are the drivers of educational change, and their existence is crucial to the success of the independent campus program. This study aimed to explore in depth the roles and strategies of mobilizer lecturers in the independent campus program and their impact on the quality of higher education. This study used a qualitative approach with six mobilizer lecturers from public universities in Medan City, Indonesia. For data collection, the research employed semi-structured interview techniques, with data analysis performed using thematic analysis. The study found that lecturers effectively drive the independent campus program through three roles, namely (1) mobilizer of education and learning, (2) mobilizer of innovation through research, and (3) mobilizer of community service. They also mobilize the independent campus through five strategies, namely (1) facilitating off-campus learning, (2) empowering students and other lecturers, (3) expanding learning opportunities, (4) optimizing the use of technology, and (5) building synergies with the industrial world. The study also found a relationship pattern between the roles and strategies of lecturers and their impact on student motivation and the development of practical and soft skills of students. Given that mobilizer lecturers are an important factor in the success of the independent campus program, universities and the government need to support them in executing their duties so that they can continue to make maximum contributions.