FLAGSHIP RELIGIOUS PROGRAM AT ISLAMIC COLLEGE: WHAT IS THE EFFECT ON STUDENTS' RELIGIOSITY?

This study aimed to describe the religiosity of studentsengaged in religious programs compared to those who did notparticipate in such programs, followed by a comparative analysis ofreligiosity between these two groups. Utilized a comparative surveydesign, with 89 students from an Islamic university in Jambi Province,participating in the Religiosity among Muslims Scale throughconvenience sampling. Data analysis employed the Mann Whitney UTest. The research findings indicated that both students involved inreligious programs and those not involved exhibited very high levels ofreligiosity. However, the average score of students in religiousprograms was higher than that of the other group. Additionally,hypothesis testing revealed no difference in the religiosity of studentsin both groups, suggesting no significant variations in religiosityaspects. This study hold important implications for campus-organizedreligious programs. It emphasized the need to maximize moraleducation programs in the Islamic Education curriculum, going beyondcognitive aspects. College leaders can develop and implementspecialized programs, including enhancing the Islamic-based guidanceand counseling services to enhance student religiosity levels. Thefindings indicated no disparity in the religiosity levels betweenstudents engaged in religious programs and those who are not.However, the group participating in specialized religious activitiesobtained a higher average score of 44.44 compared to non-participatinggroup with an average score of 42.17. This underscored the significantrole religious programs in bolstering religious knowledge, instillingmoral values, and cultivating a more devout mindset.