<![CDATA[This study assessed the effectiveness of the Akhlakul Karimah character development program at Ma'had Al-Jami'ah, UIN Bukittinggi, in shaping the behavior of mahasantri while also identifying the conditions that supported and constrained its implementation. The novelty of this study lies in its assessment of eight moral indicators within the context of mahasantri who simultaneously face the academic demands of higher education. This field research employed a qualitative approach. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis involving the head of the Ma'had, five musyrif/musyrifah, and ten mahasantri selected purposively. Data analysis followed the processes of data collection, reduction, presentation, and verification, while the credibility of the findings was examined through source and technique triangulation. The findings revealed that character development was implemented through Aqidah Akhlak learning, tutorials, halaqah, muhadarah, tahfiz, congregational worship, role modeling, advice, and discipline enforcement. Six indicators were categorized as effective, while polite speech and forgiveness were categorized as moderately effective. The program's success was supported by the role modeling of mentors, a religious environment, management support, and structured programs. The main obstacles included conflicts with academic activities, differences in personal awareness, inconsistency in practice, and limited mentor-to-student ratios. Therefore, the program has had a positive impact; however, adaptive scheduling, personalized mentoring, and continuous supervision are necessary to ensure more consistent behavioral change.]]>
