Defined by collaborative discussions and curricular evaluations, Saint Louis University (SLU) officially capped off the three-day 506th ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) programme assessment on 05 March 2026 at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, SLU Main Campus.
Being the second AUN-QA assessment for SLU, it even solidified the University’s commitment to academic excellence and quality assurance, particularly on its four programs: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English from the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA); and BS in Biology from the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS).
SLU anticipates the final report and evaluation, drawing from the preliminary assessment results.
Led by Assoc. Prof. Tan Kay Chuan, PhD, the delegation conducted interviews with staff and students alike and visited various facilities and areas at SLU’s Main campus in relation to the programs evaluated. These included the SLU Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Center, the Information Systems and Technology Services Department (ISTSD), the Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW), among others.
On the second day, 04 March, the assessors met with alumni, employers, and other stakeholders. The third day, 05 March, marked the conclusion of the AUN-QA assessment as assessors, SLU administration, staff, deans, department heads, and faculty members reconvened at the Gevers Hall for the delegation’s preliminary findings, providing propositions for the University to take into consideration moving forward.
To begin the presentation of the preliminary assessments, Dr. Chuan emphasized that the AUN-QA model of assessment begins with looking at the stakeholder’s needs. The findings were discussed through four criteria: Programme, Resources, Student Support Services, and Facilities.
Dr. Chuan then discussed key highlights from data gathered across the initial assessment including Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), Feedback Mechanisms, Teaching and Learning Assessment, Multidisciplinary/ Cross-Disciplinary/ Inter-Disciplinary/ and Trans-Disciplinary teaching and learning; Building International Quality Assurance (IQA) Champions and connecting them to the University ecosystem.
In concluding the presentation, Dr. Chuan underscored that the AUN-QA program assessment is a shared journey describing the 506th cycle as “a learning experience that broadened the ASEAN community.” It is to be expected that in the succeeding processes, more trainings will take place to strengthen internal quality assurance, which he emphasizes is the better long-term solution to maintaining and developing quality continuously. In relation to this, Dr. Chuan stressed, “You need the balance. You want to carry on having (something) external but, over the long run, you need to build up your IQA.”
SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs Felina P. Espique, PhD, thanked the AUN-QA for the thorough and constructive presentation of findings and said, “We receive these findings not merely as observations, but as a mandate for action, not only for the core programs but across all programs. Every finding will be reviewed, every recommendation will be assigned ownership, and every commitment will be pursued with urgency and accountability.“
A short video produced by the University Information Office was then presented on the highlights of the 506th AUN-QA Program Assessment visit.
In giving the University’s response to the preliminary findings, SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, said, “By engaging with global standards and best practices, we not only enhance our educational offerings, but also prepare our students to thrive in an increasingly integral world. The findings and recommendations generated in this assessment will be taken to heart as we strive to enhance our reputation as a leading university in the North and also in the Philippines in providing quality Catholic education.”
The 506th AUN-QA Assessment Programme marked another milestone for the institution in the continuing journey of quality assurance and management, further strengthening its dedication to Missio et Excellentia in light of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
As it can be recalled, the 434th AUN-QA Programme Assessment took place in February 2025. This led to the certification of four programs of the University namely: BS in Medical Laboratory Science, BS in Pharmacy, BS in Nursing, and BS in Radiologic Technology. (Article by Kemm Mitchell Olarte, UIO Intern | Photos by Kathleen Therese Catingub and Guenne Gabriel Patano, UIO Interns | Video by Zen Aundri Carreon and John Aaron Bagni, UIO Interns and Emmanuel Gregorio, UIO)
