Proving its continuing pursuit of Missio et Excellentia, Saint Louis University (SLU) has passed the initial certification of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 21001:2018 and was recommended for Stage 2 audit. The Stage 1 Certification was granted after the two-day audit from 13 to 14 May 2026 in the four campuses of the University, namely: SLU Main Campus, Maryheights Campus, Gonzaga Campus, and Navy Base Campus.
Led by the SLU Office of Institutional Development and Quality Assurance (OIDQA), the University was assessed by the Certification Department of SETSCO Services Pte. Ltd. in accordance with the requirements for educational organizations management system (EOMS).
During the closing meeting held on 14 May 2026 at the Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center, the preliminary results of the initial audit were presented by the external auditor.
The fact-finding mission reviewed the University’s adherence to internal requirements as set by ISO 21001: 2018 and AMD 1:2024, which integrates climate change considerations into quality management systems. The audit criteria included the applicable statutory, regulatory, and customer requirements, and the internal requirements defined within the established policy, manual, procedures and guidelines. Additionally, the Stage 1 audit examined the University’s readiness to proceed to Stage 2 audit.
In response, SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD underscored the significance of the EOMS journey, noting, “This management system audit is a testament of the collective dedication, professionalism, and missionary spirit that each Louisian employee takes to work everyday. It is also a reflection of who we are as an institution, one that is deeply rooted in the CICM mission of educating the youth and transforming a society through our education apostolate of ‘Missio et Excellentia’.”
Thanking the external auditor and the SLU community, Fr. Sales vowed that the results of the Certification will be taken into account for the improvement of the University’s systems and processes.
Quality Management System or QMS, (ISO 9001:2015), which SLU was previously certified for, provides a general framework for quality across any industry to ensure products/services meet customer requirements. On the other hand, EOMS is a specific standard tailored for education and with focus on learners and educational stakeholders.
As a landmark event, passing Stage 1 of ISO 21001:2018 further propels the University towards the commitment to even notch up its processes and standards higher. (Photos by Guenne Gabriel Patano and Kemm Mitchell Olarte, UIO Interns)
