On 12 September 2026, the Philosophy Department of the Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) conducted the Industry Academic Board (IAB) meeting online with its stakeholders. The IAB meeting underscored the department’s commitment to excellence by providing a platform for its valued stakeholders—both internal and external—to participate, evaluate, and collaborate in the development and enhancement of the BA Philosophy curriculum.
Faculty members, alumni representatives, employers, subject matter experts, and current students shared their valuable insights, observations, suggestions, and recommendations to ensure that the BA Philosophy program remains responsive to student and industry needs. Current students and graduates also shared their personal experiences, highlighting how the program honed their critical thinking skills, contributed to their success, particularly in law school, and prepared them to be flexible and adaptable in meeting the demands of the professional world.
This collaborative review identified gaps and duplications in content and facilitated the formulation of strategies to address low enrolment and strengthen the overall appeal of the program. Stakeholders proposed modifications to enhance the program’s coverage, ensuring that graduates of the BA Philosophy program remain competitive by aligning course offerings with industry expectations.
The activity, spearheaded by the Department Head, Prof. Nikky S. Garo, with the guidance and support of STELA Dean Mary Pauline E. Namoca, PhD and the Associate Dean, Geraldine S. Wakat, PhD, enabled the faculty, together with stakeholders, to review the Program Educational Objectives (PEOs), the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and the curriculum checklist.
The IAB meeting reaffirmed the Philosophy Department’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and stakeholder collaboration. By engaging faculty, alumni, employers, subject experts, and students in meaningful dialogue, the department demonstrated its proactive stance in ensuring that the BA Philosophy program remains relevant, competitive, and responsive to the evolving demands of both education and industry. This collective effort not only strengthens the curriculum but also underscores the department’s vision of producing graduates who embody critical thinking, adaptability, and professional competence. The activity stood as a testament to the department’s commitment to fostering quality education, advancing sustainable development, and building enduring partnerships for the future.
It also demonstrated the department’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as it advanced SDG 4 – Quality Education by keeping the BA Philosophy program relevant and responsive through continuous curriculum review. It supported SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth by equipping graduates with critical skills and adaptability for diverse careers. Finally, it embodied SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration among faculty, alumni, employers, experts, and students to strengthen academic–industry linkages. (Article and Photos by the Department of Philosophy)
