Academic Leaders Evaluate Ethical Awareness Through a Catholic Social Teaching Framework
Assumption University of Thailand (AU) today convened a landmark academic forum, bringing together 30 participants including Deans, Directors, faculty members, and staff to establish a comprehensive framework for AU Social Teaching, integrating the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching into AU’s educational mission.
The forum, held on March 25, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., aimed to deepen understanding of Catholic Social Teaching principles and their application within AU’s academic context. Participants included academic leaders responsible for delivering courses related to ethics and morality across all Schools.
Collaborative Leadership in Ethical Education
This forum was organized jointly by Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Vice President for Moral Development Education, Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Malik, Program Director of Philosophy and Religion Programs, and the Office of Planning, Policies and Quality Assurance (OPPQA), led by Dr. Weeraya Donsomsakulkij, Director of OPPQA at Assumption University. The collaboration reflects AU’s commitment to integrating ethical awareness, philosophical foundations, and institutional quality assurance with strategic planning.
Presidential Vision: Serving AU Identity
In his keynote address, Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka,f.s.g., Ph. D., President of Assumption University of Thailand (AU), emphasized the initiative’s alignment with AU’s foundational mission as an international Catholic institution.
The President reassured faculty members that the initiative complements existing academic work rather than disrupting it. This is a matter of creating visibility of the moral dimensions that are already present in our teaching and learining.
Seven Principles of AU Social Teaching
The forum explored the Seven Principles of AU Social Teaching, derived from Catholic Social Teaching, which guide AU’s approach to moral and ethical education:
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- Human Dignity – Recognizing the inherent worth and sacredness of every person
- Rights and Responsibilities – Upholding human rights while embracing duties to one another and society
- Solidarity – Standing together in unity with all people, especially across differences
- Common Good – Working toward conditions that allow all members of society to flourish
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – Prioritizing the needs and voices of those marginalized
- Subsidiarity – Empowering decisions at the most local and appropriate level
- Care for Creation – Stewarding the environment and natural resources responsibly
These principles provide a structured framework for integrating values-based learning across disciplines, while respecting the autonomy of individual courses and teaching methods.
Mapping Ethical Awareness Through AU Social Teaching Learning Outcomes
A key outcome of the forum was the evaluation of Ethical Awareness Levels through AU Social Teaching Learning Outcomes. Participants engaged in a comprehensive mapping exercise by aligning course learning outcomes from 11 ethical and moral teaching subjects with the newly articulated AU Social Teaching framework.
This initiative represents a critical step in consolidating our institutional commitment to ethical education. By systematically evaluating how our courses contribute to ethical awareness, we are ensuring that every AU graduate embodies the values central to our AU identity.”
Triple “E” Framework: Ethics at the Core
The consolidated evaluation results will establish the AU Social Teaching Ethical Awareness Level, forming the foundational pillar of AU’s distinguished Triple “E” graduate attributes; Ethics, Entrepreneurial Spirit and English Proficiency.
Building a Community of Commitment
The session concluded with participants making commitments to advance ethical awareness within their respective Schools, ensuring that AU Social Teaching becomes an Ethical Awarness Framework, beginning with students this year and expanding across the broader AU community in the upcoming academic year.
About Assumption University of Thailand (AU)
Assumption University is Thailand’s first international university, guided by Catholic values and committed to academic excellence. Through initiatives like AU Social Teaching, AU continues to nurture graduates who are not only professionally competent but also ethically grounded and socially responsible.
WRITER : KITIKORN DOWPISET
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