This paper serves as a contribution to the discussions on the systems thinking approach to organizational quality assurance and effectiveness of operations and fitness for purpose. It is demonstrated that the organizational characteristics of a university satisfy the assumptions of the systems thinking approach. A university consists of multiple academic and administrative units and a complex set of governance and administrative regulations and functions fulfilling a single purpose, which is to put out quality graduates who are upright citizens, whose behavior is guided by a set of core values and who are committed to serve the common good of the society. The author is inspired by the work of R. L. Ackoff and P. M. Senge on systems approach, systems thinking and learning organization.