The Centre for Industrial Management at Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven has developed, since 1990, a total quality approach in its organization. This process resulted, in 1992 in a total quality system based upon the implementation of a quality handbook. Although there was at the beginning no intention to implement an industry standard in this academic environment, it was decided later to apply for ISO certification. The ISO 9001 certificate was awarded in early 1994. This paper describes this unique experience of ISO 9001 in an academic unit.