To reinforce research pathway and culture, the Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) held the Faculty Promoters Meeting on 15 January 2026, at Room V302, Msgr. Charles Vath Library, SLU Main Campus. Faculty promoters were joined by selected student representatives who attended on their behalf, as the meeting coincided with the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) leadership training.
The said meeting opened with an informative discussion on research ethics led by Rainier Moreno-Lacalle, PhD, Chair of the SLU Research Ethics Committee (REC). He walked participants through the importance of undergoing ethics review and clearly explained the steps, forms, and procedures needed to secure ethics certification. Emphasizing responsible research practice, Dr. Lacalle strongly encouraged everyone to submit their research proposals for ethics review before proceeding with data collection.
Attention then shifted to student safety during research activities beyond campus. Mr. Romano Bulatao from the Office of Student Affairs Services (OSAS) discussed the required clearance for out-of-campus activities, outlining the necessary letters, forms, and approval process. He also clarified an important point: even online data-gathering activities fall under out-of-campus research and therefore require proper clearance.
The final session focused on the publication requirement for undergraduate research. Laarni Natividad, PhD of the Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Center reminded participants that completing the research does not end with the final paper—students are also expected to submit their work to a reputable journal as part of the course deliverables, reinforcing the value of sharing knowledge beyond the classroom.
The meeting wrapped with appreciation for the active participation and collaboration of everyone present. Overall, the gathering served as a timely and valuable guide for promoting ethical, safe, and impactful research within the STELA community aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). (Article and Photos STELA UGRICs)
