General assembly on ethics, innovation, research excellence

FEU convened its graduate students for a university-wide assembly focused on research ethics, innovation, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in academic work. 

As graduate education navigates an increasingly complex and technology-driven landscape, initiatives such as the GA highlight the importance of grounding research in integrity, student support, and collaborative learning. The gathering underscored the university’s continuing effort to cultivate a scholarly community that is both innovative and responsible. 

The assembly opened with remarks from Master in Business Administration department chair Jan Frederick Tongol, who emphasized unity, responsibility, and the transformative role of graduate education in shaping future leaders and professionals.  

The program featured a series of presentations designed to guide students through the academic, ethical, and personal dimensions of graduate life. Central to the discussions was a presentation by Sam Rhoy Dela Cruz, chair of the Office of Graduate Studies, who outlined key provisions from the graduate handbook, reinforcing standards of academic integrity, accountability, and procedural awareness. This was complemented by updates from key support units: Hardie Gieben Cruz discussed student well-being and mental health resources; Desiree Chiongson presented available health services; and Lilette Matammu introduced FEU’s “Healing Spaces,” an initiative promoting balance and resilience amid academic pressures. 

Further enriching the assembly were presentations on access to knowledge and ethical research practice. Maria Gia Gamolo shared updates on library services and research tools, Eugene Emmanuel Benicta discussed scholarship opportunities, and Joycelyn Filoteo emphasized the importance of research ethics, reminding students that innovation must remain anchored in responsibility and respect for human dignity. Kim De Roxas also presented Student Council reports, highlighting student-led initiatives and the value of representation within the graduate community. 

The assembly transitioned into departmental orientations, allowing students to engage more deeply with program-specific expectations, before culminating in the TRIP Seminar: Transforming Research into Publications. The seminar-workshop focused on practical strategies for scholarly dissemination, with particular attention to artificial intelligence, ethical use, and research productivity—key concerns in today’s academic environment. 

Delivering the keynote address, FEU alumnus Michael Jimenez encouraged students to approach emerging technologies with discernment and responsibility. He emphasized that artificial intelligence should be viewed “not as a shortcut, but as a tool demanding ethical judgment and methodological rigor,” challenging participants to produce research that is both impactful and principled. 

More than a routine gathering, the GA served as a reaffirmation of the community’s shared mission to cultivate knowledge, uphold ethical standards, and translate research into meaningful contributions to society. Through initiatives like this, FEU continues to position its graduate programs as spaces where excellence is defined not only by achievement, but by integrity, collaboration, and purpose. 

To learn more about the graduate programs, please visit: https://www.feu.edu.ph/graduate-programs/