A strong and dynamic research culture which
is highly responsive in effecting quality Christian
education and service through an enhanced
discovery of knowledge.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION
OF MANUSCRIPT
FOR TRINITIAN RESEARCHER

PROCESSING OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS

1.  Call for Concept Papers

Semestrally and usually two months before the start of classes (April and September) the URDC issues a notice on the call for concept papers.  The notice is addressed to the coordinators of the research units or department heads of the colleges through the deans and to the heads of academic support units.  Concept papers may be submitted by individual faculty/staff or a team whereby the topic calls for a collaborative effort between/among disciplines in one college or in two or more colleges.  The concept paper consists of 2-3 pages wherein the following are briefly and clearly discussed:

1. Rationale or Background of Study
2. Statement of the Problem
3. Framework (Theoretical/Conceptual) if method requires
4. Methodology
5. Timetable
6. Budget

2. Initial Screening

The URDC initially screens the concept paper in consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  For a concept paper to be initially accepted, it should embody the following merits:

1. aligned with CHED’s research thrust
2. aligned with TUA’s vision-mision
3. novelty
4. relevance
5. correct format

If the concept paper is accepted, the URDC scouts for experts on the proposed research topic and forms the Technical Review Panel but if rejected, the proponent/s is advised to change the focus of study.  The experts are usually faculty/administrators who may be full-time or part-time.  However, in the absence of experts in the University, the URDC may invite from the outside but with a minimal fee.  The panel usually consists of five members including the VPAA and the URDC Director.  This same panel sits in the defense of the research proposal and terminal research report.

3. Concept Paper Technical Review

If the concept paper is accepted, it is approved in principle, if not the proponent/s is advised to revise the paper as recommended.  Papers which are approved in principle should be accomplished into a complete research proposal within at least a month.

The complete proposal is composed of the following:

1. Chapters 1-3
2. Bibliography
3. Research Instrument/s
4. Timetable
5. Budget

The college/unit concerned is informed of the approved research undertaking of faculty/staff by the URDC thru a letter addressed to the dean/unit head indicating: Attention: (Name of faculty/staff researcher).

4. Proposal Technical Review

Upon completion of the research proposal the URDC reconvenes the Review Panel.  In cases wherein the proponent/s is behind schedule, the URDC assists.  Proponents of approved proposals are given the go-signal to proceed while for those with major recommendations should do as advised.  The dean/unit head concerned is informed of the result of the proposal review following the manner for the concept paper review.

During this part of the process, the Technical Review Panel deliberates on the timetable and budget.  The inclusive period depends on the complexity/sophistication of study.  Budget includes the honorarium of researcher/s and the incidental expenses.  A six-unit equivalence per month is given to individual faculty researches while for collaborative researches, the unit-equivalent is increased accordingly.  For the six-unit equivalence, the researcher is given the privilege to choose from deloading, overload or money equivalency.  It should be noted that a capable faculty even with the maximum load can still do research and opt for money equivalency.

5. Contract Signing

Upon presentation of the revised draft of research proposal, the researcher/s enters into a contract with the University through the URDC.