SACON Meeting, September 16th, 2002 at 3:00 PM, CON Rm. 301

SACON meeting held in CON, Rm. 301 on Monday, Sept. 16th called to order at 3:00 pm by Tish McNally and Becky Dockstater, co-presidents. Attendend by: Lonnie, Jemma, Dean Szigeti, Joy Tompkins (Sigma Theta Tau Representative), and Meega Wells, SACON Advisor. The AGENDA was loosely followed with lively discussion, exchange of ideas, and information. Refreshments were served and provided by Becky and Tish.

• Copies of the proposed budget for 2002-2003 were circulated to give attendees an idea of what was requested of the Graduate Student Council on behalf of SACON. Chuck Simpson, Dean of Student Activities, informed me that our budget request has been forwarded to the B committee and we should know in a few weeks the outcome. As of this writing (10-20), I haven't heard anything new.
  
• Community service was discussed. This is a requirement of the Graduate Student Council bylaws for every student organization (one event annually). Suggestions were made that we could take part in fundraising events (walks, etc.) for the heart association or cancer society. Dean Szigeti said she could supply monies to buy a SACON banner to be used for such events and/or booths/tables that we may set up for other events. Tish will contact the bookstore/kinkos for prices and ordering. It was announced that an alzheimer's walk will take place 9-28 for anyone interested.
  
  • Last year's canned food drive donation to the downtown mission food pantry was much appreciated by them and we will try to do that again with even better response.
    
  • There is a SUNY Upstate sponsored health fair at the Carousel Mall on November 23rd, 10 am - 2:00 pm. Nursing students can show up and help PRN per Erik of the Graduate Student Council.
    
• Joy Tompkins joined us as a guest representative of Sigma Theta Tau, The Nursing Honor Society. She asked if any SACON member would be interested in taking part in the Nursing Research Committee. Becky volunteered. A meeting will be held 10-9-02, 3:30-4:30 in the CON conference room.
  
• Becky will also take part in the curriculum committee meetings once each month on a Friday. Anyone else interested in this should see Becky.
  
• A summit conference of various nursing disciplines at the Oncenter in Syracuse is being planned for June, 2003. SACON will participate in some capacity (to be determined). Becky spoke with the chairperson, Connie Jastremski of Rome Memorial Hospital about the conference. Becky and Tish will pursue details and present plan options at the October SACON meeting. Sigma Theta Tau will also be involved. Barbara Black is a key person planning this event from the CON.
  
• December graduates will be recognized by SACON. A dinner was suggested to celebrate graduation for 12 students and was accepted as a definite plan by the attending members. Dean Szigeti very generously volunteered that alumni funds were available to help defray costs. Becky and Tish will look into places and prices, etc to start planning for a December date. Will report findings at October meeting.
  
• Fund raising will be needed this school year. A multi prize drawing of solicited prizes will be held during spring semester. Tish will look into donated "good Stuff" to make the drawing attractive to the general student body and faculty. Possibly Syracuse Stage Tickets, restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets, bookstore gift certificates.
  
• The next meeting will be on OCTOBER 28TH, MONDAY, 3:00 pm-4:00 pm, RM 301, CON. Flyers to be posted 1 week in advance (at least).
  
• The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm by mutual consent.