Suny Downstate Medical Center

The meeting included discussions on class updates for the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 cohorts, addressing issues such as pre-paid printing cards, library annex open hours extension, student feedback on OSCEs, and student center Sunday closures due to staffing shortages. Trending topics involved updates on the feasibility of international rotations for students in the Global Health pathway, noting that the university is not permitted to allow group international travel for credit at this time, and an inquiry regarding the estimated time of arrival for the Patagonia order. Several budget requests were presented and approved, including funding for conference travel for Kunika Chahal and Michael Lynch, and funding for an event hosted by the Anesthesia Society at Downstate.

The key discussion topics for the Nursing Student Council (NSC) Leadership Team meeting focused on several procedural and logistical matters. These included planning for an upcoming meeting with Dr. McHugh to discuss ensuring required clinical hours are met despite delayed starts, clarifying health clearance requirements such as background checks, reviewing cohort feedback, and addressing the need for improved staff-student communication. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding inconsistent accommodation for Jewish holidays during clinical rotations and specific issues with clinical ID access at Bellevue due to communication breakdowns. Updates were also provided concerning feedback received from the ABSN cohort and the lack of communication from RN-BS clinical instructors.

Key discussions included budget management, emphasizing the necessity of submitting forms to prevent account freezing, with budget request forms to be distributed at the subsequent meeting. Nominations for SOHP Council officers for the following year are scheduled to open in March. Planning for the Midterm Breakfast on March 10th, celebrating Women's History Month, was addressed. Updates from the University Council highlighted low SOHP participation in the MultiCultural Fair and solicited participation for an event at Medgar Evers on March 23rd, along with reminders about graduation registration. Upcoming SOHP events included a career exploration day on March 14th with the BMWC Chapter and KAVI, and a two-day Career & Networking (CANE) event scheduled for April 13th (In Person) and April 14th (Virtual). Discussions also covered potential senior portraits, the COTAD Ramadan & Lunar New Year Event on March 5th, and information regarding Spring Mini Courses and the SOHP 60th Anniversary Event on April 21st.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on operational updates and financial constraints. The Office of General Services (OGS) provided an update regarding the external boiler system, with hopes that the Student Center could reopen soon. A significant concern raised was the drastic decrease in Work Study Funds compared to previous years, which jeopardized the ability to fund student center staffing for the remainder of the month. A motion was passed to utilize roll over funding from COVID-19 resources to support student center staffing.

Key discussions included budget requests from clubs, review of past events such as a Chess Tournament and a Rangers trip, and planning for upcoming events like Lunar New Year, Winter Wonderland Pillow Making, a Blood Drive, and a BHM collaboration. Details regarding the Dinner Cruise ticket sales, pricing, and DJ selection were reviewed. Planning for the Spring Fair/Carnival, including game ideas, is underway. The board addressed the lack of updates on Basketball Court Repairs, confirmed that SCGB polos are shipping, and noted that MC, SCGB, and UC will create a single budget policy, with a constitution revision committee established. Travel and Tours reviewed ticket sales for the Nets vs. Bulls game and planned future events including Broadway's Stranger Things and a Candlelight Event. Updates were provided on potential mini courses, the Envelope Project, and the Engage platform. A budget reconciliation motion was passed to transfer $120 from the reserve account to cover the Coffee House account deficit, and assistance was noted for the Badminton Club's budget overrun.