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Charles and I had the great fortune of being chosen to attend the Chapter Leader Academy conference that took
place in September last year. As Tau Chapter representatives we attended many different events, interactive
sessions, networking opportunities, and social gatherings.
On Thursday evening, we enjoyed the opening welcome and presidential address from our current president, Carol
Picard. She encouraged all of us to view STTI from a different perspective involving nursing and health care issues
around the world—not only in our region. She suggested that we all ask ourselves what it is we can do to
contribute globally—individually and as a chapter. She invited all of us to nurture leadership within our chapters,
engage young members, cultivate a wider vision, and be responsive to member needs. Dr. Picard was a very
engaging and enthusiastic speaker. Her dynamic personality came through in her opening and challenged us all to
see ourselves as part of an international professional organization.
Our region 12 coordinator, Amy Johnson, led a session regarding retention strategies. We received a wide array
of ideas as to how to increase our membership numbers, involvement, and retention. This was a very interactive
session as it became obvious many chapters have problems with membership! Dr. Johnson’s energy sparked a
new energy in many of the attendants and many ideas were exchanged among chapters.
Charles and I had the opportunity to visit and tour the international headquarters. We also had the opportunity to
have dinner with many members of region twelve. Overall, it was a very enlightening experience and Charles and I
hope to take the lessons we learned and put them into full effect in the coming years.

President’s Update – 2007 Ballot
January 30, 2007

As we begin a new year, it is time to plan for the 2007 elections. This
process involves the work of our Leadership and Succession Committee
under the direction of Rayma Skinner. A major responsibility of this
committee is the development of the ballot for presentation to the Board
of Directors for approval and then the mail-out to active members for
voting. The success of any chapter is certainly a reflection of its officers
and members who chair and serve on the various committees. In 2007
there are many opportunities for Tau members to become actively
involved in chapter leadership and activities. I am writing to ask each of
you to review the following information about the positions and the key
associated responsibilities. If you are interested in having your name
placed on the ballot or if you need more information, etc. please contact
either Rayma Skinner at RSki741777@aol.com or Jean Kelley at
kelleyj@georgetown.edu. All candidates need to be an active member of
the chapter and must consent to serve in the position. The committee
would like to complete its work of finalizing the ballot by Monday,
February 19, 2007. If you are reading this information and you have not
renewed your chapter membership, now is a great time to renew or if you
have membership in another local chapter and want to hold dual
membership, please contact us.

The senior Scholarly Project is a requirement supporting the senior practicum, which is completed over the
student's final semester. The group projects were voted on by the faculty and students. Faculty and students
considered the innovation, originality, and application to nursing science to determine the winner. The group which
received the most votes was awarded a plaque at the completion ceremony and a $50 check from STT. The
winning group examined the similarities and differences between end of life care across critical care environments.
After graduation the winners plans include:

Lindsay Miller: oncology unit at Fairfax
Michelle Moore: ED at GW
Linda McNair: MICU at the University of Colorado, Denver
Margaret Navarro: Peds ED.

The Tau Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International,
the international scholarship society for nursing,
provides support for small, individual research projects
as funding permits. Preference for awards will be
given to Tau Chapter members who propose to
conduct pilot research that promotes nursing
scholarship and has potential for future external
funding. An average award is approximately $500.
When reviewing applications, the Research Committee
will consider the following criteria:
�� proposed study seeks to answer an important
question
�� proposed study has scientific merit (ethical and
appropriate design, etc)
�� proposed study is feasible
�� intended use of requested funds is adequately
described
�� additional funds supporting the research project are
declared

An application for a Tau Chapter research award
should be limited to a two-page summary description
of the proposed study, including the following
elements:
�� Problem statement
�� Description of preliminary work (if applicable)
�� Research question (hypotheses, if appropriate)
�� Design and methods
�� Data analysis plan
�� Implications of findings
�� one additional page describing the budget and
justification for expenses.
The application must be typed (single-spaced, size 12
font) and accompanied by:
�� a brief, two-page biosketch of the principal
investigator(s) [may be a PHS 398 form]

Applications being reviewed must be received by the
following due dates: March 30, 2007 or November 2, 2007
Submit application to:
R. Kevin Mallinson, PhD, RN, AACRN
Research Committee Chair, Tau Chapter
Room 427, St. Mary’s Hall
Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies
3700 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington, DC 20057-1107

PDF Version: Tau Chapter Research Application








	Nominations are needed for the following positions: The Graduate Counselor must be on the faculty of the School of Nursing & Health Studies. This counselor also serves as chair of the Governance Committee. The graduate counselor: • Leads the process for determining graduate membership and community leader eligibility • Works closely with the undergraduate counselor who is responsible for coordinating the events for the annual induction ceremony. • Works with the board, developing strategies for publicizing and informing graduate students and nursing leaders of eligibility of their membership. • Secures the necessary data from the official records of students to determine eligibility status and notifies students of this and sends out appropriate membership application materials. The Treasurer • Is the custodian of the chapter funds and prepares a quarterly financial report • Presents a current financial report to the Board at each scheduled meeting. • Submits an annual budget to the Board of Directors • Prepares and submits annual chapter financial report • Cuts checks when needed for chapter functions, etc. • Oversees and manages the investment plan of the chapter (organization) with support from the Board The Recording Secretary: • Prepares and distributes meeting minutes and correspondence The Corresponding Secretary: • Maintains website – georgetownsigma.com • Posts/sends out information, mailings as appropriate • Prepares an annual report to the Board of Directors Members of the Governance Committee (need 3 members – Elected graduate counselor will serve as chair) • Oversee bylaws compliance • Makes recommendations for bylaws changes • Oversee member and chapter eligibility issues Members of the Leadership Succession Committee (need 3 members) • Select nominees • Prepare the ballot • Submits the list of nominees to the Board of Directors at least 4 weeks prior to the election • Coordinate the election process (mail-out, tally of votes, etc.)









				Archive: Newsletter Fall 2005

				Archive: Newsletter Fall 2006