A.S. History | A.S.

Origins of the Associated Students
of San Diego State University

San Diego State College was created by the State Legislature in 1921 by the merging of the State Normal School of San Diego, which was established in 1897, with the Junior College, established in 1914. Due to their separate beginnings, each came into the merger with their own student body organizations, including their own officers. Measures for the joint benefit of the two student bodies required the approval of each campus’ respective student executive committee, often resulting in delay. Despite the best efforts of each, it became impossible to attain effective cooperation between the independent committees of each campus.

Sensing the need for unity and a stronger spirit of cooperation among the student bodies in their efforts to facilitate student government, it was decided in the fall of 1921 to form a Central Committee to coordinate joint legislation and student programming. Although this system was effective initially, it soon proved to be cumbersome. During an election at the end of the school year, the students voiced their desire to completely fuse the student bodies into a single organization.

Under the name of the San Diego State College Student Body, the combined student bodies elected Wilbert Anderson as their first President for the 1922-23 school year. Following the relocation of San Diego State College to the current site of the campus and the continued growth of the student body, the Associated Students of San Diego State College were incorporated as a California non-profit corporation on March 7, 1932.

Today, Associated Students (A.S.) of San Diego State University (SDSU) is an independent student-directed corporation that provides a wide range of services and programs for SDSU students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and the general public. With an operating budget of over $30 million, Associated Students derives 25% of its revenues from student fees and 75% from revenues generated by programs it operates. A.S. SDSU is run by five elected student executive officers and the student Board of Directors. A.S. employs 100 full-time employees and over 1,200 part-time employees.

A.S. Timeline
Important Milestones in the History of the Associated Students

2023
The Aztec Recreation Center receives LEED Platinum status for New Construction, the top sustainability certification in the world. With only 3.7% of all LEED New Construction buildings in the world certified at the platinum level, the ARC becomes a model of green awareness and responsibility.
2022
Mission Bay Aquatic Center celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2022
Associated Students celebrates its 90th anniversary and launches the A.S. Alumni Chapter.
2022
Aztecs Rock Hunger breaks its previous record set in 2019 of $100,267 and raises $109,676 for the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank, A.S. Food Pantry and SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team.
2022
The Aztec Recreation Center (ARC) expansion and renovation is completed, adding 6 multi-use courts, indoor track, five fitness studios, two Olympic lifting zones, climbing and bouldering walls, a quiet lounge and gender neutral locker rooms.
2021
The Children’s Center reaches 50 years of being in service for SDSU families, faculty and staff. Due to COVID-19, the physical celebration is postponed until 2023.
2021
Viejas Arena serves as the County of San Diego’s COVID vaccination site, administering up to 1,500 vaccines daily to eligible members of the campus community and general public.
2020
Viejas Arena serves as a Super Poll Site for the 2020 Presidential Election. Voters have the opportunity to register to vote, turn in mail-in ballots and vote in person while adhering to all county and state COVID-19 guidelines.
2020
A.S. facilities remain fully operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is the only A.S. in the CSU to do so. Adjusted operations include all outdoor recreation for students to maintain their health and wellness needs while staying safe.
2019
The ENS 700 Field opens to support student success and well-being through increased access to recreation, fitness and sport activities. The upgrade was made possible in partnership with SDSU and through the Spring 2018 ARC Referendum, where SDSU students voted for a large-scale expansion and renovation of the Aztec Recreation Center and an increase in recreational field space.
2018
The ARC Referendum passes through student voters, allowing for a 70,000-square-foot expansion of the Aztec Recreation Center and free gym membership for all SDSU students, with a 23% voter turnout.
2018
The Backdoor Studio opens on the first floor of the Student Union, giving students a space to creatively express themselves by recording and producing their art.
2017
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre completes construction on a $5.5 million upgrade. The project includes construction of three new buildings that house men’s and women’s restroom facilities, new stage roof, stadium style seating and a new concession stand.
2016
The 64,600 sq. ft. Recreation Field opens, featuring all-weather turf along with energy efficient LED sports lighting. The Recreation Field provides an additional 110 hours a week for expanded intramural sports, sport clubs, fitness and informal recreation opportunities on campus.
2016
A.S. debuts the A.S. Food Pantry in November 2016 at the weekly SDSU Farmers Market and distributes 38,320 lbs. of food to 2,842 students through May. The #ASNOWASTE program begins and alerts students when excess food is available through events in the Student Union.
2016
A.S. has its highest voter turnout in general A.S. election in history: 20% of the student body voted and 83 candidates competed for 38 elected positions.
2015
The Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union is awarded the 2015 Green Building Project of the Year by the U.S. Green Building Council.
2014
– The new Aztec Student Union opens in January. In February, philanthropist Conrad Prebys donates $20 million for student scholarships and the building is named the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.
2013
Christina Brown begins as only the second Executive Director in A.S. history.
2013
Implemented the new government structure.
2011
Permanent Bike Lanes Installed: A.S. working in collaboration with the Senate Environment & Safety Committee, the Office of Facilities Planning, Design & Construction and the SDSU Physical Plant, initiated the installation of permanent bike lanes on campus.
2011
Government Restructuring Approved in Concept. In April 2011, A.S. Council approved in-concept, the outline of a new structure for the A.S. Government that increases the number of opportunities for student participation while de-centralizing the role of the board of directors.
2011
April 2011, the A.S. Council approved a series of long range goals that form the basis of a Sustainability Strategic Plan for the facilities operated by the Associated Students. The plan establishes a goal that all A.S-operated facilities become LEED Existing Building – Operations & Maintenance (EB O&M) certified by the year 2020, with the additional goal that these buildings also be energy net zero by the same year.
2011
Sustainability Strategic Plan Adopted by A.S. Council.
2010
"ModernSpace - Sustaining the Future" referendum passes and plans begin for a new LEED Platinum student union.
2009
Securing of a Naming Rights Sponsor for the Arena: The signing of a contract with the Viejas Tribe of Kumeyaay Indians making them the naming rights sponsor of the Arena was completed despite coming at a major downturn in the economic climate. The deal guarantees the Arena will be the Viejas Arena for at least the next seven (7) years.
2009
Solar Photo Voltaic System: Installed a 41kW solar photovoltaic electric generating system on the MBAC that will produce 100% of the MBAC’s yearly electrical consumption for the next 25 years. The cost of the system was offset with a $129,000 rebate grant from the California Center for Sustainable Energy. This system will save over $407,000 in electrical energy charges in the next 25 years.
2009
Due to the economic downturn, plans to renovate and expand Aztec Center are re-evaluated. A.S. Council approves another student fee referendum to fund demolishing the existing Aztec Center and build an all new LEED Platinum student union.
2008
Student Body Association Fee Referendum: Student leaders collaborated with many different groups on campus to advocate for and successfully pass and increase to the student body association fee, which is estimated to add an additional $1.4 million dollars to the annual budget, which will allow A.S. to provide: scholarships for SDSU students studying abroad; discounted legal services for students who need them; additional student driven and Aztec Pride programming and events; a botanical garden and mural that educated students and visitors on the history of the Aztec culture; sustainable upgrades to A.S. facilities that will make A.S. a leader in energy conservation; and, an annual campus-wide event that will provide education and entertainment opportunities.
2008
In collaboration with Student Affairs, coordinated the first Aztec Night, a series of late-night programs specifically designed for SDSU students.
2008
A.S. “Green Love” Programs initiated: Motivated by direction from student leaders, A.S. initiated its own version of an ecofriendly “green” initiative across the organization.
2007
Opened the $12 million SDSU swimming pool facility, the Aztec Aquaplex. Home of the Aztec's water polo and swimming/diving teams.
2006
Hosted 1st and 2nd rounds of the 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the COX Arena.
2006
Welcomed five new co–sponsors to the SDSU Children's Center's "A is for Art" Exhibitions and Gala Evening of Art Project. The Office of the University President, Aztec Shops, KPBS, the SDSU Library, and CASE joined us to expand participation throughout the campus and into the larger SDSU community.
2006
Successfully marketed and passed a student fee referendum to expand the Aztec Center Student Union.
2005
Mission Bay Aquatic Center continued to be a national model facility for water sports education serving over 15,000 participants in the widest range of water sports of any facility in the nation.
2005
Mission Bay Aquatic Center's youth water sports programs enjoyed record attendance for the year with 6,050 youth participating in sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, wake boarding, surfing, kayaking, rowing, and marine science activities.
2005
In partnership with the San Diego International Sports Council, Cox Arena successfully booked and hosted the United States Olympic International Festival basketball games.
2005
Cox Arena successfully hosted 141 events days that resulted in 335,203 guests visiting our venues. Included in this event total were 35 SDSU basketball games, 20 concerts including sold–out performances by Elton John, George Lopez, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Avril Lavigne, Green Day, Beastie Boys, Prince, and Incubus, four days of commencement, and 16 days of conference bookings.
2005
Cox Arena receives recognition from the AOL Online City Guide as the 2005 City's Best Place for Live Music.
2005
In conjunction with the Athletic Department, the Cox Arena designed and implemented new VIP and Media seating system providing table seating for 148 people on three levels of riser and ample access for food service and ingress and egress.
2005
Children's Center established a major collaborative project with on–campus and off campus support for our "A is for Art Exhibition & Gala" highlighting the capabilities of young children.
2005
Campus Recreation selected a pool architectural firm to work with student leaders, recreation board members, athletic coaches/administrators, CSU officials and campus–based staff to develop a working construction document for the new pool.
2005
Aztec Center facilitated and completed the renovation of the Bowling & Games Center restrooms to make them ADA compliant.
2005
Initiated the "@State" electronic newsletter along with the University. The e–newsletter is emailed to all registered SDSU students on the first of every month and can be accessed at anytime on the SDSU web site. It informs students of vital information and updates from a variety of sources.
2005
With the intention of providing more entertainment and social opportunities and creating tradition on campus, with the collaboration of AS Executive Officers and CASE, created a music festival called "Azfest" that featured live bands, vendors selling wares, food, and beverages. The day ended with a concert in the Open Air Theatre, attended by students, alumni, and community members.
2004
Support of a student referendum funding a new swimming pool and aquatics facility, a proposal which was subsequently passed by the student body.
2004
Opened new state–of–the–art Children's Center facility in March that now matches the high quality educational program that A.S. has been delivering for 30 years.
2003
Opened Aztec Café – Starbucks in the Aztec Center in September and added additional café–style seating on the mezzanine.
2003
Cox Arena receives the "Prime Site Award" from 'Facilities & Event Management' magazine for the 5th consecutive year and was recognized by the America Online City Guide as San Diego's "Best Place for Live Music".
2003
Experienced a record number (1+ million) entrances to the Aztec Recreation Center for the first time.
2003
Aztec Recreation Center remodel completed providing enhanced services to members and administrative efficiencies.
2003
New Cross–Cultural Center in the Aztec Center opens in January and officially was dedicated in April.
2002
AS Council approves establishment of coffeehouse program and facility modifications to the Peiffer Lounge in Aztec Center set to open for fall 2003.
2002
Cox Arena receives the "Prime Site Award" from 'Facilities & Event Management' magazine for the 4th year in a row. Cox Arena also receives local recognition from the San Diego Reader as the venue with the 'Best Concert Sound'.
2002
Aztec Center Satellite Cyber Lounge opens in September at the West End Plaza to provide enhanced computer lounge service needs for students on the west side of campus.
2002
Student fee referendum conducted in March, resulting in approval of fee increases for Student Health Service (SHS) programs, a new SHS facility and enhanced student access at the Love Library.
2001
Cox Arena receives "Prime Site Award". It is the 3rd consecutive year Cox Arena has been selected by 'Facilities & Event Management' magazine. Cox Arena is one of only three California arena facilities receiving the distinction, and the only university facility in California, to win the award.
2001
AS Council approves creation of a new Executive Officer position. The AS Vice President of University Affairs will assist to improve student advocacy in campus affairs.
2001
$2.6 million Children's Center replacement project approved by AS Council. Construction to begin in March 2003
2001
A.S. Government Affairs Office establishes in Aztec Center relocation of student Executive Offices and creating a new center for student government programs.
2001
Cox Arena is the site of the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championships (December)
2001
Cox Arena is the site of the Western Regional, 1st and 2nd rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (March 15-17).
1997
The long-awaited Student Activity Center (Cox Arena and Aztec Recreation Center) opens its doors in time for the SDSU Centennial celebration.
1996
A.S. lease for the operation of the Student Activity Center is approved, becoming the only student body organization in the U.S. to operate a major on-campus university arena facility.
1995
Following nearly six years of litigation, ground is finally broken and construction begins on Student Activity Center.
1993
"Wall Memorial" permanent tribute to student activism of the early 90’s is created and installed in Peiffer Lounge.
1992
Associated Students constructs and opens the Faculty-Staff Children’s Center as a service to SDSU faculty and staff.
1988
Students approve fee for construction and operation of the Student Activity Center (Cox Arena and Aztec Recreation Center).
1985
New Open Air Theater Hospitality House opens, built by Associated Students; Madonna is first guest artist to utilize the facility for two performances during her "Like A Virgin" tour.
1982
Associated Students celebrates the 50th anniversary of its incorporation.
1978
Open Air Theater is leased and improved by the Associated Students as a venue to present major contemporary artists on the campus.
1975
Mission Bay Aquatic Center established in Mission Bay Park in cooperation with the University of California, San Diego. City of San Diego, Regents of the University of California and Associated Students reach agreement on 25-year lease.
1971
Campus Childcare Center established.
1968
A.S. lease of student union approved. Aztec Center opens as the first permanent student union facility on any CSU campus.
1963
Students approve mandatory fee to build a permanent student union facility (Aztec Center).
1955
Mandatory student activity fee approved by a vote of the student body.