Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Monday, May 5, 2025 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Aztec Student Union
I. CALL TO ORDER
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ROLL CALL
- Voting Members Present: Katerina Hernandez,Tajuddin Henry, Vincent Lin, Trinity Dang, Nora Novak, Nicholas Felix (left at: 3:45 p.m.), Kareen Holstrom, Jessica Rentto, Brittany Santos-Derieg, Janine Ezomo, Aliza Siddiqui, Mohamed Erekat (left at: 3:50 p.m.)
- Voting Members Absent: Derrick Herrera
- Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Isabella Todd
- Non-Voting Members Absent: Araya Williams, Jessica Rentto, Brittany Santos- Derieg, Caryl Montero Adams
- Guests: Carlos Careaga, Patty Rhea, Mark Zakrzewski
II. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for April 28, 2025.
EREKAT/NOVAK CARRIED (11-0-0)
III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous meeting minutes.
NOVAK/HOLSTROM CARRIED (11-0-0)
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT
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Mohammed shared that during SWANA Heritage Month, he followed the proper process to submit a post for the A.S. Instagram account but was later approached by A.S. members who raised concerns about potential targeting. He was called into a meeting, encouraged to change his responses, and ultimately, his post was not approved. He expressed disappointment, feeling that his effort to share his heritage was met with bias and silencing within A.S. and invited interested representatives to reach out in support.
V. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee: No report.
- Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, reported on the following: No report.
VI. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Katarina Hernandez: Had a meeting at the Alumni Center, addressed the impact of recent budget cuts on staff and the future outlook. Advisors presented their reports, outlining key concerns. Assembly Member Collins urged attendees to vote in support of measures to assist those affected.
- Executive Vice President, Tajuddin Henry: The Aztec Achievement Awards ceremony is this Thursday, with preparations in place for a smooth event, including a surprise guest performance. Attendees are to dress professionally, either in a colored suit or appropriate beach attire. A meeting with Milan is scheduled this week to assist with her transition into the office, and guest speakers will contribute to the event. Efforts are being made to ensure a smooth integration for Milan.
- Vice President of External Relations, Derrick Herrera: Nearing the completion of his transition with Abby. Additionally, he will be attending Advocate Day in Sacramento with the California State University, ahead of the Governor's upcoming decision on the budget cuts, which are expected to take effect soon.
- Vice President of Financial Affairs, Vincent Lin: The cultural budget allocation was partially approved, with another appeal scheduled for next week which is the final opportunity for appeals. During the budget cut discussions, questions arose about the impact on various departments, with Student Affairs and Campus Diversity (SACD) facing a $1 million reduction. Efforts are also underway to prepare a document to assist Aliza Siddiqui in transitioning into her new position.
- Vice President of University Affairs, Trinity Dang: A meeting with Dr. Tong covered the impact of budget cuts, with discussions involving the Dean and advisors about future challenges and expectations. The last University Affairs Board (UAB) meeting, held Wednesday, saw the passing of a previously discussed resolution. A transition meeting with Nadia is scheduled to help her move into her new role, replacing Trinity. Additionally, discussions are underway to expand the academic partnership statewide.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- ARC Expansion Feasibility Study (Action) - Mark Zakrzewski, Associate Executive Director (Time Certain 3:45 p.m.)
It was moved and seconded to approve the Marketing & Communications Committee proposed amendments to the A.S. bylaws.
SIDDIQUI/HENRY CARRIED (9-0-0) - A.S. Federal and State Tax Filing Review (Information) - Carlos Careaga, Finance Director
The A.S. Federal and State Tax Filing Review was reviewed.
C. 403b Audit Update (Action) - Carlos Careaga, Finance Director
It was moved and seconded to approve the 403b Audit Update.
NOVAK/HENRY CARRIED (9-0-0)
D.Summer/Fall 2025 Council Schedule (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the Summer/Fall 2025 Council Schedule.
EZOMO/HOLSTROM CARRIED ( 9-0-0)
E. A.S. Appointments Approval (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the A.S. Appointments Approval.
CARRIED ( 9-0-0)
It is recommended that the name of Noah Stuart be amended to reflect the correct spelling in all official records and documentation.
CARRIED ( 9-0-0)
F. General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
HOLSTROM/HENRY CARRIED ( 9-0-0)
G. General Consent Report (Information)
The General Consent Report was reviewed.
VIII. CLOSED SESSION
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None.
IX. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS
- Student-at-Large, Nicholas Felix:. No Report.
- Student-at-Large, Kareen Holstrom: It was a valuable experience participating in the Evolve conversation alongside Kat and Nick. I also had the opportunity to meet several of the new commissioners and to serve on the Ad-Hoc Committee.
- Student-at-Large, Aliza Siddiqui: Expressed appreciation for the current Executive Board and shared enthusiasm about the opportunity to follow in Vincent’s footsteps.
- Student-at-Large, Nora Novak: Served on the Ad-Hoc Committee and noted that there was a strong pool of applicants for the Board of Directors (BOD) and Judicial Affairs Council (JAC) appointed positions this year.
- Student-at-Large, Janine Ezomo: Participated in the Ad-Hoc Committee to assist in the selection of new members for the Board of Directors (BOD) and Judicial Affairs Council (JAC).
X. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Katarina Hernandez: Expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors for their continued dedication and efforts throughout the semester. Shared enthusiasm for the future of Associated Students and the contributions of next year's members. Emphasized the importance of timeliness for all council meetings. Provided an update from the Evolve discussion, noting that recent parking updates primarily focused on ADA parking accommodations and exemption parking for sophomore students residing in the TECs.
- Executive Vice President, Tajuddin Henry: Expressed satisfaction with the success of Triple A’s this year and shared his intention to leave a strong planning template for Milan to build upon next year. Presented several suggestions for potential amendments to the Triple A charter, which may be brought forward to the Board of Directors for consideration. Concluded by stating that it has been a pleasure working with everyone.
- Vice President of External Relations, Derrick Herrera: No report.
- Vice President of Financial Affairs,Vincent Lin: Shared that efforts are underway to transition the Student Success Fund (SSF) into the next academic year, noting changes to its accounting structure. A new cultural allocation system is being developed and will begin preliminary testing. Additionally, new funding made available through increased enrollment will start to be allocated during this transition period. The transition document has been completed, and meetings are scheduled to begin soon. Reflected positively on a successful year.
- Vice President of University Affairs, Trinity Dang: Currently working on the transition process and coordinating a meeting with Nadia following commencement. Olivera is collaborating closely to ensure a seamless handover. Wished everyone success on their final exams and expressed pride in the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the Board of Directors.
- Executive Director, Christina Brown: No Report.
XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
- None.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:10 p.m.
HOLSTROM/SIDDIQUI CARRIED (9-0-0)
