Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union

I. CALL TO ORDER

A.S. President Kareen Holstrom called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL 

Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Nadia Gallarzo, Ava Alvarado, Julia Biesman, Marco Loza, Karen Sawouq,  Noah Stuart (arrived at 3:41 p.m.), Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Jessica Rentto

Voting Members Absent: Brittany Santos-Derieg

Non-Voting Members Present: Araya Williams, Christina Brown (left at 5:02 p.m.), Araya Williams, Caryl Montero-Adams

Non-Voting Members Absent: 

Guests: Janice Dils, Tim Ripke, Cynthia Torres.

III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda with the amendment that the Executive Reports be moved to after Items for Consideration.

The agenda was approved, as amended.
RAWLS/LOZA                                                                    CARRIED (11-0-0)

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT :

A. None.

V. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION

  1. Icebreaker - Kareen Holstrom, A.S. President
  2. A.S. 101 and Board of Directors Resources (Information) - Christina Brown, Executive Director
  3. Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre Hospitality House Feasibility Study (Action) - Tim Ripke, Viejas Arena Director

    It was moved and seconded to approve the transfer from reserves to the Open Air Theatre project account in support of the Hospitality House Feasibility Study.

The motion was approved.
BIESMAN/SAWOUQ      CARRIED (11-0-0)


D. General Consent Agenda (Action): None
E. General Consent Report (Information): None.

VI. EXECUTIVE REPORTS

  1. A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following:
    a. The Board will be focusing on strategic planning over the summer, including refining internal processes and exploring opportunities to enhance communication, potentially through expanded use of social media. She will be attending a leadership meeting at CSU Monterey Bay next week, where they will collaborate with other student body presidents systemwide. As part of the summer planning, the Board will continue to develop goals for the upcoming academic year. 
  2. Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following:
     a. Leading the planning efforts for Homecoming, with the date still to be determined. A diverse steering committee is actively being assembled, and students interested in participating are encouraged to reach out. Preparations are underway for the Board retreat, scheduled for August 17–19. She also noted that New Student Orientation (NSO) will take place on July 8th, with a form to be distributed next week to applicable participants. In addition, she is working on a project titled "Triple A," with further details to be shared soon.The Board will also be participating in the San Diego Pride Parade. They have secured a spot in the 1.5-mile parade route, and members will walk together as a community while holding a banner to show support and solidarity.
  3. Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
    a.  Provided an overview of her role overseeing all advocacy efforts within Associated Students. She supports the Lobby Corps Chair and serves as Chair of the External Relations Board. Currently, she is working on campus-wide voting initiatives and civic engagement. She shared that the Cal State Student Association (CSSA) recently elected a new Chair. Over the summer, she will be focusing on a project titled Roots of Advocacy, with more detailed updates to be shared at the next meeting, including her goals for the year. She is also beginning preparations for the Rock the Vote campaign in the fall.
  4.  Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
    a.The Chief Financial Affairs Officer provided an update on the allocation of funding for student organizations, including funding for travel and other initiatives. One of the key upcoming projects is the Aztec Rock Hunger campaign, which is scheduled to launch in the Fall semester.She noted that the Associated Students (AS) budget is estimated at $50 million overall. A breakdown of the budget and the distribution of student fees has been compiled into a cheat sheet for transparency and easy reference. Students are encouraged to reach out if they are interested in supporting the Aztec Rock Hunger campaign or learning more about how their student fees are being used. Additionally, students are welcome to visit her office, where a ramen bar has been set up as a casual space to hang out and connect.
  5. Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following:
     a. The Chief Academic Officer shared updates on her ongoing work with various academic committees and her role in overseeing the University Council, which represents both undergraduate and graduate student populations. She emphasized the importance of supporting student voices and ensuring representation across academic levels.She highlighted efforts to foster collaboration among all college councils, noting that this cross-college engagement is vital for a unified academic community. Planning is currently underway for the upcoming College Council Retreat, which will provide leadership development and strengthen inter-college relationships. Additional initiatives include Career Advantage and other programs designed to enhance student academic and professional growth.
  6. Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart: 
    a. Consider organizing a formal presentation, potentially led by Associated Students (AS) representatives, or an inclusive event that encourages participation from all members. One suggestion is to host a tabling event aimed at informing and engaging individuals who should get involved with A.S. activities. It was noted that making participation mandatory with incentives may result in reluctance among attendees.
  7. Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil:
    a. Building on Noah’s suggestion, there was a proposal to offer a one-credit course to encourage participation. Additionally, it was noted that this week California passed Assembly Bill 91 concerning visibility and recognition, specifically related to the Swana Heritage. Unfortunately, the bill was passed privately without widespread public awareness.
  8. Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado: None.
  9. Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman: None.
  10. Student-at-Large, Marco Loza: None.
  11. Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq: None.

VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS

  1. Milan Rawls: Expressed her excitement and readiness to start the new year as the new Executive Vice President.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT 

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:51 p.m.
RAWLS/ZEIS-KHALIL                                        CARRIED (11-0-0)

 

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