Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - 2:30pm
Council Chambers, Aztec Student Union
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. President Kareen Holstrom called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL
- Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Nadia Gallarzo, Ava Alvardo, Julia Biesman, Marco Loza, Karen Sawouq, Noah Stuart, Jessica Rentto (left at 4:50 p.m.), Caryl Montero Adams
- Voting Members Absent: Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Brittany Santos-Derieg
- Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Araya Williams
- Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
- Guests: Charlotte Roberts, Sara Sanders, Mark Zakrewski, Ai Kuwayama, A.J. Munoz-Bond, Amanda Gonzalez, Adam McClanahan, Adrian Macias Sanchez, Andy Nguyen, Christina Goergen, Cole Davis, Dawn Dinardo, Jacob Siegfried, Nathan Wolf, Pamela Mahlow, Seth Wayne
II. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for August 13, 2025.
LOZA/BIESMAN CARRIED (11-0-0)
III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
SAWOUQ/BIESMAN CARRIED (11-0-0)
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT
-
None.
V. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee reported on the following:
San Diego State University has officially opened the Brawley STEM Building in Imperial Valley. This facility is part of an $80 million investment in a new science building designed to support the region’s emerging Lithium Valley initiative. In addition to this development, Imperial Valley will be launching two new academic programs focused on engineering and other science-based majors, aligning with local economic and workforce priorities.
A commemorative event was held to mark the signing of a memorandum of understanding between San Diego State University and the San Diego Community College District. This agreement outlines collaborative efforts to strengthen student pathways from community college to SDSU, including plans to break ground on a new building within the district. - Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, reported on the following:
Provided updates to the Recognized Student Organization (RSO) Handbook will be posted within the next week and will serve as reference points for the outlined policies and procedures.
VI. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- A.S. Executive Officer Goals Review (Information)
Kareen provided an overview of the executive officer goals for their term during the 25/26 academic year, focusing on three categories of Belonging, Visibility and Empowerment. - San Diego City Minimum Wage Ordinance (Information)
Kareen provided information on the San Diego City minimum wage ordinance and the economic impact it has on certain entities, including Associated Students.
C.ASBOD Student-at-Large Member Appointments to Councils & University Committees (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the following BOD student-at-large appointments.
University Council (ASUC) - Marco Loza, Karen Sawouq, Noah Stuart
Campus Life Council (ASCLC) - Ava Alvarado, Julia Biesman, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil
Campus Fee Advisory Committee (CFAC) - Marco Loza, Julia Biesman
MCLACHLAN/BIESMAN CARRIED (11-0-0)
D. Financial Affairs Committee Travel Requests (Action)
a. Asian Pacific Student Alliance (APSA)
It was moved and seconded to approve the travel request for the Asian Pacific Student Alliance.
SAWOUQ/RAWLS CARRIED (11-0-0)
E. SDSU Children's Center Edible Garden (Action) - Charlotte Roberts, A.S. Sustainability Coordinator, and Sara Sanders, SDSU Children’s Center Assistant Director (Time Certain 3:15 p.m.)
It was moved and seconded to approve the project budget for the SDSU Children’s Center Edible Garden project.
SAWOUQ/LOZA CARRIED (11-0-0)
F. Aztec Recreation Overview (Information) - Mark Zakrzewski, Associate Executive Director (Time Certain 3:45 p.m.)
Mark Zakrzewski provided an overview of the Aztec Recreation department, introducing some ARC full-time staff members.
G. Aztec Recreation Center (ARC) Expansion (Information) - Mark Zakrzewski, Associate Executive Director (Time Certain immediately after Item F.)
H. General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
MCLACHLAN/BIESMAN CARRIED (11-0-0)
I. General Consent Report (Information) - None.
VII. CLOSED SESSION:
None.
VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS
- Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado: Currently working on the process for the Student Bill of Rights. The proposal will move through the Judicial Affairs Council (JAC) and the Board of Directors, and will also include academic rights. She has been preparing a DEI-focused presentation for the retreat and has worked throughout the summer to ensure it reflects a student-centered approach. Ava encourages students to reach out to her or Abby with any questions or input on the Bill of Rights.
- Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman: No Report.
- Student-at-Large, Marco Loza: No Report.
- Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq: She met with Maureen regarding the SWANA Center survey to finalize its details. Alongside a student peer, she spoke on behalf of the survey to raise awareness within the campus community. The Political Science Department also provided support in formally drafting the survey, helping to strengthen her understanding and approach.
- Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart: No Report.
- Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil:No Report.
IX. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following:
Meet-and-greets with various departments are underway to strengthen collaboration.
Meal plans are changing: Flex 5 and Flex 7 have been reduced by $1/day, and students now receive 10 annual swipes for UTK and The Garden. Second-year meal plans are still under review, pending final approval from Aztec Shops and the Board of Directors. A 19 meals-per-week plan has been created by the campus dietitian for students interested in healthy eating, support is available upon request.
The Evolve Student Housing Project team will be invited to speak on behalf of the new Housing Department. Upcoming discussions will also cover projected parking changes.
There are opportunities to mentor new students in the First-Year leadership programs, like FLEX and Fast Track.
Meetings about the SWANA Center are upcoming, with Karen and Noah leading the effort.
A meeting with graduate students is also planned.
Scarlett Walker is appointed as the new A.S. Chief Justice. She will attend the retreat.
We're looking forward to the A.S. Leaders Retreat weekend and encourage everyone to be social, engaged, and supportive as executive leaders. - Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following:
A.S. Expo is scheduled for August 27. It is an organization-wide tabling event for what A.S. has to offer. We will also be having an A.S. mixer for students to build connections and provide information from expos. It will be on Friday from 1-3 p.m. New Student Orientation tabling has been successful.The A.S. Leaders Retreat in Julian is happening this coming weekend. We will be providing an opportunity to present as she encourages BOD to be a part of the conversations.
C. Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following:
Kareen and she recently attended the California State Student Association (CSSA) conference, where they discussed California State University (CSU)-wide and federal-level changes. She will be traveling this Friday to continue advocating for student issues. Her current focus includes reviewing resolution processes, bylaws, and social media strategy, while staying actively engaged. A new pilot strategy for Heritage Month will be implemented this year, featuring highlights of notable students through Student Diversity Commission (SDC)’s Instagram stories. There will also be a separate form for students to share their involvement within their communities.This year’s updated community plan is in development and will be due by September 7th. Lastly, Rock the Vote interviews are progressing well.
D. Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
There has been over a 50% increase in participation in the Ambassador Program for both Rock the Vote and Aztec Rock Hunger, providing continued opportunities for students who wish to stay involved.
The executive officers visited the Imperial Valley campus last week, and future collaboration is planned as their efforts align closely with ours.
The Financial Affairs Committee will be convening soon, and she is preparing accordingly. Recently, she and Nadia met with college deans and presidents to discuss budget-related matters.Looking ahead to the retreat, it will be a meaningful opportunity to inspire and connect with students.
As Board of Directors members, it’s important to lead by example and give students a sense of belonging and hope within the campus community.
E. Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
She recently met with the assistant deans of the colleges to discuss budget matters. Starting September 4th, biweekly Academic Affairs Committee meetings with college presidents will begin.
In collaboration with the University Senate, the Academic Partnership Agreement was submitted for review.
X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT:
Christina Brown, A.S. Executive Director reported on the following: No Report.
XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Interest in A.S. boards, committees, and commissions is currently booming, as reflected by a high volume of submissions to the interest form.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:11 p.m.
RAWLS/ALVARDO CARRIED (10-0-0)
