Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union 3rd Floor
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. President Kareen Holstrom called the meeting to order at 3:33 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
-
Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui (Arrived at 4:15), Nadia Gallarzo (left at 4:56 p.m.), Ava Alvarado, Julia Biesman, Marco Loza, Karen Sawouq, Noah Stuart, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Jessica Rentto (left at 4:49 p.m.),Caryl Montero Adams (left at 4:49 p.m.), Brittany Santos-Derieg
Voting Members Absent: None.
Non-Voting Members Present: Araya Williams, Christina Brown
Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
Guests: Carlos Careaga, Marla Hummel
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for September 8, 2025.
BIESMAN/LOZA CARRIED (12-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
SAWOUQ/GALLARZO CARRIED (12-0-0)
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
V. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- Brittany Santos-Derieg, University President’s Designee, reported on the following:
Demand for student health services has increased significantly. Working with regional health partners to streamline referrals for students with complex medical needs, some of whom may need care at nearby hospitals in San Diego. To ease the process, especially for students with limited resources, improving documentation sharing and reviewing underused, high-cost services like radiology.
Student health fees are also being evaluated, and we are collaborating with the Health Insurance Commission to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. An open forum and hotline are being developed for student input.
Monitoring immigration challenges, as some international students faced visa delays and will join us in the Spring. - Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, reported on the following:
There have been ongoing discussions regarding a recent table on campus. While the individual followed the tabling process on campus, concerns were raised after a report to the University Police Department (UPD) last week involving the use of offensive language. Tablers are permitted to express their views as long as they do not harass or disrupt the campus environment. Students are encouraged not to engage with individuals using slurs, but instead to organize counterspeech efforts and make use of available counseling services. We are committed to supporting impacted students. If any threatening behavior or harassment occurs, including being followed, please contact UPD immediately or seek assistance by entering a nearby non-public campus building.
VI. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- A.S. Annual Financial Audit Presentation and Approval (Action) - Carlos Careaga, A.S. Finance Director
It was moved and seconded to approve the A.S. Annual Financial Audit.
RAWLS/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (13-0-0) - General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
BIESMAN/LOZA CARRIED (13-0-0)
C. General Consent Report (Information) - None.
VIII. CLOSED SESSION -
None.
-
IX. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS
- Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado:
Bylaws discussions will begin tomorrow, focusing on language corrections. A reminder that A.S. offers free legal services to students. - Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman: No report.
- Student-at-Large, Marco Loza: No report.
- Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq:
Data is currently being collected from the SWANA/Mina Center, and work is underway on the resolution, including outreach to A.S. members for appropriate language and input. - Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart: No Report.
- Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil:
Attending CLC commission meetings this week while collaborating with the SWANA Center to assess current needs and plan next steps.
X. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following:
The Daily Aztec will be hosting a meet-and-greet, and this year’s women Chief Co-Officers are looking to structure their social media presence; Parking and Transportation will present at the next meeting. - Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following: No Report.
- Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following: No Report.
- Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
FAC and the Audit Committee both had strong turnouts at their first meetings.
Aztec Rock Hunger Leadership Team meetings will begin this Friday in the Legacy Suite and will be recurring. - Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
The first University Council from September 3rd and Academic Affairs Committee meetings went well. Discussions with Dean Walter regarding library hours have raised student concerns about the reduced access to the 24/7 study area. As an alternative, regular conference rooms in the Union are available for student study use until midnight, provided they are not reserved.
XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT: Christina Brown reported on the following:
A.S. is experiencing high student use of the Union, making it challenging to secure space for weekly meetings. Efforts are ongoing to coordinate with available classrooms and the A.S. reservations desk.
The upcoming meeting will feature a guest speaker discussing advocacy and activism, focusing on how to balance both within our campus environment.
XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Real Estate Club held its inaugural meeting today, September 8th, at 5 p.m. in the Legacy Suite on the third floor.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:06 p.m.
RAWLS/MCLACHLAN CARRIED (10-0-0)
