Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University

Monday, September 22, 2025 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union 3rd floor

I. CALL TO ORDER

A.S. Executive Vice President Milan Rawls called the meeting to order in place for A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom at 3:37 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

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  1. Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom (arrived at 4:08 p.m.), Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Nadia Gallarzo, Ava Alvarado, Julia Biesman, Marco Loza, Karen Sawouq, Noah Stuart (arrived at 3:47 p.m.), Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Caryl Montero Adams (left at 5:37 p.m.)
  2. Voting Members Absent: Jessica Rentto,  Brittany Santos-Derieg
  3. Non-Voting Members Present: Araya Williams, Christina Brown
  4. Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
  5. Guests: JD Weidman, Yad Hamawe, Celinda Vasquez

III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for September 8, 2025.
LOZA/BEISMAN       CARRIED (9-0-0)

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
ALVARADO/ZEIS-KHALIL      CARRIED (9-0-0)

V. PUBLIC COMMENT: 

There was a public comment regarding disability services, specifically in relation to an issue with the Health Department. They shared that the lack of accessible car services significantly impacts her daily living and has led to feelings of isolation from the campus community. They emphasized the importance of being included and supported on campus through improved access to necessary services.

VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS

  1. Brittany Santos-Derieg, University President’s Designee, reported on the following: No report.
  2. Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee: No report

Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, reported on the following:
National Hazing Prevention Week is being observed, and SDSU Family Weekend will take place before the next meeting, which is scheduled for October 3rd. It’s important to acknowledge that students are not only receiving support themselves, but those around them, such as peers, mentors, and staff, have also been actively guiding and coaching them through challenges.

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VI. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION         

  1. Parking & Transportation Services Presentation - JD Weidman, Director, Parking & Transportation Services, and Yad Hamawe, Customer Service and Safe Ride Analyst (Time Certain 3:40 p.m.)
    JD Weidman and Yad Hamawe provided an overview of SDSU’s Parking & Transportation Services, covering topics including student parking availability, permit options, sustainable transportation alternatives, and feedback regarding campus accessibility. Yad also shared insights about the Safe Ride program, including its usage trends, goals for expansion, and ways students can take advantage of the service.
  2. A.S. Leadership Experience and Advocacy & Activism Presentation - Celinda Vasquez, 1998-99 A.S. President (Time Certain 4 p.m.)
    Celinda Vasquez, former A.S. President (1998–1999), delivered a presentation on her leadership journey within Associated Students and how it helped shape her continued work in advocacy and activism. She reflected on her time at SDSU, emphasizing the value of student leadership, civic engagement, and speaking up on issues that impact campus communities. Celinda encouraged current student leaders to use their platforms to drive meaningful change and reminded them of the long-term impact their voices can have.
  3. General Consent Agenda (Action)

It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
ALVARADO/LOZA                   CARRIED (11-0-0)

D. General Consent Report (Information) - None.

VIII. CLOSED SESSION -

None.

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IX. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS

  1. Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado: 
    A presentation was given to the Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA) council regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, including progress on finalizing the Student Bill of Rights by refining the language for clarity and inclusivity. This will be presented as an information item at the next CLC meeting, followed by its introduction as an action item to allow for revisions and a full review process.
    Additionally, a meeting was held this past Friday with Dr. Ahoya to discuss grant funding cuts that originated during the Trump administration, specifically reviewing each grant that has been impacted. There is active collaboration with the Monarch Center to address these issues, with a particular focus on the most severely affected grant supporting Imperial Valley students.
  2. Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman:
    Coordination is underway with Chloe Beseke from ASUB to support A.S. branded weeks, with a specific focus on increasing registered student organizations involvement and ensuring they are actively included in all related events and programming. Additionally, efforts are being made to strengthen collaboration between campus life council and University Council, as there are currently limited opportunities for engagement outside of regular meetings. The goal is to create more intentional spaces for cross-council communication and planning.
  3. Student-at-Large, Marco Loza:
    A graduate student raised concerns regarding various student fees, highlighting a general lack of understanding about how these fees are structured and applied. While the structure itself may not be easily changed, the focus moving forward is on educating students to ensure they are informed and aware of what the fees support and how they are implemented.
  4. Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq: 
    A survey to assess the needs of SWANA students is set to be released in October. The associated resolution is still in development, as new information continues to be gathered and incorporated.
    Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the Graduate Student Success Fee. Efforts are being made to educate students on what the fee entails and how it impacts them. Looking ahead, there is a focus on working toward a more transparent and timely deadline process for this fee to ensure better communication and planning for future graduate students.
  5. Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart: 
    Work is currently underway on drafting a charge letter for the proposed SWANA Center, which will outline its purpose, goals, and scope. Additionally, the SWANA student needs assessment survey is scheduled to launch on October 1st, aiming to gather important data to support the center’s development and advocacy efforts.
  6. Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil: 
    Currently serving on the Student International Support Group, continuing discussions around training opportunities and collaboration with both the Center for International Engagement  and the California State Student Association to enhance support for international students.
    Additionally, planning is underway for a tailgate event during Family/Parent Weekend, which will take place at the Student Union and is being coordinated through the A.S. Office.

X. EXECUTIVE REPORTS

  1. A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following: 
    Sustainability efforts continue to advance, with Kareen being recognized for leading initiatives toward LEED Platinum certification. The ARC Expansion will be presented soon, with further details expected at an upcoming session.
    Additionally, a presentation was attended regarding IT storage changes, which will soon be formally presented on October 6th.The SWANA Center initiative is progressing rapidly and is being organized sooner than initially anticipated.
    Lastly, a presentation was made addressing the budget cuts occurring within the university and their impacts on the campus community, highlighting concerns and advocating for solutions.
  2. Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following: 
    One-on-one meetings are being scheduled for CLC representatives and commissioners to discuss ongoing initiatives and support.
    Additionally, Homecoming court applications have closed and are now in the review process.
  3. Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following: 
    A recent conversation with alumni Jonathan provided valuable insight into AB 432 and its implications for housing. It was also noted that the streetlights are out in a nearby neighborhood, creating safety concerns due to the darkness.
    The Good Neighbor Clean-Up is scheduled for Sunday, with donuts being provided for volunteers. Any registered student organizations needing tabling space are encouraged to contact her directly. 
    Additionally, SB 98, relating to immigrant enforcement, has been signed into law. The campus community remains vigilant and aware of any potential ICE presence on campus.
  4. Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following: 
    Aztec Rock Hunger is approximately one month away. 
    Currently, they are collaborating with the Graduate Student Association on a presentation proposal related to graduate travel requests. 
    Discussions are also ongoing regarding college council allocations and the formulas used for distribution.
  5. Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
    Met with Dean Walter of the SDSU Library to discuss the possibility of reopening the library to 24/7 hours. The College CouncilPresidents are preparing a letter to advocate for restoring these extended center hours.The upcoming College Council Retreat will bring together representatives and councils for a dedicated time to connect and collaborate.The University Affairs Board, will meet in the Presidential Suite. The Cal State University survey has been released, and everyone is encouraged to complete it, as the feedback is valuable for campus improvements.

XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT:

  1. Christina Brown reported on the following: 

The ARC Expansion Proposal, initially presented at the summer meeting, is now moving forward and will be brought to the Board of Directors for action. 
Additionally, follow-up was conducted regarding a public comment to assist a student who shared concerns; the student was successfully directed to the appropriate center for support to ensure their success.

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

  1. Marco: Attended a conference for LGBTQ+ in New Orleans, gaining valuable insights and connections.
    Last Thursday, in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, a Hispanic female soldier presented the flag. Despite the challenging times, this soldier has been actively providing resources and support to various communities, serving as an inspiring example of dedication and service.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT 

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:04 p.m.
ALVARADO/GALLARZO                           CARRIED (11-0-0)