Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Monday, October 6, 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 3:42 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
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- Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Nadia Gallarzo, Ava Alvarado, Julia Biesman, Marco Loza, Karen Sawouq, Noah Stuart, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Jessica Rentto, Brittany Santos-Derieg
Voting Members Absent: None. - Non-Voting Members Present: Araya Williams, Christina Brown, Caryl Montero-Adams
- Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
- Guests: Christian Mason
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for October 6, 2025.
ALVARADO/LOZA CARRIED (12-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
SAWOUQ/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (12-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
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VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- Introduction of Dr. Chris Manning - Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity
Expressed his commitment to attending all future meetings, including College Council meetings. He encouraged students to share any issues they are currently facing, as well as any goals they hope to achieve, so that he may offer support and assistance where possible. - Brittany Santos-Derieg, University President’s Designee, reported on the following:
The Senate meeting will take place tomorrow from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. in Arts & Letters and is open to all students. Key agenda items include a resolution related to ongoing bargaining issues between the California Faculty Association and the CSU system, with no current compromise reached due to an expired contract. CFA will have observers present, and discussions are expected around the unresolved components of the negotiation.
Additionally, an update was provided on the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee, which is under review following the submission of pros and cons. The fee primarily supports campus facilities and athletics, though SDSU has not made major facility upgrades since 2009. Administration has indicated a preference not to raise fees at this time.
Concerns were also raised regarding potential industry-specific fees, particularly in tourism and hospitality, and the financial impact such measures could have on students. Aztec Shops is currently recruiting student workers, with approximately 40% of their workforce supporting Snapdragon Stadium operations. - Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee:
The first Freedom of Expression Committee meeting will be held on Fridays. Students are encouraged to participate as the committee discusses policies and campus climate related to free expression. - Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, reported on the following:
There were no significant reports or requests from students seeking assistance over the past week. Appreciation was extended to all who contributed to Family Weekend and spoke at associated events. This year’s Family Weekend saw record-breaking participation.
A new program initiative is underway in collaboration with Aztec Nights, titled State After Sunset, which will offer weekend events for students. While these events will not extend until 2 a.m., programming will continue into the evening. This Friday, an event will be held in the Student Union featuring a screening of Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, at 7 p.m. in the Union Theatre. - Immediate Changes to Google Storage - James Frazee, Vice President for IT & Chief Information Officer (Time Certain 3:40 p.m.) - Postponed until the next meeting.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- Amendment & Approval of External Relations Board Lighting Letter (Action)
Abby reviewed the External Relations Board's lighting letter. The members suggested the following edits:
- A firm deadline of October 31st was added to request timely action, noting the urgency of the issue.
- The phrase "We are" was removed to maintain a concise transition into the request: “We therefore respectfully request the following...”
- In the second request, the term "dispatched" was removed and replaced with: “City electricians immediately repair all non-functioning fixtures…”, continuing the sentence as originally written.
- An edit was added to highlight safety concerns, now referencing:
“...including trips and falls on poorly lit walkways, as well as vehicle collisions, etc.”
5. A new sentence was added to the second request:
“Continuous updates shall be provided to Associated Students and SDSU regarding the progress of the repairs.”
6. In the third request, the word “lighting” was replaced with “safety”, and the phrase was revised to:
“Safety concerns which arise...”
7. Minor punctuation and grammar adjustments were made throughout the letter for clarity and consistency.
8. The capitalization of “City” was corrected to lowercase unless referring to the full proper noun.
B. It was moved and seconded to approve the ERB lighting letter, as amended.
ALVARADO/SAWOUQ CARRIED (12-0-0)
C. Selection of ASBOD Member to ASJAC Vacancy Ad-Hoc Committee (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve Marco Loza as the primary ASBOD Member to ASJAC Vacancy Ad-Hoc Committee.
RAWLS/SAWOUQ CARRIED (12-0-0)
D. General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
ZEIS-KHALIL/BIESMAN CARRIED (12-0-0)
E. General Consent Report (Information) - None.
VIII. CLOSED SESSION -
None.
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IX. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS
- Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado:
No Report. - Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman:
No Report. - Student-at-Large, Marco Loza:
No Report. - Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq:
No Report. - Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart:
No Report. - Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil:
No Report.
X. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following:
A speech was delivered during Family Weekend, and a presentation will be shared at tomorrow’s University Senate meeting regarding the role of the Academic Policy and Planning (APP) Committee and the Academic Partnership Agreement (APA) in potentially advancing the APA’s involvement within the Senate.
Ten First-Year Leadership Experience (FLEX) members have been selected for this academic year.
During the recent football game, Aztec Iconography was showcased, clarifying that these symbols are not mascots but artistic representations of values and ideas, similar to hieroglyphics. These symbols, displayed on football helmets, are exclusive to athletics and are not currently part of official SDSU branding. - Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following:
Planning for Homecoming is underway, with the NPHC Yard Show scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Halloween at Montezuma Hall, which is expected to be at full capacity.
Homecoming Court selection has officially begun. Students are encouraged to participate in the Student Traditions and Homecoming Competition, and all related information should be sent out to the student body. The submission deadline is October 12th. - Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following:
The External Relations Board had an engaging meeting focused on drafting the updated lighting letter, which is progressing toward finalization. A meeting was also held with Jeffrey from the College Area to discuss student housing concerns, particularly regarding rising fees and affordability; student feedback and suggestions were inquired to guide further advocacy.
Rock the Vote initiative continues to go well, students interested in tabling are welcome to join on Thursday.
The Sunflower Initiative was presented to the external relations board and will be a new focus moving forward. This campaign aims to raise awareness of hidden disabilities, allowing students to wear a sunflower symbol to discreetly communicate that they have a disability. ERB will be collaborating with the University Police Department to support and promote this initiative. - Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
On November 5th, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., there is a 30-minute slot available for students interested in participating in Pie Day activities. Aztec Rock Hunger walkarounds are commencing today.
The Financial Affairs Committee (FAC) approved an additional $30,000 in funding for graduate students. Over the past week, efforts have been underway with advisors to develop a new funding formula aimed at increasing resources for college councils; this initiative will be revisited in the spring to assess feedback.
Lastly, statements outlining the pros and cons of the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee were due today and are currently under review. - Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
Nadia reported that a meeting was held with Dr. Tong to discuss the possibility of extending library hours. The proposal under consideration is to extend hours until midnight. However, due to budgetary constraints, the plan is still in progress as they evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts of this change. Discussions are ongoing with college councils to gather input.
XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT: Christina Brown reported on the following:
The University House Reception will take place this Wednesday at 5:30 PM. This week, the university is also celebrating its staff awards.
On Wednesday, October 15th, the California Insurance Commissioner is scheduled to speak to the council.
Additionally, the Associated Students Awards Luncheon will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.
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XIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:39 p.m.
MCLACHLAN/STUART CARRIED (12-0-0)
