Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Wednesday, October 22, 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
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- Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Nadia Gallarzo, Julia Biesman, Marco Loza, Karen Sawouq, Noah Stuart, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil (arrived at 3:39 p.m.)
- Voting Members Absent: Ava Alvarado, Jessica Rentto, Brittany Santos-Derieg
- Non-Voting Members Present: Araya Williams, Christina Brown, Caryl Montero-Adams
- Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
- Guests: Janice Dils, Mike Farley, Mark Zakrzewski, Jamie Quach, Marlie Munday
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for October 20, 2025.
MCLACHLAN/BIESMAN CARRIED (10-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
SAWOUQ/GALLARZO CARRIED (10-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
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VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- Brittany Santos-Derieg, University President’s Designee, reported on the following: No report.
- Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee - No report.
- Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, reported on the following:
As Halloween approaches, we want to remind all students to prioritize their safety and well-being during the upcoming weeks. This time of year often brings increased activities and events, and it’s important to stay alert and make responsible choices. Please take extra care when traveling to and from events, remain aware of your surroundings, and look out for one another. We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and ensure that safety remains a top priority. - Immediate Changes to Google Storage - Mike Farley, IT Chief Technology Officer (Time Certain 3:35 p.m.)
Provided an update on the immediate changes to Google Storage, outlining the impact on users and the steps being taken to manage the transition effectively.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- Proposed Aztec Recreation Center Expansion (Action) - Mark Zakrzewski, A.S. Associate Executive Director (Time Certain 4 p.m.)
Mark and the Recreation and Wellness Commissioner, Jamie, and Commission Representative, Marlie, reviewed information regarding the proposed Aztec Recreation Center expansion for consideration and action, outlining the project’s scope, goals, and anticipated benefits to the campus community.
It was moved and seconded to approve the ARC expansion.
LOZA/RAWLS CARRIED (10-0-0)
B. Oaxaca Immersion Program - January 2026 (Information)
Christina reviewed information about the Oaxaca Immersion program in January 2026 for the Board of Directors, leaders in the A.S. Imperial Valley, and Dr. Ramona Perez, the program leader.
C. General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
BIESMAN/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (10-0-0)
D. General Consent Report (Information) - The General Consent Report was reviewed.
VIII.CLOSED SESSION -
None.
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X. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS
- Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado:
No Report. - Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman:
Met with Kareen, Milan, and Scarlett to discuss potential collaboration opportunities with student leaders and ways to strengthen engagement across initiatives.
Held a focused conversation with Scarlett, Chief Justice, regarding A.S. requirements, exploring creative approaches to meeting those expectations and fostering a positive shift in organizational culture. - Student-at-Large, Marco Loza:
Met with alumni partners to discuss resources and support for the Fowler College of Business. Continuing conversations with these partners to develop a tailored alumni engagement system that better connects graduates with current students and college initiatives. - Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq:
Working on SWANA surveys and student contacts for outreach. - Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart:
Preparing for an upcoming task force meeting and support for the SWANA center. Finding strategies to network with SDSU alumni for SWANA support and engagement. - Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil:
Wednesday meeting with VP of Research to discuss philanthropy initiatives. Also meeting with the Islamophobia task force to contribute to an agenda with President Adela de la Torre. Helping collaborate on events for international students and the peace village event.
XI. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following:
The team expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Google Storage presentation, which will help ensure that everyone is well-informed about the recent changes and their implications. Dr. Chris Manning will be meeting to review and run the SWANA survey to ensure the format meets quality standards.
The Hot Chocolate Mixer with the University President is scheduled for Wednesday and will feature three adapted athletes, women’s rugby, and other campus groups.The Academic Partnership Agreement is advancing to the Academic Policy and Planning Committee; those interested in participating in the approval process are welcome to do so. One-on-one meetings with Julia and Jasmin are planned to further develop and refine the SWANA charge. - Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following:
Homecoming Week begins next week, with celebrations and activities scheduled throughout the week.
The Homecoming and ARH Kickoff will take place on Monday, coinciding with the start of Homecoming events.
The Yard Show is scheduled for October 30th in Montezuma Hall, where fraternities and sororities will share their histories and perform strolls to educate and engage students in their cultural traditions.
C. Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following:
Attended the CSU Graduation Symposium for two days; many of the benchmarks being established align with initiatives that SDSU has already been implementing.
Discussed the CSSA AI Policy concept, focusing on how to ensure the protection and ethical use of AI in relation to student privacy and academic integrity.
Continued research on predatory housing practices to better understand their impact on students and explore potential advocacy measures.
Twenty-seven lights were approved for installation, and solar lighting will be added to the fixtures on Brokbank Place to improve campus safety and sustainability.
D. Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
Aztec Rock Hunger and Homecoming Kickoff: Monday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the courtyard. Join the celebration as Homecoming Week officially begins.
Dunk Tank Event: Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the courtyard, offering a fun and engaging way to bring the community together. Homecoming Game Volunteer Team: Volunteers will participate in a Call-A-Thon during the game, connecting with alumni to strengthen campus engagement and school spirit.
Aztec Rock Hunger Friendsgiving: Scheduled for November 12, offering a free meal for all students. A total of 100 meals will be provided, generously sponsored for this event. Community Garden Partnership: Aztec Rock Hunger is partnering with Alumni for a community garden initiative. Sixty-four students have already signed up, and alumni participation is also expected.
E. Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
24/7 Library Hours Return: Today marked the first day of the return of 24/7 library hours, a significant achievement made possible through the efforts and advocacy of student leaders. University Affairs Board: A new chair for Career Advantage will be appointed this week to continue advancing professional development opportunities for students.
XII. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT: Christina Brown reported on the following: No report.
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XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- The Voter Registration deadline is tonight.
- Center for Intercultural Relations event tomorrow 5-7 pm: SWANA game night!
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:21 p.m.
STUART/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (10-0-0)
