Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. President Kareen Holstrom called the meeting to order at 3:36 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
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- Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Milan Rawls, Nadia Gallarzo, Julia Biesman, Karen Sawouq, Noah Stuart (arrived at 3:44 p.m.), Ava Alvarado
- Voting Members Absent: Marco Loza
- Non-Voting Members Present: Araya Williams, Christina Brown
- Non-Voting Members Absent: Caryl Montero-Adams, Jessica Rentto, Brittany Santos-Derieg
- Guests: Patty Rea
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for November 3, 2025.
MCLACHLAN/GALLARZO CARRIED (8-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
SAWOUQ/BIESMAN CARRIED (8-0-0)
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:
No report.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- A.S. Staff Compensation Adjustments (Action) – Patty Rea, Associate Executive Director (Time Certain 3:45 p.m.)
Patty reviewed proposed changes to compensation for Associated Students staff, such as salary adjustments, and equity updates.
It was moved and seconded to approve the A.S. staff compensation adjustments.
MCLACHLAN/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (9-0-0)
B. Approval of A.S. Board of Directors and the Councils Meeting and Activity Schedule - Spring 2026 (Action)
The spring meeting schedule was reviewed.
It was moved and seconded to approve the A.S. Board of Directors and the Councils Meeting and Activity Schedule of Spring 2026.
RAWLS/ALVARADO CARRIED (9-0-0)
C. General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
SWAOUQ/RAWLS CARRIED (9-0-0)
D. General Consent Report (Information) - The General Consent Report was reviewed.
VIII. CLOSED SESSION -
None.
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IX. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS
- Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado:
The Bill of Rights was approved at the A.S. Judicial Affairs Council, and the next steps will require review and approval from both the A.S. University Council and the A.S. Board of Directors. - Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman:
We are continuing to discuss organizational goals and are collaborating with Julia Marwah. on updates to the A.S. website, particularly regarding marketing improvements. The Campus Fee Advisory Committee will meet this Friday. Edible SDSU, a resource that highlights edible plants and food-related information across campus, was also shared as a useful tool for students. - Student-at-Large, Marco Loza:
No report. - Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq:
The survey will be launched soon, and efforts are underway to reach students via email and RSOs, as well as to promote it on social media. An event will be hosted for the SWANA and MEENA survey party, and outreach aims to engage as many participants as possible, including those not currently involved.
The Aztec Culture Committee is actively discussing icons. - Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart:
The SWANA survey is being released, and Club Hub has been introduced as a central portal for student clubs to facilitate communication and collaboration. This platform streamlines club interactions and also allows students to check in with clubs to fulfill course requirements. Promotion of the platform is ongoing to encourage widespread participation and engagement. - Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil:
The International Affairs Committee is currently coordinating a vote regarding an international academic course designed to provide students with a global experience, offering an alternative for those unable to study abroad.
The SWANA survey is being launched, and community partners are conducting follow-ups to reinforce to students that they are valued members of the SDSU community.
X. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following:
A meeting was held regarding the Sunflower Initiative, a program designed to promote awareness and recognition of individuals with disabilities through the use of sunflower pins, enabling campus police and the broader campus community to provide appropriate support.
Updates on the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee will be released soon, with additional information to be presented at the final CLC meeting this Wednesday. The annual lighting walk is scheduled for the same day, and participants are encouraged to RSVP if they wish to attend. - Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following:
The men’s basketball game will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m., honoring Native American Heritage Month, during which the culture requirement activity will be incorporated, and halftime will feature mini basketball games honoring children from the local community.
Last week, I met with the Disabled Students Society alongside CB to discuss ways to strengthen their connection with and understanding of Associated Students. Planning is underway for the Spring Retreat, which is scheduled for January. - Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following:
CSU Voices is working to strengthen systemwide advocacy efforts for the California State University, and students may opt in to receive email alerts on legislative issues and bill progress. The ERB is currently engaged in several advocacy initiatives, and a recent meeting with Congressman Scott provided insight into the potential government shutdown and its implications for SDSU students, particularly those in North County. Additionally, CHESS applications are now open and will close on the 26th.
D. Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
A total of $2,000 was raised for Pie Day, and with the Aztec Rock Hunger initiative concluding on December 1st, additional donations are encouraged as we near the end of the campaign. The Community Garden Service Day has been rescheduled to December 6th from 12 to 2 p.m., and those interested are invited to sign up. I will be focusing on developing financial literacy workshops as an upcoming initiative.
E. Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
The Academic Affairs Committee held a productive conversation with Career Services alongside the college presidents, focusing on strengthening support and professional development opportunities for students.
XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT:
Christina Brown reported on the following:
We are following up with clubs to review results, gather feedback, and provide financial support through AS where needed.
The Chancellor’s Office will manage banking for RSOs to ensure transparency and address issues experienced in the past. Input and feedback from clubs in these areas will be especially important for planning and improvements in the spring.
XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Karen: An event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature a Friendsgiving dinner along with craft activities, providing an opportunity for community building and cultural celebration.
- Jasmin: As part of Peace and Global Week, tabling and study abroad program information will be available on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is organized by the SDC and provides students with opportunities to learn about global experiences and resources.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 4:24 p.m.
GALLARZO/BIESMAN CARRIED (9-0-0)
