Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Monday, January 26, 2026 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Aztec Student Union
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. President Kareen Holstrom called the meeting to order at 3:37 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
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- Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui
(left at 4:44 p.m.), Nadia Gallarzo, Julia Biesman, Marco Loza, Karen Sawouq, Ava Alvarado (arrived at 4 p.m.), Noah Stuart, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Brittany Santos-Derieg - Voting Members Absent: Jessica Rentto
- Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Araya Williams
- Non-Voting Members Absent: Caryl Montero-Adams
- Guests: Kara Bauer, Scarlett Walker
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for January 26, 2026.
BIESMAN/SAWOUQ CARRIED (11-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
MCLACHLAN/LOZA CARRIED (11-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
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VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- Brittany Santos-Derieg, University President’s Designee, reported on the following:
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Committee will visit campus March 25–27. The university is preparing a campus-wide budget for the Governor’s preliminary proposal, focusing on using new base funding to address deficits, restore compensation increases, and work toward a $4 million funding goal. SDSU is also working to stay competitive by strengthening financial aid for out-of-state student recruitment. Additionally, while new legislation allows CSU campuses to offer independent professional and applied doctoral degrees, SDSU is not currently pursuing them but may reconsider in the future. - Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee: No report.
- Dr. Kara Bauer spoke on behalf of Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, to report on the following:
Thank you to those who participated in the MLK Walk.The Black Resource Center will be hosting multiple events in recognition of Black History Month.
Career fairs are currently taking place, and attendees were encouraged to share this information, as the fairs will be held in Montezuma Hall.
A reminder was provided regarding the sophomore housing lottery, noting that it is an informational session and that students should be prepared with a backup housing option.
Finally, in light of ongoing global events, attendees were encouraged to prioritize their well-being and were reminded that campus resources are available for those in need.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- Fall Semester Recap and Goals - Kareen Holstrom, A.S. President (Information)
Each voting member shared an overview of their initiatives for the spring semester. - Discussion regarding SD Chamber of Commerce Recent Activity (Information)
Ava led a discussion about the San Diego Chamber of Commerce in relation to its membership with Associated Students. The discussion will continue at the next BOD meeting. - Proposed Amendments to A.S. Bylaws, Charters, and Codes (Action) (Time Certain 4:40 p.m.) - Scarlett Walker, A.S. Chief Justice
- #BA F25-01 Sustainability/Green Love Charter
- #BA F25-02 Graduate Student Association
It was moved and seconded to approve the Proposed Amendments to A.S. Bylaws, Charters, and Codes with #BA F25-01 Sustainability/Green Love Charter and #BA F25-02 Graduate Student Association.
RAWLS/LOZA CARRIED (11-0-0)
D. General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
GALLARZO/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (11-0-0)
E. General Consent Report (Information)
The General Consent Agenda was reviewed.
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:
Last semester, attendance was made at the LGBTQ+ community meeting to discuss the presence and visibility of LGBTQ+ culture within SDSU. It was noted that there has been a significant decline, and efforts are being made to better understand the current state of the community. A final meeting with the group is planned for this semester, with the intention of connecting with a representative from CLC. - Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq:
An update was provided on plans to host the first-ever MENA graduation ceremony. Discussions have taken place with the Center for Intercultural Relations, and there is an intention to complete the proposal by the end of the week in order to seek university support for funding. - 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:
An upcoming AI-focused event was announced, in which student participants will host a conversation with students, faculty, and staff, originating from a faculty-led initiative. IT will be distributing Proofpoint communications to assist students in identifying phishing emails, and attendees were advised to exercise caution with messages that may appear legitimate.
Reflections were shared on the MLK event and parade, noting it as an impactful experience.
Aztec Shops will present information regarding meal plans at the next meeting. - Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following:
Starting on planning the Aztec Achievement Awards that will be happening at the end of the semester.
Keep your head up during these hard times and keep speaking up! - Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following:
New standards for graduation rates were discussed as being set for the coming years, with a recommendation to monitor updates from the Board of Trustees as additional information becomes available. There is a potential civil lawsuit involving Stream, though this matter is still under review and has not been confirmed.
Changes to regulations affecting students on F-1 visas, particularly regarding length of stay in the United States, were discussed as applying to new applicants. In response, the California State University system is planning legal action against the government due to the significant impact these changes may have on students. - Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
Aztec Rock Hunger reached new goals this past semester and they are very grateful for all the support. If you need help with anything let us know. - Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
The Community Connect Resource Fair featuring student support services will be held on February 16 from 12-1 p.m.
The College Council Open House is scheduled for April 7 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., and Your Voice Matters Push Week will take place from April 16–19.
XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT: Christina Brown reported on the following:
No Report.
XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Julia: A.S. is implementing some more finger spelling for the deaf culture community to learn ASL next year!
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
LOZA/ALVARADO CARRIED (11-0-0)
