Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University

Monday, February 9, 2026 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union 3rd floor

I. CALL TO ORDER

A.S. President Kareen Holstrom called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

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  1. Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Nadia Gallarzo, Julia Biesman, Karen Sawouq, Ava Alvarado, Noah Stuart, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Brittany Santos-Derieg, Jessica Rentto (arrived at 3:40 p.m.)
  2. Voting Members Absent: Marco Loza
  3. Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams, Araya Williams
  4. Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
  5. Guests: Patty Rea, Todd Summer, Heather Hawkins, Robert Isner, Ben Eisenstein

III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for February 9, 2026.
ZEISKHALIL/RAWLS       CARRIED (11-0-0)

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
ZEISKHALIL/SAWOUQ       CARRIED (11-0-0)

V. PUBLIC COMMENT:

None.

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VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS

  1. Brittany Santos- Derieg, University President designee: 
    Data on three-year graduation rates were reviewed, noting variation by major. Approximately 17% of Political Science students graduate within three years, with overall three-year graduation rates this year ranging between 15–17%. 
    Efforts are underway to expand degree course mapping options to better support timely completion. In some instances, completing a single summer course may enable students to graduate within three years.
  2. Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee: A brief update was provided regarding the development of a framework addressing the current ICE-related situation, with the primary goal of ensuring student safety. It was noted that an email was distributed on January 28, and the board was encouraged to direct any questions or concerns as needed.
  3. Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, to report on the following: An update was shared regarding enrollment in Prevent Zone training as part of an institutional effort to prevent hazing. It was emphasized that recent state legislation has been passed regarding hazing and the university is reviewing policy for compliance.Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams officially accepted the role of Dean of Students last week.
  4. Aztec Shops Presentation re: Meal Plan Updates (Time Certain 4 p.m.)
    Todd Summer, Heather Hawkins, Robert Isner, and Ben Eisenstein presented proposed changes to meal plan rates. Following the presentation, members were invited to engage in a discussion on strategies to improve the proposal and to consider the potential impact of the proposed rates on students who will enroll. Feedback from this discussion will inform next steps in the proposal process. 

VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION     

  1. Follow Up - San Diego Chamber of Commerce (Information)
    Based on Ava Alvarado agenda item regarding her concerns regarding the San Diego Chamber of Commerce at the 1/26 BOD meeting, Patty Rea, A.S. Associate Executive Director, informed the members regarding Associated Students’ membership with the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. It was suggested that a letter will be written and sent to the A.S. External Relations Board for further discussion and approval. 
  2. General Consent Agenda (Action)
    It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
    RAWLS/STUART         CARRIED (11-0-0)
  3. 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

  1. Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado: 
    The Bill of Rights proposal is progressing toward finalization. Working on currently reviewing and refining the language to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to final approval.
  2. Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman:
    Work is ongoing on the AS website in collaboration with Julia Marwah. MarComm is developing an interactive scavenger hunt to enhance student engagement and support effective navigation of the website.
  3. Student-at-Large, Marco Loza:
    No report.
  4. Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq: 
    Karen raised concerns regarding food pantry protein offerings. A follow-up meeting with A.S. will be scheduled to address these concerns.
    The Oaxaca outreach discussion has been rescheduled for later this week. There is an interest in promoting the Oaxaca programs, including the opportunity to highlight the initiative through a speaking engagement at a sustainability summit.
  5. Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart: 
    A report is being developed based on the data reviewed with SWANA. 
    In addition, an educational initiative to promote A.S. is being proposed that would include presentations and outreach visits to Registered Student Organizations, with a meeting scheduled with Milan Rawls to discuss next steps.
  6. Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil: 
    Discussion included the potential outreach to first-year students, including MENA students, to broaden engagement and participation in the survey. Plans also include follow-up meetings with local community centers. 
    Additionally, follow-up with SDSU will occur regarding recent changes to medical and SNAP services in order to better support and inform students.

X. EXECUTIVE REPORTS

  1. A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following: 
    Progress continues on the Academic Partnership Agreement (APA).Working with Dr. Chris Manning to review the survey results.I am going to the Presidential Budget Advisory Committee (PBAC) meeting. There is ongoing coordination with the Disability Center. Planning for the MENA graduation is underway in collaboration with Karen. 
  2. Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following: 
    Thursdays Together was discussed as an opportunity for voting members to connect and build stronger relationships. 
    Meetings were held with Jessica Rentto and Kareen to discuss disability services. A campus accessibility meeting is scheduled to take place later this month.
    GreenFest's planned artist reveal was postponed. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
  3. Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following: 
    Updates were provided on the development of an Advocacy Toolkit, which will function similarly to a “Get Involved” resource, with designated sections addressing specific areas of support and engagement. The AS website will be updated accordingly, with the main hub expected to be refreshed in the near future. A meeting was held with the Monarch Center to gather feedback on key discussion points, with follow-up planned for Thursday to address more specific changes.Efforts remain focused on advocating on behalf of the general student body during this challenging time, with particular attention to supporting students who may be directly impacted by ICE-related concerns. CHESS planning is progressing well.
  4. Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following: 
    An upcoming meeting with the Financial Aid Office is planned to explore potential collaboration on Cal Coast financial literacy workshops and shared initiatives. Availability was noted on Mondays after 11:00 a.m. for follow-up or support as needed. 
  5. Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
    Next week marks the YVM Push Week and Your Voice Matters campaign. On Monday, the Community Connect / Interview Booth event will be held to staff YVM booths and engage students. Attendees are encouraged to participate, network, and connect with fellow students. The event will include activities like booth interviews to promote engagement and interaction.

XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT: Christina Brown reported on the following: No Report.

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XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

  1. Araya Williams: It was reported with deep sadness that Chet Carney, a beloved superfan, longtime alumni cheerleader, and iconic supporter of San Diego State University athletics, passed away on February 5, 2026 following health complications. Carney was widely known for his unwavering spirit, signature hard hat, and enthusiasm leading chants such as “One, Two, Three, Aztecs!” which became a cherished tradition for SDSU fans across generations. His presence at both Aztec football and basketball games contributed significantly to the vibrant game?day atmosphere and he was regarded as a symbol of school pride and community spirit. In honor of his legacy, outreach has been made to the SDSU Alumni Center to arrange a special tribute at the next home basketball game, with details to be announced as they are confirmed. 
  2. Noah Stuart: Information was shared regarding a paid program through Harvard University, titled Summer Venture in Management. This is a three day program designed to provide participants with exposure to management and leadership concepts. The program application opens on February 11, and attendees were encouraged to explore participation and consider the potential benefits for professional development.
  3. Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams: It was announced that Quest for the Best applications have been released and are due on Monday. Members are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline on Monday.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT 

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
RAWLS/BIESMAN                     CARRIED (8-0-0)