Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Monday, February 23, 2026 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union
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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- Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui (Left at 4:50 p.m.), Nadia Gallarzo, Julia Biesman, Karen Sawouq (Left at 5:30 p.m.), Marco Loza, Ava Alvarado (arrived at 3:38 p.m.), Noah Stuart, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil (Left at 5:30 p.m.), Brittany Santos-Derieg, Jessica Rentto (Left at 5:22 p.m.)
- Voting Members Absent: None.
- Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams, Araya Williams
- Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
- Guests: Carlos Careaga, JD Weisman
III.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for February 23, 2026.
SAWOUQ/RAWLS CARRIED (12-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
BIESMAN/GALLARZO CARRIED (12-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
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VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- Brittany Santos- Derieg, University President designee:
No report. - Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee:
No report.. - Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, to report on the following:
No report. - JD Weidman, Director of Parking and Transportation Services (Time Certain 4 p.m.)
JD Weidman, director of Transportation and parking services presented a proposal regarding the University Pass survey and requested feedback from members on the two proposed questions. They asked whether the survey, as drafted, is sufficient to effectively gauge overall interest and gather meaningful input from the campus community.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- Audit Committee Update - Carlos Careaga, A.S. Finance Director (Time Certain 3:45 p.m.)
Carlos Careaga, A.S. Finance Director, provided an update on the 403 audit. The Committee reviewed the financial reporting processes to ensure that A.S. accounts are balanced and accurately reflect the organization’s financial position. He reported that students have been informed of the necessary updates and are aware of the corrective actions and ongoing efforts required to maintain accurate financial records. - San Diego Chamber of Commerce Follow Up (Information)
Reviewed the rough draft of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce letter. - General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
LOZA/SAWOUQ CARRIED (11-0-0) - 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 draft letter to the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is currently in progress and expected to be completed this week.
Concurrently, work continues on the Student Bill of Rights, with efforts focused on advancing both initiatives in a timely manner.
Additionally, participation in a speaker panel is scheduled for this evening. - Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman:
A draft flowchart outlining the process for navigating tabling on campus has been developed.
Outreach has been initiated with a faculty member affiliated with Edible SDSU to explore integration of this resource into a website platform to improve accessibility and usability for students. - Student-at-Large, Marco Loza:
Efforts are underway to invite a prospective guest speaker to present at an upcoming University Council meeting. The individual, who is employed at Google, has expressed openness to the opportunity, and coordination is in progress to confirm availability and logistics. - Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq:
Advocacy efforts are ongoing to address student concerns regarding the campus food pantry, specifically related to tuna quality and overall food inventory review procedures. Follow-up is being conducted to ensure food safety standards and distribution practices are appropriately maintained.
Planning is also underway for a May 9, 2026 event in collaboration with the SWANA Committee to support development of the committee’s budget plan. - Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart:
No report. - Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil:
Coordination efforts are underway to schedule a meeting with the Middle Eastern Student Center Coordinator to collaborate with A.S. on securing and planning a date for an upcoming town hall.
X. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following:
A student-led information session and survey related to the referendum is under consideration to provide additional insights. The proposal may also integrate related initiatives, including coordination with Uber and Lyft in partnership with the Green Love Committee and JD Weidman.
Collaboration is ongoing with two other at-large student leaders to advance initiatives connected to the SWANA and MENA surveys.
Additionally, preparation is underway for the SEC meeting tomorrow, which will address the APA with specific focus on language use and the inclusion of AI considerations on behalf of faculty and staff. - Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following:
Greenfest is scheduled for March 7. Official tickets are available for pick-up at the A.S. Office.
The Spirit Competition will begin next week, with details and participation information to be communicated to students. - Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following:
A resolution is currently being developed through the External relations Board, with progress running smoothly. Regarding financial aid, analysis is underway to determine the cost of attendance and whether it exceeds student needs.
Preparations are also ongoing for CHESS, which is one month away, including a mock lobby session to be conducted in collaboration with San Marcos. - Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
The Financial Affairs Committee is exploring options to expand travel funding amounts. Members are encouraged to attend FAC meetings to learn more and provide input. - Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following: "Your Voice Matters" event held last week had a strong turnout. Academic Affairs met with Career Services to discuss outcomes, and University Affairs will present the responses to highlight the event’s success and extend congratulations to the organizers.
XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT: Christina Brown reported on the following:
- The coming weeks will be quite busy, and it is encouraging to see the team actively engaged in advancing their projects. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if any support or assistance is needed.
XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Milan: A 5K event is being organized to support foster youth, providing an opportunity for participants to contribute to a meaningful cause while engaging in physical activity.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
ALVARADO/MCLACHLAN CARRIED (8-0-0)
