A.S. Board of Directors

Monday, March 9, 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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1. Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui (Left at 4:47 p.m.) , Nadia Gallarzo (Left at 5:14 p.m.), Julia Biesman, Karen Sawouq, Marco Loza, Ava Alvarado (Left at 5:00 p.m.), Noah Stuart, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Brittany Santos-Derieg, Jessica Rentto (arrived at 3:41 p.m.)
2. Voting Members Absent: None. 
3. Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams, Araya Williams
4. Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
5. Guests: Ari Cohen, Mohammed Quidsi, Zachary Almaraz

III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for March 9, 2026.
ALVARADO/BIESMAN       CARRIED (12-0-0)

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

It is moved and seconded to approve the February 23rd minutes at the next BOD meeting. BIESMAN/SAWOUQ       CARRIED (12-0-0)

PUBLIC COMMENT: A public comment was made regarding promoting an upcoming dating show, Dateflo, which is open to all students and scheduled to take place on March 21. 

V. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS

1. Brittany Santos- Derieg, University President designee: 
   Discussed the CSU doctoral degree review process, noting that some programs, including Anthropology, were denied advancement. Also, highlighted ongoing state advocacy for three bills expected to go to the governor this summer that could significantly impact SDSU.
   Shared updates on the SDSU accreditation process, including visits to Imperial Valley from March 25-27 and SDSU, where reviewers will meet separately with undergraduate and graduate students to hear about their experiences.
2. Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee: No report.
   Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, to report on the following:
   Shared that a visit to Sacramento with Abby took place to advocate for Senate Bill 1374, which would revise school violence restraining orders to allow students to apply through the university if they are affected on campus. The bill is currently under legislative consideration.
   Provided a facilities update: Evolve Phase 1A is on track for completion this summer, with student move-in expected in Fall 2026. The Life Sciences Building remains on track for completion in Fall 2027.
   Note that campus notifications are sent whenever immigration enforcement is happening on campus to keep students informed and safe. No immigration enforcement has been reported on campus.
3. Aztec Shops Presentation (Time Certain 4 p.m.)
   New campus dining ideas were presented based on feedback from the previous meeting, including exploring a partnership with Trader Joe’s and adding EBT payment options at Bell Pavilion Market and Plaza del Sol Market. A “build-your-own bowl” concept may replace the space currently leased by Plant Power Fast Food, offering customizable vegetables, salads, and possibly hot foods starting Fall 2026. The concept would exclude the top nine allergens to provide a safer option for students with food allergies.
   An opt out process for sophomore meal plans was introduced on request of the BOD.

VI. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION     

1. Impaction Changes Update: Stefan Hyman, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management (Time Certain 3:45 p.m.)
   Stefan Hyman provided an SDSU admissions updates, which is part of an annual process coordinated with the California State University Chancellor’s Office. Due to high application numbers and limited classroom capacity at San Diego State University, changes are being considered but would not take effect until Fall 2027, and current students will not be impacted.
2. San Diego Chamber of Commerce Letter (Action)
   The SD Chamber of Commerce letter was reviewed.
   It was moved and seconded to approve the San Diego Chamber of Commerce Letter.
   RAWLS/STUART      CARRIED (12-0-0)
3.   MTS Letter (Action)
   A.S. signed on to the campus letter to MTS opposing the cost increase.
   It was moved and seconded to approve the MTS Letter. 
   LOZA/SAWOUQ      CARRIED (12-0-0)
4. General Consent Agenda (Action)
   It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
   LOZA/SAWOUQ         CARRIED (11-0-0)
5. General Consent Report (Information)
   The General Consent report was reviewed.

VII. CLOSED SESSION -

None.

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VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS

1. Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado: 
   No report.
2. Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman:
   Attending a student disability ally training this Wednesday and continues advocacy for students through Student disability services. 
   Drafting adjustments to the student Registered student orientation handbook to provide guidance and support for student organizations.
3. Student-at-Large, Marco Loza:
   Engaging with USD and UCSD alumni to plan a social event. The alumni chapter is developing tiered pricing for memberships and planning an opening event for the broader business community.
4. Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq: 
   As of February 26, the SWANA survey reached over 200 respondents through walkarounds. Meetings with advisors and peers are ongoing to include MENA in the survey. A campaign is being launched to represent these students, including designing graduation stoles and expanding the communication plan to involve more students.
5. Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart: 
   Working on the SWANA survey.
6. Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil: 
   On February 26, the International Workbook Group discussed extending the timeframe for academic programs. 
   Efforts are underway to propose internal adjustments to support international students in completing their degrees within the standard four-year period.

IX. EXECUTIVE REPORTS

1. A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following: 
   Discussed what a potential decision from the Academic Partnership Agreement may look like regarding faculty use of A.I. in grading. 
   Announced that elections began this past Friday at 4:00 p.m.
2. Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following: 
    Greenfest was amazing and not only the concert but the events leading up to it.
    Reminded that nominations for Aztec Achievement Awards close next week. 
   Noted that an updated campus fire evacuation plan is being finalized to ensure student safety.
3. Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following: 
   Finalizing recommendations and resolutions, which are currently under review by the External Relations Board. 
   CHESS is scheduled for next week. 
   Rock the Vote primaries have begun, with ongoing social media and marketing outreach. Coordination continues with the California State Student Association on alternative consultation efforts.
4. Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following: 
   Last day to submit study abroad recommendations. Meetings planned with Cal Coast Bank for financial workshops. 
   Scheduling presentations for cultural organizations and contacting the A.S. office to secure funding for next year.
5. Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:Provided an update on the resolution process from Abby, noting that the Student Bill of Rights was passed unanimously. The External Relations Board presented the first reading of a resolution on immigrant activities, along with another resolution regarding alternative consultation fee decisions by the College of Sciences, encouraging college councils to provide feedback.Attended a Career Services meeting and continued work on YVM from Push Week.

X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT:

1. Christina Brown reported on the following: Three resolutions are currently under review in the UC, which may result in longer meetings. This weekend is the Mountain West event in Las Vegas, with 100 student tickets available for pick-up on-site. Students are encouraged to vote, and best wishes were extended to those running.

XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

1. Julia: Interested in learning about the first deaf president film is out, open to join a watch party at 6:30 p.m. ASL club. 
2. Noah: MENA is having an event tomorrow to play mafia tomorrow. 

XII. ADJOURNMENT 

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:26 p.m.
MCLACHLAN/ZEIS_KHALIL                     CARRIED (7-0-0)