Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. Vice President Milan Rawls called the meeting to order at 3:37 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
- Voting Members Present: Milan Rawls, Kareen Holstrom, Aliza Siddiqui, Nadia Gallarzo, Abby McLachlan, Isabella Martinez, Yucef Bouzina (arrived at 3:43 p.m.), Jamie Quach, Chloe Beseke, Marlie Munday, Sofia Teran, Skylar Posey (left at 5:32 p.m.), Payton Scott, Misha Yohannes, Natalie Wrenn, Justin Deppiesse (left at 3:49 p.m.), Alyssa DeRouen, Angie Sandoval, Ariel Davis, Arwen Handel, Ava Alvarado (arrived at 3:42 p.m.), Julia Biesman, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, Julia Marwah
- Voting Members Absent: Matthew Mourad
- Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Brian Levett, Araya Williams, Caryl Montero-Adams (arrived at 4:28 p.m.)
- Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
- Guests: Jacie Foster, Mohammed Erekat, Billy Carter
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for January 28, 2026.
BESEKE/HANDEL CARRIED (23-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES:
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
DEPPIESE/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (23-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
There were two public comments made.
VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- SDSU Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity Designee, Caryl Montero-Adams reported on the following:
Campus resources remain available to support all students. Counseling and Psychological Services are accessible to anyone who may need assistance during this challenging time, given ongoing global events. The CARES Team is also available to provide support and assistance to students in need. Referrals may be submitted by emailing the CARES Team directly or by completing a CARES report for yourself or for someone who may benefit from additional support.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- Goal Setting Activity
All commissions and committee representatives were invited to share their goals and discuss opportunities for improvement to better support students and promote meaningful changes within A.S. that enhance student engagement. - General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
POSEY/TERAN CARRIED (22-0-0)
VIII. REPORTS OF CAMPUS LIFE COUNCIL MEMBERS
- Milan Rawls, Executive Vice President, reported on the following:
Ariel Davis was recognized during the meeting as CLC of the Week for her kindness, strong representation of A.S. across campus, and dedication to her work.
Members were reminded to complete the REAF, as it is mandatory, and were informed that a spring retreat survey will be distributed later this week. - Kareen Holstrom, A.S. President:
An upcoming AI-focused event was announced, during which student participants will facilitate a conversation with students, faculty, and staff as part of a faculty-led initiative. It was also shared that Information Technology will be distributing Proofpoint communications to help students identify phishing emails; attendees were advised to remain cautious of messages that may appear legitimate.
Reflections were shared on the MLK event and parade, which were described as impactful experiences. Lastly, it was announced that Aztec Shops will present information on meal plans and the Evolve housing project at the next meeting. - Aliza Siddiqui, A.S. Vice President of Financial Affairs:
A total of $114,567 was raised for Aztec Rock Hunger. The initiative reached new milestones this past semester, and appreciation was expressed for the continued support. Attendees were reminded that assistance is available if support is needed. - Abby McLachlan, A.S. Vice President of External Relations:
The group discussed whether additional support is needed in certain areas. New standards for graduation rates were reviewed and noted as being set for the coming years, with a recommendation to continue monitoring updates from the Board of Trustees as more information becomes available.
It was also noted that there have been reports of a potential civil lawsuit involving Stream; however, this matter remains under review and has not been confirmed. Additionally, proposed regulatory changes affecting students on F-1 visas, specifically regarding length of stay in the United States, were discussed as applying to new applicants. - Nadia Gallarzo, A.S. Vice President of University Relations:
It was announced that YVM Push Week will take place and will include collaborative efforts. Additionally, the bylaws related to student rights are expected to be finalized in the near future. - Christina Brown, Executive Director:
Attendees were reminded to alert UPD if any safety concerns arise on campus. It was also noted that staff regularly review and practice protocols to ensure student safety, including guidance related to interactions involving ICE. - Brian Levett, Government Affairs Assistant Director:
Appreciation was expressed for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by all members. Attendees were encouraged to reach out if assistance or support is needed. - Payton Scott, CLC Student-At-Large, reported on the following:
Updates were shared on progress made toward his personal goals, along with discussion of potential collaborators and initial steps for advancing his project that was not yet announced. - Misha Yohannes, CLC Student-At-Large, reported on the following:
Support is being provided to Payton on the DREAM Initiative as well as on projects for the Black Business Society. - Julia Biesman, ASBOD Student-At-Large, reported on the following:
Efforts were made to reach out to Registered Student Organizations over winter break to collect data for an initiative, with the goal of increasing engagement and gathering additional feedback. - Jasmin Zeis-Khalil, ASBOD Student-At-Large,reported on the following:
The Oaxaca Experience and Mission Valley programs were highlighted as valuable experiences. Students were encouraged to assist in areas where support is needed. - Ava Alvarado, ASBOD Student-At-Large, reported on the following:
The Oaxaca Experience and Mission Valley programs were highlighted as valuable experiences. Students were encouraged to assist where support is needed, and it was noted that she is available to help with related projects. - Aztec Student Union Board reported on the following:
Events are scheduled to take place in the courtyard this week and next, featuring a variety of food. All students with a valid student ID are welcome to attend. Additionally, students interested in joining ASUB may participate in the committee as voting members. - Campus Community Commission reported on the following:
An active shooter training will be held in front of East Commons to provide education for interested students. Two “Good Neighbor” clean-up events were conducted in collaboration with GreenFest and local community councils. Additionally, campus safety ride videos are being created to inform and educate students about safety on campus. - Community Service Commission reported on the following:
The Service Fair will be held on March 12 from 12:00–2:00 PM. We will be inviting local non-profit organizations to set up tables. - Student Support Commission reported on the following:
Collaboration with “Your Voice Matters” is planned for February 16th to highlight student resources, including Safe Ride and the Women’s Resource Center, among others. - Recreation and Wellness Commission reported on the following:
Mending Minds will be on March 4th. Stay tuned for more updates at the next meeting. - Student Diversity Commission reported on the following:
Roots and Remedies will be hosted in the courtyard, featuring performances and catering from a Native caterer. The first meeting will be next Wednesday, at the beginning of March. Discussion topics will include DHS and ICE, which are expected to be significant points of conversation. - Sustainability/Green Love Commission reported on the following:
Several initiatives are starting soon. The Water Bottle Initiative will reclaim all lost-and-found bottles, while Cooking with Chefs will feature a session on making sushi without fish. Additionally, meetings were held with sustainable startups in preparation for the Zip Launchpad collaboration. - Marketing and Communications Commission reported on the following:
Thirteen new people have joined to support our efforts, and the “Your Voice Matters” initiative is coming soon. We also worked on stickers from MarComm that have been in development and ready for you all to take home!
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Jasmin: Those who are not in Minneapolis are still being targeted. This could affect anyone, so please stay aware of the people around you, plan ahead, and use your voice, even if the issue is not in your own community.
- Ava: Many local initiatives are currently in motion, so please stay informed and pay attention to opportunities to make a change. Redcards are available at the A.S. office and online, so please keep one with you.
- Abby: The group will be taking a field trip under the BRC to celebrate Black History Month.
- Kareen: Billy Carter has released a new single on Spotify titled ‘Last Place.’
- Angie: Monarch Unity Resource Center has been advocating for this initiative to support undocumented students by providing resources. Unfortunately, 30 individuals under the detention center have died from health issues. This situation heavily impacts undocumented students, so please continue to use your voices. Jewish Family Services offers free legal assistance and support for navigating immigration status. Additionally, resources and immigration webinars will be available on Monday and Tuesday, so be sure to stay on lookout through the EOPOS website.
X. ADJOURNMENT
It was seconded and moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
BESEKE/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (21-0-0)
