Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University

Wednesday, April 8, 2020 - 3:30pm
Via Zoom

I.  CALL TO ORDER

A.S. Executive Vice President, George Scott, called the meeting to order at 3:32 PM via Zoom.

II.  ROLL CALL

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    1. Voting Members Present: Christian Onwuka, George Scott, Kyla Blaylock, Angie Espinoza, Dustin Adkins, Sophie Chance, Jacob Tuchband (Left Early), Mumtaz Mommand, Jacinda Molina, Jon Soden, Jayden Mattson, Crystal Sanchez, Josh Avalos, Brianne Crowther,  Aaron Eppstein (Left Early), Christine Gotthardt, Jacob Downey, JR Lauron, Bella Martelino.
    2. Voting Members Absent: Lee Abed, Stephanie Estrada, Aidan Winter, Joe Besagno, Sean Toohey, Chloe Foreman, Sara Jimenez, Josh Olson, Matthew Blake, Jagger Gin, Reece Breuckman, Vicky Evans.
    3. Non-Voting Members Present: Dr. Nola Butler-Byrd, Christina Brown, Nikki Eliaschev.
    4. Non-Voting Members Absent: Dr. Andrea Dooley,.
    5. Visitors: Courtney Ransom (Green Love), Grener Abdon (Green Love), Kelli Farmer (Green Love), Gabe Yetnikof (Green Love), guest who did not want to give their name.

III.  APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for today’s meeting.

ONWUKA/SANCHEZ                       CARRIED

IV.  APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

It was moved and seconded to approve the University Council meeting minutes of 3/4/20, as attached.

ESPINOZA/MOMMAND                  CARRIED  

V.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  None.

vi.  university reports and presentation

    1. University Senate Designee, Dr. Nola Butler-Byrd:
      1. The University Senate is having conversations about policies that impact grading.
      2. Spoke about the disproportionate effects of Coronavirus on communities of African descent and reminded everyone that we must help the communities that are most vulnerable.
      3. Asked members to reach out if they need support, the University Senate wants to support students.
    2. University Vice President for Student Affairs Designee, Dr. Andrea Dooley: No report.

VII.  ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION

    1. General Consent Agenda (Action):
      It was moved and seconded to approve the general consent agenda, as attached.

      EPPSTEIN/GOTTHARDT                      CARRIED

    2. General Consent Report (Information): The general consent report was reviewed, as attached. 

    3. Selection of University Council Members to Serve on the Appointments Committee April 18-26, 2020 (Action):
      It was moved and seconded to select Crystal Sanchez, Mumtaz Mommand, Christine Gotthardt, Bella Martelino, Kyla Blaylock, and Jacinda Molina to serve on the Appointments Committee. 

      MOLINA/ADKINS              CARRIED

VIII.  INTRODUCTION OF NEW LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

    1. #UCB S20-01 A Resolution Calling for SDSU’s Commitment to Climate Action, Justice, and Leadership (Information, 2nd Reading): 
      1. Courtney Ransom, Green Love Sustainability Commissioner, reviewed the changes to the resolution, including wording, the addition of dates, and the sources used to cite information. Members read through the updated resolution and had the opportunity to ask questions and/or provide feedback.
      2. Kelli Farmer, Green Love member, gave an update on Green Love’s community outreach efforts.
      3. Gener Abdon, Green Love member, provided information about the resolution that will be presented at the University Senate, which has been delayed. The Senate is anticipated to vote on the resolution on May 5th. 

IX.  REPORTS OF CAMPUS LIFE COUNCIL MEMBERS

    1. George Scott, Vice President of University Affairs:

      1. Worked on the conflict resolution email in collaboration with Mark Wheeler, the University Senate Chair, which was sent out today. 

      2.  

        ‘Your Voice Matters’ has received many submissions and is working hard to get back to students as soon as possible. He Is glad that students are utilizing this resource.

      3.  

         Discussed transition at the Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) meeting in relation to the College Councils. Encouraged members to reach out to their successors so that transition is smooth in the fall.

         

      4. The University Senate is meeting tomorrow regarding the Academic Policy and Planning resolution about extending the add/drop deadline. Will have an update next week.

    2. Christian Onwuka, President:

      1. Focused on listening to students’ concerns and needs to be able to provide the best support. 

         

      2. The search for the University Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity is happening. 

    3. Kyla Blaylock, Executive Vice President:
      1. The Aztec Achievement Awards (AAA’s) have been postponed. Working on ways to recognize awardees.
      2. Working on a “soft contract” with Athletics to clarify expectations and ensure that successors will have a smooth transition.
      3. Will keep working on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
      4. Preparing for transition and meeting with students to help them prepare as well.
    4. Angelica Espinoza, Vice President of External Relations:
      1. Serving on the A.S. Virtual Promotions Committee.  Encouraged members to send any information about virtual events so that she can promote them.
      2. Chancellor of the California State University, Tim White, is delaying his retirement in order to provide help during this time of crisis.
      3. The Cal State Student Association (CSSA) wrote a letter to the office of the Chancellor expressing student concerns about Coronavirus.
      4. The opening for the Native Indigenous Healing Garden will now be a dedication ceremony.
      5. Explained the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) statement regarding Coronavirus and reminded members of the importance of supporting the undocumented community, especially during this time.
      6. Continuing to work with Rachel Gregg on Census efforts.
      7. Working with Lobby Corps to advocate for college students, who were largely left out from the Coronavirus Federal Aid Package.
    5.  Dustin Adkins, Vice President of Financial Affairs:
      1. The A.S Food Pantry has closed until further notice. Staff is working to make sure that any students that contact A.S. about the Food Pantry are being referred to appropriate resources.
      2. The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) is collaborating with the CSUs and UCs to help students and provide information about resources on campus and at the local and state level.
      3. Due to an increase in case loads, three A.S. Food Pantry Leads will be transitioning to the ECRT to work as Student Support Advocates.
      4. Funding for student programming will remain for student programs and carried over into next semester for any events that had to be postponed. 
    6. Christina Brown, Executive Director:
      1. Explained that the University is operating under the Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) and how it works to solve issues quickly.
      2. Working to get more information out this week to students who have been asking  about refunds for student fees.
      3. Reviewed the timeline of events of the past two weeks. She explained that A.S facilities remained open as long as possible. and both full-time and part-time staff are working hard to offer AS programs and services virtually.
      4. Explained the four new AS working groups, which include the Virtual Programming Committee, Promotions Committee, Virtual HR Committee, Virtual Tool Committee. She is very proud of the work that the committees are doing.
      5. A.S. meets the qualifications for and applied to the Paycheck Protection Program. Will be hearing back soon about the small business act loans.
      6. Yielded time to CJ Holt, who reviewed the residence hall closures and changes to housing for on-campus residents. The Residence Hall Association is also working on online programming. 

    7. Stephanie Estrada, ASBOD Student-At-Large: No report.  

       

    8. Lee Abed, ASBOD Student-At-Large: No report.  

       

    9. Sophie Chance, ASBOD Student-At-Large: No report. 

    10. College of Arts and Letters:
      1. CAL has funding left over and is hoping to use it to support student organizations.
    11. College of Business:
      1. Elections for executive board positions will take place on April 22nd. Candidates will have the opportunity to submit a video for voters to watch prior to the elections.
    12. College of Education: No report. 
    13. College of Engineering:
      1. Had a successful Zoom meeting today.
      2. Discussed virtual elections for the college council at Tuesday's meeting. Candidates will have the opportunity to submit a video before elections. 
    14. College of Health and Human Services:
      1. The application for executive board positions opened today and will close on April 17th.
      2. Candidates can submit a video statement before elections.
    15. College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts:
      1. Expressed kudos to Crystal Sanchez who will be an A.S.Executive Officer next year.
      2. The second Student Success Fee event was canceled. Looking to have it in the fall.
      3. Working with Project Rebound on their budget and programming.
      4. Elections for executive board positions are on April 24th
    16. College of Sciences:
      1. Have been meeting frequently on zoom and hosting “Q and A” style meetings with the dean to answer student questions.
      2. Focusing on getting information out to students.
      3. Shared a list of concerns that council members brought up at meetings. 
    17. Graduate Student Association: No report. 
    18. Undeclared College:
      1. Elections are happening soon!
      2. There will be no meeting this week.
    19. Imperial Valley Campus: No report. 

 X.  ANNOUNCEMENTS

    1. George shared a mental health suggestion that he received from a professor, which is to keep a journal and write a daily list of complaints and to finish with a list of things that one is grateful for. Encouraged members to prioritize their mental health.
    2. Members sang “Happy Birthday!” to Angie. 

XI.  ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:57 pm.

ONWUKA/MATTSON                 CARRIED