Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union 3rd floor
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo, called the meeting to order at 3:36 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
- Voting Members Present: Nadia Gallarzo, Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby Mclachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Celina Ramirez, Leo Formighieri Pereira, John Ferris, Mila Valdivia, Caroline Walton, Quentin Hansen, Grace Muldoon, Jake Camacho, Ari Cohen, Tatum Vittitoe, Eric Krog, Everett Richards, Erin Rushing, Alex McMurray, Marco Loza, Noah Stuart, Karen Sawouq, Andy Lopez Peter Athey, Jackson Patterson, Myah Moreno, Kate Bylsma, Sabrina Esteban
- Voting Members Absent: Jesus Guzman, Jack Dubos, Elena Zarnecki
- Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Christine Molina, Araya Williams, Dr. Taharka Ade (left at 4:51 pm)
- Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
- Guests: James Frazee, Sean Hauze
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for September 17, 2025.
RAMIREZ/PETER CARRIED (25-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
STUART/ESTEBAN CARRIED (25-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
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VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- University Senate Designee: The Academic Partnership Agreement is expected to be submitted to the University Senate.
- Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity Designee:
Recent events such as Aztec Nights have seen strong student engagement, with over 300 students attending the Friday event featuring a medieval theme.
Welcome Week activities have also been well-received. This year, the Open House was scheduled slightly later to avoid conflicts with other events, allowing for better attendance and participation. A reminder that September 22 is the application deadline for the Aztec CORE Retreat, which will take place off-campus in Julian, CA. This retreat offers students the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about personal and community growth within SDSU. Council members are encouraged to spread the word and invite others to apply.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- Icebreaker/Introduction
Nadia led an icebreaker for everyone to introduce themselves. - SDSU Global Campus Winter Sessions - Kevin Brown and Jonny Holt, SDSU Global Campus (Time Certain 3:45 p.m.)
Kevin Brown and Jonny Holt from SDSU Global Campus shared important deadlines and information about the upcoming Winter Sessions, and provided a space for attendees to ask questions and gain clarity on course offerings and registration. - Artificial Intelligence Presentation - James Frazee, Vice President for IT & Chief Information Officer (Time Certain 4 p.m.)
The SDSU IT team discussed findings from AI-related student surveys conducted between Fall 2023 and Fall 2025, which aim to track evolving patterns of AI usage. They shared outcomes from the survey and introduced initiatives such as the AAAI micro-credentials, four-hour training sessions that provide a badge to help students build foundational AI knowledge for job readiness. - Resolutions Process - Abby McLachlan, A.S. Vice President of External Relations
Abby McLachlan, A.S. Vice President of External Relations, provided an overview of the resolutions process. - General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
VITTITOE/WALTON CARRIED (25-0-0)
F. General Consent Report (Information)
The General Consent Report was reviewed.
VIII. INTRODUCTION OF NEW LEGISLATIVE MATTERS:
None.
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IX. REPORTS OF UNIVERSITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
- Karen Sawouq, ASBOD Student-At-Large:
They had a meeting with Maureen to compile survey data and assessment analyses related to the SWANA and MENA Centers. The resolution is still under revision as new evidence continues to emerge. Once finalized, the resolution and findings will be presented to the BCCs with an emphasis on maintaining a streamlined and transparent process. - Marco Loza, ASBOD Student-At-Large:
Two weeks ago, he met with the Campus Fee Advisory Committee to discuss student fees and gained a better understanding of the fee structure.
A graduate student approached him with questions regarding the GSA fees, and he provided clarification about the fees, including the options for opting in and opting out. He reached out to the Campus Fee Advisory Committee (CFAC) Chair, Katie Olivo. - Noah Stuart, ASBOD Student-At-Large:
Met with Dr. Chris Manning to discuss potential directions and strategies to ensure the success of the Resource Center. - College of Arts and Letters:
A College of Arts and Letters registered student organization fair will be held on October 1st at 11 a.m. in the Student Union. During the event, we will conduct a special election and discuss the upcoming Professional studies and fine arts, collaborative Career Fair. - College of Business: No Report.
- College of Education:
Students had the opportunity to meet with their dean and engage in a Q&A session focused on their classroom environments and academic experience. Additionally, they have a career fair approaching, offering further opportunities for professional development and networking. - College of Engineering:
Efforts are underway to investigate the possibility of reopening the 24/7 library. The team is reaching out to individual college councils to gather input on whether students require extended access. There is strong advocacy in place to prioritize reopening the library for the benefit of our student body. - College of Health and Human Services:
They are organizing a casual “Meet the Dean” event, providing students with an informal coffee setting to connect with the dean and learn more about what the college offers. This event will also involve collaboration with other colleges to foster cross-college engagement. Additionally, many registered student organizations have been actively holding meetings since last week, strengthening their presence on campus. The team is gearing up to compete in Aztec Rock Hunger and are enthusiastic and prepared to bring home a win. - College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts:
Last week, they hosted their JEDI Mixer, which provided an opportunity to collaborate with other campus resources and build community. They are also currently planning an executive board bonding event to strengthen team connections and leadership dynamics. - College of Sciences:
Yesterday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, they hosted a tabling event that brought together approximately 20 clubs from the campus community. The event was very successful and well-received. - Graduate Student Association:
They discussed the traveling fundraiser and addressed voting procedures to provide further clarification on how the process will be conducted. - Undeclared College Council: No report.
X. UNIVERSITY SENATE COMMITTEE REPORTS -
None.
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XI. CAREER ADVANTAGE REPORTS/UPDATES -
None.
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XII. EXECUTIVE REPORTS AND A.S. ADVISOR REPORT
- Nadia Gallarzo, Vice President of University Affairs:
The University Affairs Board meeting went well, during which possible advocacy reports for the year were discussed. Members are encouraged to inform others to bring forward any concerns or issues to the University Affairs Board for potential resolution.
A reminder that the College Council Retreat is scheduled for September 27th, please RSVP to confirm attendance.
Additionally, on October 6th from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m, there will be a collaboration with the library for Band Book Week, aimed at sparking ideas around inclusion and advocacy. - Kareen Holstrom, President:
Attended a different commission, such as Recreation and Wellness, and guided the commission through the topics that the campus life council addresses during their meetings. Encouraged attendees to bring back important information, such as discussions around AI, to their respective councils to promote ongoing dialogue and connection across groups. Met with President Adela de la Torre, who brought a few guests, and assisted with RSVPs for the invitation to visit her home. On library-related issues, she and Nadia will be following up on student concerns. She also opened her contacts for students to discuss these concerns directly with Dean Walter. - Milan Rawls, Executive Vice President:
Homecoming court applications opened on September 8th. Promotional item ideas for Homecoming are welcome and encouraged.
The Campus Life Council met last week. The members discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion changes aimed at strengthening initiatives.
The Campus Safety Fair is scheduled for September 22nd, with participation from University Police Department, Women’s Centers, and Greek Life to provide valuable information.The Good Neighbor Clean-Up offers a great opportunity for community service, with two hours of service and donuts provided to participants. - Abby McLachlan, Vice President of External Relations:
Constitution Day was a great success, with approximately 300 students attending. The External Relations Board is currently addressing safety concerns, including malfunctioning streetlights that pose safety risks for students. Additionally, housing issues such as rent increases in the college area are being discussed. If you would like to raise any concerns, please reach out, local officials will also be present to listen to student feedback.
Rock the Vote is scheduled for November 4th. Make sure you are registered and prepared to vote! - Aliza Siddiqui, Vice President of Financial Affairs:
Aztec Rock Hunger is seeking collaborations with college councils and will begin scheduling walk-around events starting in October. They are aiming for stronger engagement with colleges and encourage you to inform students that the food pantry is available to all. They are open to collaboration and planning for upcoming events, including a pirate-themed event. The Financial Affairs Committee (FAC) reviews budgets and oversees various campus facilities. Meetings are held every Monday from 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. The committee is open to helping students better understand the budget and financial processes. - Christina Brown, Executive Director:
Registered student organizations have been facing challenges with fitting into available conference rooms in the student union due to high demand. With approximately 400 students participating from Monday to Wednesday, efforts are underway to accommodate everyone by utilizing classroom spaces across campus. If your registered student organization is experiencing space issues, please reach out to Student Union staff for assistance. Additionally, study rooms in the Student union are open for use on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not available. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these spaces whenever they are available.
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Milan: Free scarves at the soccer game at 7 p.m, free schedule magnets at the volleyball game.
- Jack: Grad mixer for Engineering from 1–3 p.m. at Zip Launchpad, coffee with the Deans next week, bonfire event this weekend.
- Aliza: Economic Crisis Response Team hosting a bingo event near the Cuicicalli tables, possibly free groceries available.
- Jack: NARCAN training sessions on September 22nd and 29th from 12–1 p.m.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn at 5:22 p.m.
DUBOS/MORENO CARRIED (25-0-0)
