A.S. University Council

Wednesday, October 1, 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 3:38 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL 

1. Voting Members Present: Nadia Gallarzo, Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby Mclachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Celina Ramirez, Leo Formighieri Pereira, John Ferris, Caroline Walton, Kate Bylsma, Jack Dubos, Sabrina Esteban, Quentin Hansen, Grace Muldoon, Nicholas Camacho, Sabrina Esteban, Jake Camacho, Ari Cohen, Tatum Vittitoe, Eric Krog, Everett Richards, Erin Rushing, Alex McMurray, Marco Loza, Noah Stuart, Karen Sawouq, Andy Lopez, Peter Athey, Myah Moreno, Cesar Ramirez
2. Voting Members Absent: Jesus Guzman, Jackson Patterson, Mila Valdivia, Elena Zarnecki
3. Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Araya Williams, Dr. Taharka Ade (arrived at 4:52 p.m.)
4. Non-Voting Members Absent: Christine Molina
5. Guests: Chris Thomas 

III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for October 1, 2025. 

RICHARDS/WALTON       CARRIED (29-0-0)

IV. APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES 

1. It was moved and seconded to correct the attendance record: Kate Bylsma and Sabrina Esteban were incorrectly marked as absent but were, in fact, present.
2. It was further moved and seconded to correct a reference in Karen Sawouq’s report, changing “BCCs (Black Cultural Centers)” to “Boards, Committees, and Commissions.”
3. It was then moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the October 1, 2025 meeting. 

COHEN/RAMIREZ          CARRIED (29-0-0)

V. PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Chris Thomas: The former Associated Students President (2018–2019) extended a warm greeting to the current student body. He expressed his support and encouragement, letting students know that he is available to help and remains committed to student success.

VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS

1. University Senate Designee: 
   The committee discussed matters related to international travel, specifically in the context of student involvement. A new policy addressing international travel procedures and guidelines is currently under development and is expected to be released sometime next year.
   Additionally, the committee reviewed a draft resolution concerning a potential referendum related to the Senate Executive Committee. Further discussion and refinement of the resolution are anticipated in upcoming meetings.
2. Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity Designee: None.
   California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Presentation - Dr. Madhavi McCall, Associate Vice President, Curriculum, Assessment & Accreditation (Time Certain 4 p.m.)
   Dr. McCall explained how the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) helps community college students complete a set of courses that make transferring to California State Universities or University of California campuses easier and ensures their credits count.
3. Student Union RSO Accommodation Presentation - Ryan DeLong, Aztec Student Union Director - Postponed.

VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION

1. General Consent Agenda (Action)
   It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.

FERRIS/HANSEN      CARRIED (29-0-0)

B. General Consent Report (Information) 
The General Consent Report was reviewed.

VIII. INTRODUCTION OF NEW LEGISLATIVE MATTERS:

None.

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XI. REPORTS OF UNIVERSITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

1. Karen Sawouq, ASBOD Student-At-Large: 
   The committee will finalize the SWANA survey later this month. The data collected will be used to assess community needs and inform the development of a resolution currently in progress.
2. Marco Loza, ASBOD Student-At-Large: 
   An update was provided regarding the Graduate Success Fee, which is currently under review. There is also a proposal to increase the IRA Fee by 45%, expected to take effect next year. The purpose of the increase is to gather student feedback on whether these additional funds should support athletics, academic supplies, and related student services. 
   Students are encouraged to read the document that was previously circulated and share their input. The most compelling and representative feedback will be compiled and submitted to the University. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish an MBA alumni network, which is currently in progress.
3. Noah Stuart, ASBOD Student-At-Large:
   The SWANA survey, aimed at assessing the needs, is nearing completion.
4. College of Arts and Letters:
   The election for the Community Engagement position was held last week, and this week marks the first round of check requests for Recognized Student Organizations. The RSO Fair, held in the Union today, provided a platform for student groups to connect with the campus community. Looking ahead, Donuts with the Dean is scheduled for October?22, offering students an opportunity for informal dialogue with campus leadership.
5. College of Business:
   The weekly Club Spotlight was sent out as part of ongoing efforts to highlight student organization activities. The board also reviewed the quarterly CBC Awards and discussed the CBC schedule for Spring 2026. In addition, banking training for Recognized Student Organizations was covered to ensure proper financial management. A guest speaker presented on upcoming job opportunities and announced he will be hosting an event on October 15 and 16 at 5:00 PM at Eureka to further engage students in career development.
6. College of Education: 
   The Career Fair is scheduled for October 10, providing students with valuable opportunities to network with potential employers and explore career paths. In addition, a Teacher Credential Workshop will be held to support students interested in pursuing a career in education. During the event, information will be provided about a fee waiver available to eligible students, helping to reduce the cost of applying to credential programs.
7. College of Engineering:
   Collaborating with career services for better industry connections.
8. College of Health and Human Services:
   Planning is underway for a panel event in the Spring semester, aimed at engaging students in meaningful dialogue on key campus topics. One of the main focuses will be a Student Success Fee Q&A session, where students will have the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and gain a clearer understanding of how the fee is used to support student programs and services.
9. College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts: 
   Two upcoming events are scheduled to engage students next week. The first is Donuts with the Dean on October 7, offering students a chance to connect informally with campus leadership. The second event, Burgers and Bingo, is designed specifically for transfer students and will take place on October 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Adams Humanities. Both events aim to foster community and provide valuable campus connections.
10. College of Sciences: 
    We are excited to share the first monthly newsletter with all students of the College of Sciences. Stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved on campus. Tomorrow, we will be hosting a Community Service Event in the Metzli Suite, focused on supporting hospitals nationwide through donations. Additionally, mark your calendars for Movie Night on October 3rd, a great chance to relax and connect with fellow students.
11. Graduate Student Association: 
    Graduate students have expressed a need for additional resources and support on campus. Efforts are underway to address these needs through collaboration with the campus community, including involvement in the Sunflower Initiative, which aims to enhance student well-being and access to support services.
12. Undeclared College Council: None.

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

1. Nadia Gallarzo, Vice President of University Affairs: 
   The College Council retreat last Saturday provided valuable discussions, and those who missed it are encouraged to catch up with attendees. 
   A promotional video for the Banned Book Readout to promote literacy is scheduled for October 6th from 12:30 to 1:30 PM.
   Library advocacy for 24/7 access will be reviewed in the next two weeks. Please check in with your College Council Presidents on drafting a support letter. 
   The Academic Affairs Committee will hold its first advisory meeting with Career Services; career-related concerns should be directed to them. 
   At the next UC meeting, Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner, will share insights from his experience.
2. Abby McLachlan spoke on behalf of Kareen Holstrom, President:
   Working on the Academic Partnership Agreement and the SWANA initiative is ongoing. I attended the Campus Community Commission meeting and assisted students with related matters. Wishing everyone a happy Parents Weekend, I look forward to welcoming families on campus.
3. Milan Rawls, Executive Vice President: 
   The Homecoming Spirit Competition is underway, inviting groups of 5 to 10 students to participate in daily activities such as field day events and trivia contests. Teams will also earn points by donating to Aztec Rock Hunger. The group with the highest total points will win a large trophy. This competition is open to all, with registration deadlines on October 12th. Additionally, the A.S. The office is hosting an Open House this Friday, bring your parents to visit and enjoy the weekend festivities. 
4. Abby McLachlan, Vice President of External Relations:
   The External Relations Board submitted a letter regarding street light safety, which was passed successfully. 
   Rock the Vote tabling began today and will continue throughout October, students are encouraged to stay informed and engaged. There is growing interest in off-campus advocacy, with updates to follow soon.  Additionally, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 98, which mandates that students be notified if ICE is present on campus. The annual California Higher Education Student Summit will take place soon, with more information to be shared in the coming weeks.
5. Aliza Siddiqui, Vice President of Financial Affairs:
   Please review the A.S. study abroad application recommendations, which are due this Monday. Associated Students offer scholarship opportunities to help support these applications, please take advantage and share this information with others. Starting next week, Aztec Rock Hunger walkarounds will begin, and College Council presidents have been contacted. Aztec Rock Hunger is also organizing fundraisers, including dunk tanks on October 29th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Pie Day on November 5th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., with sign-ups open now; college council presidents can volunteer to be dunked or pied. Please review the Instructionally Related Activities IRA fee proposal, due by October 6th at 4 p.m., and provide your feedback after reading the document.
6. Christina Brown, Executive Director:
   Recreation and Wellness and Mark Zakrzewski will be joining the Campus Life Council to discuss the Aztec Recreation Center (ARC) expansion. Next week, the University House event will take place. Please come out to enjoy the opportunity to meet fellow students, administrators, and other campus leaders. Remember to wear your polos as the dress code is business casual. Take this chance to connect with the administration and your Dean.

XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Noah: Students pitched an idea to the Vice President as far as where to put their club, it's called Clubhub. It is free. This will help you see what all clubs are doing on campus so you can keep up to date. 
2. Cesar: Guest speaker will be talking about how to build your resume and anyone is invited from 3-4 p.m. with the Black Business Society.
3. Ari: Facial and finger print scanning other than an ID card, if you lose your things that identify you, you can utilize this company that asked him to relay this info. 
4. Abby: SDSU line if you need 619-594-3889 any help - non emergency contact Good samaritan Amnesty line. 
5. Milan: Football game this friday and free trolley pass!
6. Noah: NBA basketball game Nuggets vs Timberwolves this Saturday for $33 at the Pechanga Arena.  
7. Christina Brown: There is an October 17th basketball game against UCLA.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded to adjourn at 5:06 p.m.

RAMIREZ/RAWLS       CARRIED (25-0-0)