Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom called the meeting to order on behalf of Nadia Gallarzo at 3:36 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
- Voting Members Present:Nadia Gallarzo, Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Celina Ramirez, Caroline Walton, Kate Bylsma, Jack Dubos, Sabrina Esteban, Quentin Hansen, Grace Muldoon, Ari Cohen, Everett Richards, Alex McMurray, Marco Loza, Noah Stuart, Karen Sawouq, Myah Moreno, Leo Formighieri Pereira, John Ferris (Arrived at 3:43 p.m), Nicholas Camacho
- Voting Members Absent: Mila Valdivia, Jesus Guzman, Jackson Patterson, Peter Athey, Sabrina Esteban,Tatum Vittitoe, Eric Krog, Elena Zarnecki, Erin Rushing, Andy Lopez, Cesar Ramirez
- Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Araya Williams, Christine Molina ( Left at 4:37 p.m.)
- Non-Voting Members Absent: Dr. Taharka Ade
- Guests: Jacie Foster, Shruti Sharma , Ruby Parrott, Leila Stojonovic, Max Tripp, Alexis Love, Shelby Page
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the adjustments made by Kareen Holstrom to approve the agenda after public comment.
COHEN/BYSLMA CARRIED (22-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
BYLSMA/WALTON CARRIED (22-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
- Akheel: Ahkeel started the adapted athletics program as an undergraduate and would like to share the accomplishments he has achieved since then, as well as where he is currently working.
- Claire: The IRA fee places an unequal burden on our students and disproportionately impacts those with limited financial resources.
- Guthre:The College Area Community Plan proposes zoning changes to help relieve the housing crisis and expand food availability. It also highlights that existing micro-mobility infrastructure remains unsafe for students
- Faith: During the IRA fee proposition meetings, it was emphasized that the athletics department is essentially the only reason I would be considered for the job
- Athena: Many students are struggling with food stamp access, and adding the IRA fee only takes more from them when living costs are already overwhelming. It’s causing the institution to be seen in a poor light.
- Natalie:The IRA fee is a concern because many students are already struggling to make ends meet. These funds could be allocated more effectively to support those in need, ensuring that all students are treated equitably.
VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- University Senate Designee: No report.
- Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity Designee:
Next week, on December 11, the Midnight Study Break will take place from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The Center for Commuter Life has been conducting outreach for their assessment and will keep the survey open until December 12. They have already received 1,000 responses and are hoping to hear from even more commuter students to ensure the team is providing appropriate support. At the previous meeting, they discussed outreach to first-year students for the spring semester, which will resume in January. The university is also admitting a small number of undergraduate students; this Friday, the 5th, those students will participate in orientation in an asynchronous format to help foster community building.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- #BA F25-03 Student Bill of Rights Proposed Amendments - Ava Alvarado, A.S. Board of Director Student-at-Large (Information)
Provided an overview of the proposed amendments to the Student Bill of Rights, explaining that the goal of the revisions is to strengthen clarity, accessibility, and accountability within the document. She noted that several sections are being updated to better reflect current student needs and to ensure alignment with institutional policies and state guidelines. - End of Semester Overview (Information): Provided an overview of a preparation for upcoming semester transitions, including planning for spring programming, refining assessment strategies, and addressing student feedback gathered during the fall. Departments shared brief updates on their priorities for January, including onboarding new students, supporting retention initiatives, and ensuring continuity of services during the break.
- General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
CAMACHO/RAMIREZ CARRIED (22-0-0)
D. 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:
The Swana/Meena survey has been released. Participation is crucial for supporting grant proposals, as efforts are being made to consolidate all activities within this center. - Marco Loza, ASBOD Student-At-Large:
Collaboration with FCB will involve the alumni chapter for graduate students. Planning for the related event in April is currently underway, and updates will be provided as details are finalized. - Noah Stuart, ASBOD Student-At-Large:
No Report. - College of Arts and Letters:
An update was provided regarding efforts to fill the vacant publicity role, which will support outreach, marketing, and promotional efforts for upcoming events. This position is especially important as planning continues for the PSFA Career Fair.
The team noted that having this role filled will help strengthen communication with students, increase event visibility, and ensure broader engagement across the PSFA community. - College of Business:
The committee shared updates on the IRA fee and ongoing student feedback. Members were reminded of tomorrow’s student mixer. Planning for next semester’s Club Rush was discussed, focusing on outreach and event logistics. - College of Education:
The committee announced the upcoming Winter Fair, noting that attendees will receive free shirts and free food. - College of Engineering:
The team discussed scheduling future meetings for the next semester, emphasizing the importance of full attendance. The upcoming Rock Project launch is scheduled for this weekend, with the guided rocket event taking place on Saturday at 6:00 AM.
All members and interested parties are welcome to attend and observe the launch at Potrefill, approximately one hour away. - College of Health and Human Services:
The Council will lead an event in October and is open to additional Career Services events, including marketing internship workshops, that would be beneficial to the council and support professional development opportunities for participants. - College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts:
The committee discussed preparations for the PSFA Career Fair, scheduled for March 10th, to ensure students are ready to participate. It was noted that most awards in recent competitions were won by SDSU students in furniture and design, highlighting the strength of their programs. - College of Sciences:
The committee discussed a planned collaboration in March with the College of Engineering to support joint initiatives and student engagement. - Graduate Student Association:
No report. - 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
- Nadia Gallarzo, Vice President of University Affairs:
In the upcoming week, the proposed bylaw changes will be presented on behalf of Ava. A possible College Council open house is also under consideration. The team expressed pride in everyone's efforts, and it was noted that YBM activities will resume next semester. - Kareen Holstrom, President:
Members were reminded to RSVP for the University House event and other upcoming activities. The SWANA survey has received 90 responses so far, with additional responses still being sought. Work on the elections code, led by Abby, is ongoing and will soon be submitted to the Board of Directors. Public comment regarding the proposed IRA fee will be held for the first 30 minutes, from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Tula Center. - Milan Rawls, Executive Vice President:
Members were reminded to RSVP to all Council semester invitations. Planning for the Triple A event is ongoing, with the theme still under development. - Abby McLachlan, Vice President of External Relations:
The Capital Fellowship in Sacramento, focused on policy applications, has an approaching application deadline. Work on bylaw changes is ongoing, with completion anticipated by the end of next semester. The College Area Community Plan is being developed to guide future building and accommodate increased density. Input and ideas for the College Area Community Planning Board are welcome, especially from those interested in contributing post-graduation. - Aliza Siddiqui, Vice President of Financial Affairs:
The ARH program concluded yesterday, and winners will be announced on Thursday, December 11, with appropriate recognition.
Community service gardening volunteer opportunities are available this Saturday, with eight spots remaining for participants to work alongside alumni. Feedback is being collected to tailor Finance Forward Week to specific groups. - Christina Brown, Executive Director:
With Thanksgiving approaching, it was noted that the last University Council meeting for the semester will be held on December 3rd.
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Milan: AS video that's being posted, go like, comment.
- Abby: working on an AS recruitment video to get involved.
- Celina: monday dec 8th from 5-6 pm south campus- multi purpose room directors talking about evolve projects.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn at 5:10 p.m.
STUART/PETER CARRIED (22-0-0)
