Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo called the meeting at 3:32 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
- Voting Members Present: Nadia Gallarzo, Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Celina Ramirez, Caroline Walton, Jack Dubos, Quentin Hansen ( Arrived at 3:40 p.m.), Grace Muldoon, Everett Richards, Alex McMurray, Marco Loza, Noah Stuart, Karen Sawouq,Kate Bylsma, Leo Formighieri Pereira (Arrived at 3:39 p.m.), Nicholas Camacho, Peter Athey, Sabrina Esteban, Jace Peter, Tatum Vittitoe, Eric Krog, Andy Lopez, Sabrina Esteban, Ari Cohen
- Voting Members Absent: Dr. Taharka Ade, Mila Valdivia, John Ferris, Jackson Patterson, Myah Moreno, Jesus Guzman
- Non-Voting Members Present: Christina Brown, Araya Williams, Christine Molina (left at 4:45 p.m.)
- Non-Voting Members Absent: None.
- Guests: Jennifer schenkenfelder
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda February 18, 2026.
RICHARDS/LOZA CARRIED (26-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
COHEN/DUBOS CARRIED (26-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
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VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- University Senate Designee:
No report. - Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity Designee:
The SDSU leadership Summit Leadership Conference, theme, “Voices of Change: Leadership Sounds Like This” hosted by the Glazer center. Will take place March 7th from 9:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m at Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union on the San Diego State University campus. For SDSU students it is $30 for the registration and for Non- SDSU students it will be $40.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- Academic Partnership Agreement (APA) Review - A.S. President Kareen Holstrom (Information)
An overview of the Academic Partnership Agreement was open for a discussion to all representatives from each College to report any information that was discussed from College Councils. - Resolution Process Update - Abby McLachlan (Information)
A brief presentation was provided on the A.S. resolution process. Currently, resolutions follow a 9–10 week timeline. A proposed bylaw amendment would allow an option to shorten the process by approximately 2–3 weeks, add an optional support meeting between A.S. leadership and resolution authors, and provide for social media posting of passed legislation. A brief discussion was encouraged regarding feedback representatives may have had to discuss from their College Councils to discuss within the meeting. - General Consent Agenda ( Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
LOZA/VITTITOE CARRIED (26-0-0)
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:
MENA Initiative met with Tim and Caryl Montero Adams to discuss the proposal for a MENA Graduation Ceremony on campus, which has received support.
Currently exploring funding opportunities to implement the event.
Additionally, discussed strategies to expand the availability of nutritious food options in the campus food pantry. - Marco Loza, ASBOD Student-At-Large:
Scheduled the Deferred Maintenance Committee meeting for next Thursday.
Additionally, finalized and approved the official title for the MBA program. - Noah Stuart, ASBOD Student-At-Large:
Met with Milan to discuss implementing the A.S. Walkaround initiative as a strategy to promote the Associated Students organization and increase student engagement. - College of Arts and Letters:
Reviewed and approved updates to the bylaws, and conducted special elections during the meeting. Provided guidance on the process for submitting check requests.
Held an election for Vice President of Publicity, resulting in the selection of Emily for the position.
Additionally, noted that the RSO Fair was relocated to Templor Mayor due to weather conditions. - College of Business:
Reviewed feedback collected from the Business club representatives regarding the Club Rush event to assess engagement and identify areas for improvement. Provided updates on planning efforts for Tuesday Takeover.
Announced that CBC Representative elections are scheduled to take place next week on the 24th. - College of Education:
Received a presentation from the Glazier Center highlighting available career development opportunities and student engagement initiatives.
Additionally, discussed an overview of the upcoming Dance Marathon event, including planning and participation efforts.
Noted that a meeting was held last Monday with the Department Chair to review ongoing initiatives and departmental updates. - College of Engineering:
Reviewed the APA agreement and held discussions regarding expectations for timely grading and student attendance policies. - College of Health and Human Services: Discussed upcoming events for the spring semester, including the College Council Open House during the first week of April and SDSU Explore Day later in the month, highlighting opportunities for RSO involvement. Additionally, noted the partnership between eWorks Career League and Career Services to support student career development.
- College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts: Provided updates that the Showcase event is currently in development and encouraged members to share information with students interested in tabling, performing, or exhibiting their artwork. Additionally, announced the PSFA T-shirt design initiative, noting that design submissions will be reviewed and voted on within the Council, with the selected design to be adopted for official use.
- College of Sciences: Introduced a resolution regarding the Alternative Consultation Process for Mandatory Student Fees, outlining proposed considerations and next steps for review and discussion.
- Graduate Student Association: No Report.
X. UNIVERSITY SENATE COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Reviewed the role of Universal Resource and Planning in managing strategic budget communications and addressing budgetary concerns through subcommittee investigations within a two- to four-week timeframe. Noted its coordination within the broader institutional framework, including collaboration with the Office of Planning, Design, and Construction for facility management and the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity for resource oversight. Additionally, engaged in preliminary discussions regarding the budget for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Discussed the development of an AI-powered chat feature within the my.SDSU platform to assist students in navigating their degree evaluations. Proposed implementation includes engaging undergraduate students in pilot testing to refine the tool and ensure it effectively supports timely degree completion.
- Discussed updates to the campus safety survey to encourage broad participation and gather feedback on students’ perceptions of safety, as well as recommendations for improvement. Additionally, began drafting a proposed smudging policy to designate specific areas on campus where the practice would be permitted, with plans to seek formal review and approval.
- Discussed concerns regarding limited student awareness of the Senate and its role on campus. Initiated outreach to the DEI Senate to explore strategies for increasing student engagement, improving transparency, and clearly communicating representation and advocacy efforts.
- Discussed strategies to promote the upcoming student forum during the accreditation visit, including targeted outreach to encourage student participation. Additionally, reviewed and proposed revisions to website language to improve clarity and accessibility, while exploring methods to better assess students’ general understanding of institutional processes and academic requirements.
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:
Provided updates on the “Your Voice Matters” Push Week, noting widespread promotion and strong initial engagement with the initiative.
Discussed the Career Services Advisory Board, which is open to all members in collaboration with College Council presidents.
Reviewed bylaw updates with the College Councils, including expectations for CBC representatives and timelines aligned with College Council deadlines. - Kareen Holstrom, President:Met with Parking and Transportation to follow up on their recent Board of Directors meeting regarding the campus parking plan. Provided support to Noah and Karen in promoting the SWANA/MENA survey to maximize student engagement. Additionally, highlighted Inclusion Week in collaboration with Best Buddies, featuring a video showcasing student initiatives, and invited participation from students interested in contributing.
- Milan Rawls, Executive Vice President: Participated in the Fast Track visit with an executive panel and encouraged students attending to inquire about appointed positions if interested. Announced that YG will be the headliner for GreenFest, with voting members eligible for a free ticket if claimed by February 28th. Additionally, noted support for the women’s basketball game at 6 PM today.
- Abby McLachlan, Vice President of External Relations:Participated in a CSSA committee meeting addressing Title IX matters. Noted that the Planning Board approved a new apartment building on College Avenue. Provided updates on Rock the Vote preparations for the upcoming primary elections, reminding students to submit their ballots in March/June.
- Aliza Siddiqui, Vice President of Financial Affairs:Met with the Financial Aid Workshop Center, noting that workshops will be offered upon student request. Advised students in finance-related positions to reach out to her for information regarding projected budget allocations for the upcoming year. Additionally, followed up on initiatives to support the campus food pantry.
- Christina Brown, Executive Director:Introduced Jennifer S., VP of University Affairs for 2021–2022, to share her experiences and insights from serving in this role, highlighting her involvement and perspective within council meetings.
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Milan: Introduced the new College of Sciences representative, Milan.
- Karen: Announced that Rota applications are now open for community service organizations, with a deadline of March 16th. Applications can be submitted via the Google Form on their Linktree. Additionally, shared that the Political Science Department is organizing an event in the Love Library titled No One is Safe on Academic Freedom.
- Kareen: Provided an update on the upcoming Dance Marathon, explaining the event and its purpose in the minutes.
- Jake: Shared that Engineering Week will take place next week, with daily events scheduled for student participation.
- Noah: Noted that Harvard is offering the MBA Summer Venture in Management Internship program, with applications due by March 27th.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn at 5:02 p.m.
RICHARDS/CAMACHO CARRIED (26-0-0)
