Disclaimer: SGA presidential candidate Dhruvak Mirani is a former Diamondback opinion columnist.

University of Maryland students will vote in the 2025 SGA election this week from Tuesday at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday.

Two candidates are running for student body president this year, with Strive UMD’s Graham Firosz facing Our College Park’s Dhruvak Mirani.

The Diamondback spoke with both candidates to learn about their vision for this university. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Graham Firosz

Firosz, a sophomore computer engineering and public policy major, headlines the StriveUMD ticket. He has served as the Student Government Association’s engineering representative for the past two legislative sessions.

Firosz said he ran for president to involve more student perspectives in SGA’s decision-making process and initiatives after seeing the lack of student engagement across campus.

“[StriveUMD’s platform] is making sure SGA comes to students to hear their voice and not the other way around,” he said.

To increase student engagement, Firosz said he plans to send monthly newsletters to the student body featuring current SGA initiatives and budget allocations.

Since high school, Firosz said he has recognized the social, academic and professional value of student groups, citing his involvement in the cross country team and a mentorship program. As president, Firosz vowed to continue advocating for student groups.

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“We want to make sure that [students] are elevated to their maximum potential,” he said. “As president, I will make sure our administration is focused in the direction of student group success.”

Firosz also wants to implement other funding means for student groups, such as endowments to allow university donors to support students.

Trust and engagement with SGA is a “massive issue” for students, Firosz said, which he believes is the result of a drop in student voter engagement after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Educating students about SGA’s civic engagement and financial responsibilities is necessary for increasing engagement, he explained.

Benjamin Nathan, SGA’s current Oakland representative, joined the StriveUMD ticket and is running for the computer, mathematical and natural sciences representative. He praised Firosz for caring about transforming SGA to help the student body.

“[Firosz] also wants to make sure that the student body knows that they have a way to advocate for their interests,” the sophomore computer science major said.

Dhruvak Mirani

Mirani, a junior computer science and government and politics major, leads Our College Park’s ticket. He currently serves on the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents as a student representative.

Mirani previously served as the College Park City Council student liaison after being appointed by the council and SGA his freshman year. Mirani said he hopes his previous leadership experiences will help implement meaningful policy solutions on campus.

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“I am the most experienced candidate for this role,” Mirani said. “I also understand that many students are very dissatisfied with the way that SGA has worked in the past, and I bring the same leadership qualities and experience … that are necessary to be successful as student body president.”

He aims to help the SGA take a “more proactive role” in understanding what local and state government legislation would help students, he said.

Mirani said he hopes to make housing more affordable for students. As student liaison, he supported a needs-based affordable housing program that granted rental subsidies to some students at this university.

Landlords often pressure students into re-signing early in their lease “at unfair rates,” Mirani said, which “does not serve the best interests of students.”

Mirani said he would support an early lease ordinance in College Park that would prevent landlords from beginning the lease renewal process until six months before the current lease expires.

Mirani also wants to offer more late-night dining options for students by extending hours for at least one dining hall on campus

Gannon Sprinkle, the former SGA executive vice president who also worked alongside Mirani as the deputy student liaison, said Mirani’s “track record speaks for itself.”

“[Mirani’s] a passionate, energetic person who really believes in real change,” the junior government and politics major said. “His intent to represent the student body is honest.”