Projects of Fall 2025
Heading into this semester... We were ready to get to work.
Legislative Leadership
Before setting about legislating, the SGA legislature elected their leadership. These leaders are responsible for running meetings and overseeing the legislative process, ensuring that all voices are heard and decisions are made effectively and efficiently.
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Pictured from left to right:
-Elise Donnellan: Coordinator of Recruitment and Retention
-Eliav Hamburger: Speaker of the Legislature
-Shulamit Frenkel: Parliamentarian
-Adrianna Giuliani: Speaker Pro Tempore
Executive Leadership
The new executive board went about putting together the Executive Cabinet and the Office of the President, which work in tandem with the legislature to run committees and bring bills through to completion. Nitya also set up the Committee on Financial Affairs and launched the new ELMS training modules. Meghana helped set up the UMPD Student Advisory Council and the Student IT Advisory Committee.
Annual Safety Walk
For nearly 20 years, SGA has conducted a Safety Walk across campus, dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our facilities. The inspection revealed various issues, such as malfunctioning lights, inaccessible ramps, insufficient stop signs, and deficiencies in crosswalks and pedestrian accessibility. In collaboration with the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD), Residence Hall Association (RHA), and Department of Transportation Services (DOTS), we formulated recommendations for both UMD and the City Council. In 2023 we covered three distinct routes: North Campus, South Campus, and Old Town. Among the recommendations presented were requests for increased central funding and the installation of additional signage to enhance safety measures.
Key Legacy
Advisory Board
Fulfilling a vote in a referendum in the 2021 SGA Elections, the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion established a committee to investigate the renaming of Francis Scott Key Hall. DEI has brought together graduate students, other student groups, and SGA Representatives. After its investigation, the committee will create a formal report on whether the committee believes the hall should be renamed.
Extended Thanksgiving Break
The UMD SGA, RHA, and SGA collaborated to advocate for an extended Thanksgiving Break from the UMD administration and foster ongoing discussions surrounding AI and Fall Break. This provided a must needed respite for students during a busy semester and set the footing for future conversations about preventing burnout during the fall semester, where students do not have a break until Thanksgiving.
Reclaim the Red
Flag Demonstration
The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Committee hosted the SGA's Annual Reclaim the Red Event, which took place on October 30th from 5-7PM. This flag demonstration supported the Reclaim the Red campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the Red Zone. Hundreds of red and white flags covered Hornbake Plaza and attendees had the opportunity to learn about campus resources, what the Red Zone is, and the importance of combating sexual misconduct.
Student Groups
Leadership Summit
The Student Groups and Finance Committees held an annual leadership summit on October 30th that drew many attendees, representing a plethora of student groups. Those who attended learned valuable leadership skills, SGA's student group funding process, how to become SORC & SGA recognized, and how to improve membership retention; All while enjoying catered Chick-Fil-A lunch from Stamp's food court!
The Plastic People Film Screening was hosted on October 22, 2025 by the Sustainability Committee, Sierra Club MD, and UMD's Sustainable Ocean Alliance. We shared the film "Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics," and facilitated a Panel of Hope with Sally DeLeon, Lisa Alexander, Donnie Lewis, and Del. Mary Lehman. The film discussed the unavoidable presence of microplastics in our environments and bodies, spreading awareness about the roles single-use plastic has on our health and lifestyles. The panelists shared alternatives and resources for students to engage in. The event had over 100 attendees and an incredible amount of participation in the Q&A segment. We hope UMD students were able to learn about the harm of microplastics, but more importantly, that they walked away with inspiration to make a change.
Sustainability Plastic People Film Screening
Testudo Food Drive
SGA, RHA, SALC, and GSG partnered together to donate non-perishable food items at the Testudo statue in front of McKeldin Library. These organizations sought to establish this as a tradition to battle the too-common food insecurity on campus.
Health and Wellness
Support
The Health and Wellness and DEI committees wrote letters of affirmation and distributed free gender-affirming garments aimed at UMD's LGBTQ+ community. The Executive Board also collaborated with GSG and the Health Center to provide insurance coverage for all UMD students, regardless of their insurer status. Additionally, events were organized to promote sexual health resources on campus.
Elections: Internal and External
In light of College Park's city council and mayoral elections, the Civic Engagement and Governmental Affairs committee, in conjunction with the SGA City Council liaisons, held a town hall with all the candidates. Additionally, SGA's annual minibus witnessed the most comprehensive election reform in the organization's history, conducted in about 18 hours!
Other Projects