Mario Thaqi: What the New President Has Planned

Mario Thaqi’s journey in student government at the University of Michigan has been one of commitment, leadership, and strategic growth. Beginning his freshman year in October as a representative for first-year students, he quickly rose through the ranks, securing an LSA seat the following year and taking on the responsibility of managing budgets. His leadership style emphasizes continuity and productivity, standing in contrast to opposition groups that lacked concrete steps for their political goals. This vision ultimately led him to win the position of Speaker of the Assembly.

As Speaker, Thaqi focused on maintaining stability within the Central Student Government (CSG). One of his key initiatives was advocating for a temporary funding model, ensuring that student organizations had access to financial resources while a long-term solution was debated. However, his tenure saw significant challenges, including a contentious budget meeting that played a role in the impeachment of the former president and vice president. Following Alifa Chowdhury’s removal, Thaqi’s leadership proved essential in navigating the turbulent transition period, reaffirming his ability to manage complex governance issues.

Now serving as CSG President, Thaqi has devoted his time to engaging with the administration and key stakeholders. “My calendar is filled with meetings aimed at improving student services, particularly in expanding SafeRide and enhancing campus safety through improved lighting on frat row,” explained Thaqi. Additionally, he is working closely with university officials to ensure CSG remains an effective voice for students.

Beyond procedural improvements, Thaqi has been proactive in addressing major student concerns. “I recently introduced a resolution to add a student ex-officio member to the Board of Regents, ensuring that students have a direct voice in university governance.” Housing affordability remains a top priority, and he is actively working to eliminate unnecessary rental fees while reviving the Ann Arbor Tenants Union to advocate for student renters. Addressing food insecurity, he is pushing for an expansion of the Maize & Blue Cupboard to provide greater access to essential resources.

Thaqi’s leadership is characterized by a focus on high-impact initiatives rather than spreading resources too thin. His administration is prioritizing campus safety improvements, including stronger partnerships with the University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) and the SafeRide program to provide better transportation options to get students home from bars and frats on the weekends to improve campus safety, especially with younger and female students on campus. By concentrating on tangible changes, he aims to leave a lasting legacy of effective governance and student advocacy.

As CSG President, Mario Thaqi is dedicated to strengthening student representation, improving essential services, and fostering a more efficient and impactful student government. His academic background in Philosophy, Policy, and Economics, with a minor in Arabic, informs his approach to policy-making and governance, guiding CSG into a positive new era.

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About Julia Hastings

Julia Hastings is the Law Editor of The Michigan Review. She is a sophomore at the University of Michigan intending to study Economics and Mathematics with a minor in Business.