Read the policy statements of your candidates below:
Ryan Switzer
My name is Ryan Switzer, and I am an international second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery student studying at JCU’s Cairns campus. Throughout my time at JCU, I have actively sought opportunities to contribute to student life, build relationships, and support the wider university community. Through residential life, student societies, and university sport, I have developed an understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of JCU students.
I work as a Residential Advisor at UniLodge John Grey Hall, where I help plan and run resident events. This role has strengthened my organisational, communication, and teamwork skills while allowing me to connect with our diverse student population, understand student concerns, and foster community.
I also serve as Treasurer of JCU Cairns Christian Students, managing club finances and supporting its activities. This position has provided valuable executive experience and insight into the administrative processes behind JCUSA clubs and societies.
Additionally, I am involved with the JCU UniLife sport team at JCU Fit 101 in Cairns, further broadening my engagement with campus life and student wellbeing.
Together, these experiences have prepared me to be dependable, practical, and approachable, for the role of Vice-President on the JCUSA Council.
Muhammad Islam
I’m Muhammad Islam (Sam), your current Student Association Vice President in Cairns, and I am seeking re-election to continue representing and supporting our student community.
Serving as Vice President this year has strengthened my understanding of students’ needs and the importance of approachable, accountable leadership. Through student events, wellbeing initiatives and collaboration with university staff and student representatives, I have worked to bring students together and ensure their concerns are heard.
As an international student and PhD researcher, I understand the challenges of balancing study, work and family while building a sense of belonging. I want every student domestic or international, undergraduate or postgraduate to feel included, supported and confident in seeking help.
My priorities are to strengthen student representation, create more opportunities for connection, and advocate for accessible support. I will continue listening to students, raising their concerns with the university and communicating clearly about the actions taken on their behalf.
I am standing again to build on this year’s work and bring continuity, experience and commitment to the role. With your support, I will continue working towards a connected and inclusive JCU Cairns community where every student’s voice matters.
Celicia Cordes
Students deserve to feel like their needs and concerns are being taken seriously. Currently, the existing system is not working effectively for students.
My greatest focus and motivation as JCUSA Vice President would be to strengthen the coordination and actions of the Student Association so that we may better, and more effectively, tackle the immediate issues and stressors facing students. I ardently believe in establishing clear lines of communication, collaboration, and systemic trust between the Association, University administration, academic staff, and wider student community.
In my experience as the President of the JCU Physical Sciences Society, I have utilised student feedback to make leadership choices that have positioned student concerns at the forefront of our society. My years of experience in student-led leadership roles, extending beyond my time at JCU, have lent me irreplaceable skills in collective organisation, delegation, and internal communication — all of which are critical for the Association to effectively function and to further student advocacy and action at JCU.
If elected, I would campaign for the improvement of the student experience by demanding clear and transparent consultation from university governance, remodelling feedback channels, and insist upon collaboration with students and staff prior to rolling out changes.
Principally, I would use the capacity of the Student Association to its greatest extent in order to advance and enhance the community it exists to serve.
Tsz Fei Zicilia Lo
I came to JCU to become a dentist, but I found a second passion, which is to make campus life happy for you and I. Over two years in the Student Association, I have worked with students and staff to bring events and apply feedback to JCU life. As a candidate for Vice President, I want to do even more on policy changes.
My priorities are:
Back more student-led clubs. Many students have great ideas but do not know where to start. I will guide them through the founding process and the SSAF grant application, and promote their events across campus.
Bring the Yeinie Building to life. I will work directly with these students to create O’Week, food and social events that make their SSAF contribution worthwhile.
Welcome new students. I remember how overwhelming those first weeks felt, and I want no one to go through them alone. I will advocate for campus and neighbourhood tours so newcomers make friends, find their way and feel at home from their first weeks.
Make SSAF visible. I will revamp JCUSA freebies funded by SSAF to include useful everyday items for study and life in Cairns.
Partner with our local community. I will visit businesses in Smithfield and around the Yeinie Building, especially coffee shops and restaurants, and secure discounts for JCU students.
If you have a question or idea, come to me. I’ll listen, and I’ll tell you what I’ve done about it. Thank you for your vote.
