Both an undergraduate and graduate/professional student speaker are selected each semester to address the graduating class at commencement. The speakers, who are selected through a competition held each semester, must be members of the graduating class they plan to address.
Application Materials
Those who wish to be considered for such a role must complete the "Student Commencement Speaker" application form. Forms for both undergraduates and graduate/professional students may be downloaded by choosing the appropriate link below:
In addition to the completed application form, each prospective speaker must also submit a copy of his or her three- to five-minute proposed speech. Graduate/professional students must submit a resume and a letter of support (from either their graduate coordinators or faculty advisors).
Deadlines
The deadline for submitting the competition application materials is approximately six to eight weeks before each ceremony. Please check the appropriate application for specific deadlines. Undergraduates should submit their materials to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, FDH-515. Graduate/professional students should submit their materials to the GPSA Office in LLB-2141.
Selection Process
Faculty and student members comprise the two selection committees; one committee reviews prospective undergraduate speakers and the other, prospective graduate/professional student speakers. The committees review the applications, meet with participants in the competition, and select the speakers by the end of November for winter commencement and by the end of April for spring commencement. Student speakers will receive guidance on preparing and delivering their speeches.
For more information on the process, undergraduates may call the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 895-3656. Graduate/professional students may call the GPSA Office at 702-895-2261.
