Student Commencement Speaker

Apply to speak at commencement

Graduating seniors are invited to apply to be the IUPUI student commencement speaker each spring. The student commencement speaker will give a three-to-five-minute speech in front of graduating students, their guests, and campus officials.

Commencement will be on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Additional details about the IUPUI commencement is available on the Commencement website.

Eligible students may apply to be the student commencement speaker by completing an application packet. The undergraduate student speaker will have a successful academic record and a history of participation in campus or community activities.

A selection committee with representation from the faculty, staff, and student body will review applications, interview a number of candidates, and determine finalists.

Speaker application

Application deadline

All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2022.

Workshop to learn more

If you would like to learn more about the application process and the experience of being the undergraduate student commencement speaker, we invite you to attend one of our workshops below:

February 2 at 12:00 p.m. (Zoom link here)
February 3 at 4:00 p.m. (Zoom link here)

We live in a day and age when a lot of people settle. My hope is that people won't settle. I want everyone who listens to my speech to walk away with the feeling that they can do whatever they dream to do.
Matthew Brown | 2021 Commencement Speaker

Watch Matt's speech

Read Matt’s story

View a news story about Matt

Frequently asked questions

Any undergraduate student who:

Is graduating in May 2022, summer 2022, or who has already graduated in December 2021.
Is in good academic standing. The selection committee will consult with the academic dean of the student's major and the dean of students to ensure that an applicant meets the overall academic record and that student conduct expectations have been met.

The deadline for the 2022 undergraduate student speaker application is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2022. All application materials must be submitted by that time.

Yes, assistance with speech development and editing will be provided.

No, being a student speaker at commencement is not a paid position.

One.

The student speaker's speech should be three to five minutes long or approximately 500–750 words.

No. A featured speaker, to be selected by the president of the university, will give a full-length commencement address.

No. The student speaker will be seated on the stage with other members of the platform party.

Student Commencement Speaker

Apply to speak at commencement

Application deadline

Workshop to learn more

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to apply to be the student commencement speaker?

When is the application due?

Will someone help me with my speech if I am selected?

Will I get compensated as a speaker?

How many students will be selected to speak at commencement?

How long will the student speaker’s speech be?

Will the student be the only speaker?

If I am selected to be the student speaker, will I be able to sit with my friends?

Division of Undergraduate Education resources and social media channels