Student Commencement Speaker

Apply to speak at commencement

Graduating seniors are invited to apply to be the IUPUI student commencement speaker in May 2020. The undergraduate student speaker will have a successful academic record and a history of participation in campus or community activities.

The IUPUI main commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2020, at 10 a.m. in Lucas Oil Stadium. The student commencement speaker will give a three-to-five-minute speech in front of graduating students, their guests, and campus officials. More information about the IUPUI commencement is available on the Commencement 2020 website.

Eligible students may apply to be the student commencement speaker by completing an application packet. A selection committee with representation from the faculty, staff, and student body will review applications, interview a number of candidates, and determine finalists.

Please note that the application deadline has closed. The deadline for speaker applications for the 2021 commencement will be announced by early February 2021.

It was a humbling experience and an honor to be chosen as a representative of my entire student body. I hope that some of the words I said resonated with someone and that all in attendance were proud to call themselves Jags that day.
Connor LaGrange | 2019 Commencement Speaker

Read Connor’s story

Frequently asked questions

Any undergraduate student who:

Is graduating in May 2020, summer 2020, or who has already graduated in December 2019.
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 2020 commencement has closed. The deadline for speaker applications for next year will be announced by early February 2021.

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

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?

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