Any undergraduate student who:

• Is graduating in May 2023, summer 2023, or who has already graduated in December 2022.
• 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 2023 undergraduate student speaker is February 26, 2023. All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on February 26, 2023.

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

Beyond the application essay, students who make it to the semi-final round will come in for a 20-minute interview with the selection committee.

Students who make it to the final round will come in to deliver their speech for a small audience.

Finally, once the student commencement speaker is named, that student can expect to do five to seven practice speeches in front of various audiences on campus (e.g., deans, student organizations, faculty and staff meetings) during the month of April. We work around the student’s schedule to ensure the speaker gets plenty of campus feedback before delivering the speech on commencement day.

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

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

One.

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.

Yes!