Student Speaker

Speaker Criteria

• Graduating candidate for a bachelor’s degree
• Receiving their first degree
• Eligible to graduate in the intended term
• Has submitted an application to graduate by the time of application

Application Procedure and Requirements

Application Form

• Fill out and submit the Student Commencement Speaker application in full
  • You must be logged into your NC State Google account to access the application
• Upload your audition video to the application form

Once all application materials have been received by the committee, the committee will anonymously vote on and select a candidate. All candidates will be notified of a decision

Speech Content Guidelines

• The topic and format of the speech are left to the discretion of the speaker
• The speech must not be disrespectful and may not contain profanity of any kind
• The speech should be no longer than five minutes
• The speech presented in the audition should be as close to the final speech as possible

Application Dates and Deadlines

Spring 2026	Date
Student Speaker Application Available	Wed, January 21
Student Speaker Application Deadline	Sun, March 1
Applicants notified of finalist selections	Week of March 23
In-Person Finalist Auditions	Thu, March 26 (Schedule TBD)
Applicants notified of speaker selection	Week of March 30
NC State University Commencement	Sat, May 9

Fall 2026	Date
Student Speaker Application Available	Wed, August 26
Student Speaker Application Deadline	Sun, October 4
Applicants notified of finalist selections	Thu, October 15
In-Person Finalist Auditions	Thu, October 22 (Schedule TBD)
Applicants notified of speaker selection	Week of October 26
NC State University Commencement	Sat, December 12

If you have any questions about the student commencement speaker application or selection process, please contact the Student Commencement Speaker Committee at commencement@ncsu.edu or 919.515.2577