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Student Speaker

Presenting the student commencement address is a great honor and an opportunity to inspire, engage with, and share common experiences with your peers.

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

Leave your legacy with your graduating class!

Application Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2026Date
Student Speaker Application AvailableWed., August 26
Student Speaker Application DeadlineSun., October 4
Applicants notified of finalist selectionsThu., October 15
In-Person Finalist AuditionsWeek of October 19 (dependent on selection committee schedules)
Applicants notified of speaker selectionWeek of October 26
NC State University CommencementSat., December 12
Spring 2027Date
Student Speaker Application AvailableWed., January 20
Student Speaker Application DeadlineSun., February 28
Applicants notified of finalist selectionsMon., March 22
In-Person Finalist AuditionsWeek of March 22 (dependent on selection committee schedules)
Applicants notified of speaker selectionWeek of March 29
NC State University CommencementSat., May 8

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