Student Speaker

Speaking at commencement is a wonderful opportunity for graduating students to speak to their graduating class.

Speaker Criteria

  • Graduating candidate for a bachelor's degree
  • Receiving his or her first degree
  • Eligible to graduate in the intended term
  • Has submitted an application to graduate by the time of auditions
  • Showcases leadership, service, and Wolfpack pride

Application Procedure and Requirements

  1. Fill out and submit the Student Commencement Speaker application in full
  2. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf
    1. Letters should be from instructors, faculty or staff who know you well and can speak to your character
    2. Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by the recommender to the address below, NOT by the student applicant
    3. You are encouraged to request letters of recommendation no later than two weeks prior to the application deadline, in order to provide your recommenders with ample time to write and submit the letters
  3. All applicants will be required to audition before the University Commencement Committee (see audition details below)

Application materials can be submitted:

  1. By mail to:
    Attn: NC State Student Commencement Speaker Committee
    1000 Harris Hall
    Campus Box 7313
    Raleigh, NC 27605
  2. In person to:
    Attn: NC State Student Commencement Speaker Committee
    1007 Harris Hall
  3. Via email to commencement@ncsu.edu, with the subject line: “[Last Name], [Term] [Year] Student Commencement Speaker Application”

Application materials should be received by no later than 5:00 p.m. on the deadline (see dates and deadlines below).

Once all application materials have been received by the committee, applicants will be notified of the date, time and location of the auditions. If you are unable to attend the auditions, please contact the committee as soon as possible.

Speech Guidelines

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

 

Application Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2019
Student Speaker Application Available September 17, 2019
Student Speaker Application Materials Due October 18, 2019
Auditions are held October 28, 2019 (Subject to change)
Speaker is selected and applicants are notified of decision October 29, 2019 (Subject to change)

Spring 2020
Student Speaker Application Available TBA
Student Speaker Application Materials Due TBA
Auditions are held TBA
Speaker is selected and applicants are notified of decision TBA

Are you interested in representing your graduating class at Commencement?

The Fall 2019 student speaker application is now available!

Apply Now!

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.