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) See “Spring 2020 Video Audition Guidelines” 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

 

Spring 2020 Video Audition Guidelines

Due to the circumstances regarding the university’s response to COVID-19, there have been changes made to the deadlines and audition process for the Spring 2020 Student Commencement Speaker application. Please see details below and contact commencement@ncsu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Rather than holding in-person auditions for the Spring 2020 Student Commencement Speaker, applicants are asked to instead submit a pre-recorded video audition to the Commencement Committee, with the following guidelines:

1. Video auditions do not have to be of a high production value; videos can be recorded on a phone, computer webcam, or other recording device, as long as we can see and hear you clearly
2. Video auditions can be submitted in any of the following formats:
   1. A Youtube, Vimeo, or similar link
   2. An MP4 file
   3. A Google Drive file
3. Video auditions must be submitted to commencement@ncsu.edu
4. See additional Speech Guidelines above

Application Dates and Deadlines

Due to the circumstances regarding the university’s response to COVID-19, there have been changes made to the deadlines and audition process for the Spring 2020 Student Commencement Speaker application. Please see details below and contact commencement@ncsu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Spring 2020
Student Speaker Application Available	February 11, 2020
Student Speaker Application Materials Due	March 19, 2020 Deadline Extended: March 26, 2020
Auditions are held Video Auditions to be Submitted By	March 23, 2020 March 30, 2020
Speaker is selected and applicants are notified of decision	March 24, 2020 April 2020
Fall 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

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.