Student Speaker Information

Commencement Home Page Apply for Commencement Student Speaker Apply for Hooding Ceremony Student Speaker

TWO opportunities to speak during Commencement in 2025

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY STUDENT SPEAKER

Undergraduate students from the Class of 2025 are able to apply to be a student speaker at the May commencement ceremony.

This opportunity to speak in front of faculty, trustees, parents and peers is truly one that comes once in a lifetime. A student speaker at Commencement has the chance to share memorable experiences and celebrate momentous achievements with fellow classmates.

Eligibility requirements for student speaker include:

  • Confirmed eligibility to graduate by the registrar's office
  • Be in good academic standing
  • No active disciplinary reports
  • Attending the May commencement ceremony

For undergraduates who wish to be considered for the Commencement ceremony student speaker role, please fill out the Speaker Application by clicking HERE.

GRADUATE HOODING CEREMONY SPEAKER

Graduate level students from the Class of 2025 are able to apply to be a student speaker at the May Graduate Hooding ceremony. 

For graduate students who wish to be considered for the Graduate Hooding ceremony speaker role, please complete the Speaker Application by clicking HERE.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR BOTH OPPORTUNITIES IS APRIL 1.  Late submissions, unfortunately cannot be considered. 

The application must include a resume, a written draft of the speech and a video recording of the applicant delivering the full commencement address they have written. The address should be 3 to 5 minutes in length (approximately 400 to 650 words).

Once an application has been received, a selection committee made up of Faculty and Staff will review the application. From the entries received, the committee will select one student speaker for each ceremony. Applicants will be contacted by April 22, with a decision. The selected speaker will then be expected to work with a faculty member to edit and finalize their speech.

Speeches will be evaluated on:

  • Quality of content
  • Clarity of message/theme
  • Appeal to common experiences of North Central students
  • Length of speech within required time frame
  • Speaker's delivery being engaging including good stage presence

Important Dates:

April 1: Application deadline for Student Speakers to submit their information

April 14-17: Applicants will be contacted by the selection Committee 

April 21 - May 1: Chosen applicants will work with faculty members

May 3: Graduate Hooding Ceremony begins at 11 am

May 4: Commencement Ceremony begins at 12 pm

For general questions, please email commencement@noctrl.edu.