Selection Rubric

The Commencement Committee will review all submitted applications between February 7 and February 22. Applications and videos will be judged on a 5 point Likert Scale and the applications with the highest total average will be selected as finalists (no more than 5 finalists will be selected).

Rubric Includes

  • Application – completeness, lack of errors
  • Theme – How well did the applicant specifically address how their speech would be appropriate for the commencement address for their class.
  • Video – quality of rationale for application – did the applicant give reasons for applying and do these reasons seem authentic
  • Video – quality of “sample speech” - enthusiasm, eye contact with the camera, etc.

Finalist Process

The Commencement Committee will notify the (no more than five) finalists of their selection by February 23.

Finalists will be instructed to prepare a Final version of their commencement speech by March 22.

The Student Speaker Selection Committee will schedule appointments with each finalist between March 23 and March 26 for them to share their speech. The Student Speaker Selection Committee will consist of 5-10 seniors.

The Student Speaker Selection Committee will select the student speaker for Commencement by March 27 and all finalists will be notified of the decision by that same date.

Once selected, the finalist will have the opportunity to work closely with a member of the Commencement Committee to fine tune and practice their speech so they will be well prepared for the big event in May.