Selection Rubric

The Commencement Committee will review all submitted applications between February 1 and February 8. 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 9.

Finalists will be instructed to prepare a Final version of their commencement speech by February 25.

The Student Speaker Selection Committee will schedule appointments with each finalist between February 26-March 1 for them to share their speech.

The Student Speaker Selection Committee will consist of the following members.  The committee will be no fewer than 5 students and no more than 10.

  • At least one representative from the Senior Class Executive Board
  • At least one representative from the Senior Class Gift Co-chairs
  • At least one of the 2 class of 2024 senators
  • Representatives from the 5 class marshals
  • Non-student member: One member of the Commencement Committee co-chairs, ex-officio

Students from the groups listed above will be offered the opportunity to serve on this selection team.  If they are not interested in serving or unable to serve because they are planning to apply to speak, an invitation to participate will be sent to seniors who are presidents of student organizations. 

The Student Speaker Selection Committee will select the student speaker for Commencement by March 4 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.