Graduates are invited to apply to be a reflection speaker at this semester's Commencement exercises. A student will be selected by a panel of students, faculty, and staff to share an inspirational message.
The deadline to apply is October 23 at 1 p.m.
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Eligibility
Applicants must be graduates at their ceremony. Selected finalists must be in both academic and judicial good standing. Those who have a history of participation in campus and/or community activities are preferred, but not required.
Speech Requirements
The reflection speech is three to four minutes in length (approximately 250 to 400 words). The reflection message should be secular in tone, providing inspiration to the graduates, recounting times with other Scheller and Georgia Tech students, and calling the audience to action around a certain message. Applicants must feel comfortable speaking at a podium in front of a very large audience.
Selection Process
All submissions will be reviewed by a committee consisting of faculty and staff, who will select multiple finalists. Those finalists will then be asked to present a full version of their speech to the committee during the fall semester.
Once selected, the speaker is required to work with event organizers on a final review prior to Commencement. Students do not need to be living on campus to qualify, but must return to campus by Saturday, December 14.
For more information on becoming a student Commencement speaker, contact Chris Yueh in the Office of the Dean at Scheller College of Business at chris.yueh@scheller.gatech.edu.
FAQs
What is the selection process timeline?
- Deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 23 at 1:00 p.m.
- Committee reviews submissions from Thursday, October 24 to Thursday, October 30
- Finalists will be notified of their audition time on Friday, November 1
- Auditions will be conducted on Friday, November 8 starting at 9 a.m.
Yes, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduate in the ceremony
- Be in good academic standing
- Grant permission to verify academic standing
- Have a history of participation in campus and/or community activities
How do I apply?
- Submit your draft speech and video. The video will be forwarded to the committee along with your written speech for review and can be used in your absence if you are selected but unable to attend your audition.
- Speech should be between three to four minutes in length (you will be timed!)
- Speech should be secular in tone, provide inspiration to the graduates, and recount times spent together at Georgia Tech.
- Speech should also be relatable to and appropriate for the entire audience including parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, faculty, and staff.
- Applicants must feel comfortable speaking at a podium and in front of a very large crowd.
What should my speech be about?
As you polish your speech, please keep in mind you are talking to your peers, their families, and guests, so a positive and inspiring presentation is hopefully how you would like to be remembered.
Try to avoid writing your speech entirely about yourself. The committee will be looking for a speech with a little humor, some relation to Georgia and Scheller (of course), and your time spent here, with an inspiring message/story to take forward for all.
Stage presence is important as well. You don’t have to memorize your speech; however, you also shouldn’t read it word for word!
Be mindful that if chosen to speak at Commencement, you will be expected to deliver the speech you presented to the selection committee.
An information webinar will be held on Friday, October 11 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. in which you can learn more. Register now.
How will my application be reviewed?
The Commencement speaker selection committee reviews and scores all applications to narrow down the finalists. The committee is comprised of students, faculty, and staff. The finalists for the Commencement speaker will be contacted via email to schedule an audition the following week.
How will finalists audition?
Auditions will be conducted on November 8 at 9 a.m.
Finalists will be notified of their specific audition time within the predetermined block of time. You will either give your speech to the selection committee at a podium in the front of the room or virtually based on the finalist’s availability/location.
All auditions will be held on the same day. If you are selected as a finalist, but unavailable for an on-campus audition, you can either present virtually or your video will be played in your absence.
The final speaker for each ceremony will be selected at the end of the auditions and will be notified via email within 24 hours of the audition.
If selected, will there be assistance to help me with my speech?
Yes, the individuals selected as the student reflection speaker for the Scheller master’s ceremony will work with staff in the Naugle Communications Center in Clough Commons to rehearse and finalize their speech. The dates and times for practice will be scheduled once the individuals are selected.
If chosen, when will I speak during the ceremony? Will I be able to join my classmates during the ceremony?
The student reflections speaker will speak at the beginning of the ceremony and then will rejoin their classmates. For more information, contact Chris Yueh at chris.yueh@scheller.gatech.edu. A student for the ceremony will be selected by a panel of students, faculty, and staff.