Student Commencement Speaker Process Overview and Timeline

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Office of the Dean

Perhaps the ultimate capstone event to your Carnegie Mellon experience is being selected the Commencement student speaker. It is a unique opportunity to send off your classmates with your insights, represent the class to the community and infuse the ceremony with the student voice. It is an opportunity to reflect upon and share your experiences and the learning that took place while you studied at Carnegie Mellon. This year, the commencement ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 18th, 2008.

This website has been designed to help you learn as much as possible about 2007-2008 student commencement speaker selection process. The process itself consists of several phases. Please read below in order to make an informed decision about submitting an application.

Phase I: Information Sessions (optional)

Thursday, January 17th	5:00pm-6:00pm	McKenna Room, University Center
Tuesday, January 22nd	4:30pm – 5:30pm	Class of ‘87 Room, University Center
Monday, February 4th	4:30pm-5:30pm	Class of ‘87 Room, University Center
Thursday, February 14th	4:30pm-5:30pm	Dowd Room,University Center

These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to learn about and ask relevant questions concerning the student commencement speaker selection process.

Phase II: Written Application Materials

Due Friday, February 22nd, 2008
The written application is comprised of the candidate information section as well as responses to the four common questions, a draft of your speech and recommendation letter.

Phase III: Interviews

Wednesday, February 27th – Tuesday, March 4th, 2008
After submitting your application, you will be invited to interview with the selection committee. During this interview you will be videotaped giving your draft speech.

Phase IV: Selection

Thursday, March 6th, 2008 – after 2:00pm
Please pickup your decision letter in the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs in 301 Warner Hall.

Phase V: Commencement Speaker Practice Sessions (selected student only)

Monday, March 17th – Commencement Day, 2008
During this period, you will be working with a ‘commencement coach’ to prepare and finalize your commencement speech which is designed to be approximately 3-5 minutes in length.

For any questions or concerns related to the selection process, please contact Renee Camerlengo at reneec@andrew.cmu.edu or in the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs at 412- 268-2075.