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Student Commencement Speaker Process Overview and Timeline

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 19, 2013.

This website has been designed to help you learn as much as possible about the 2012-2013 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, December 6, 2012

4:30pm - 5:30pm

McKenna Room, University Center

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

4:30pm - 5:30pm

Wright Room, University Center

Thursday, January 31, 2013 5:00pm-6:00pm 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 Monday, February 4, 2013
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.

CLICK HERE TO DOWLOAD THE APPLICATION (.doc)

Phase III: Interviews

Wednesday, February 13 - Friday, February 22, 2013
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

Monday, March 4, 2013- after 2:00pm
Please pickup your decision letter in the Student Life Office, Morewood Gardens.

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

Monday, March 4th - Commencement Day, 2013
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 Lucas Christain in the Student Life Office at 412- 268-2142.