We Want You to be the Class of 2021 Student Speaker!
Apply by April 4, 2021, 11:59 pm Eastern
If you are a bachelor’s or master’s degree student who graduated in August 2020, December 2020, January 2021, or who is planning to graduate in May 2021, we invite you to apply to become the Student Speaker at the CUNY SPS 2021 Commencement ceremony.
This is a unique opportunity that allows you to represent the class of 2021 to the family and friends of our graduates, as well as to the greater CUNY SPS community. The ceremony will take place virtually on May 26, 2021.
Applications must include response to two questions about your experience as a CUNY SPS student, as well as a drafted 5 minute speech (roughly 750 words). The graduating class of 2021 includes students from all of the School’s degree and certificate programs, and speeches should be tailored to this entire group.
Once selected, the Student Speaker will work with a virtual speech coach provided by the School, and will record the speech in advance of the May 26 date.
The Student Speaker selection committee consists of members of the Student Association and the School’s administration.
The Student Speaker selection process consists of several milestones, outlined below. Please be sure to read through the timeline before beginning an application.
To apply to become the 2021 Commencement Student Speaker, you must be a bachelor’s or master’s degree recipient from August 2020, December 2020, January 2021, or a candidate for May 2021.
You must also commit to working with a virtual speech coach provided by the School, and recording the speech in advance of the May 26 date.
- Responses to short answer questions about your time at CUNY SPS
- Written draft of your proposed speech.
- The Commencement speech should be 5 minutes in length (approximately 750 words, or 2 ½ to 3 pages double spaced).
- The speech must be an original work, and must be reflective of all members of the graduating class (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and certificate programs).
- Speech themes should focus on commencement, graduation, and/or the applicant’s time at CUNY SPS.
- The committee will not return the draft.
Date |
Action |
|---|---|
February 8 |
Application Process Opens |
April 4 |
Final Day to Submit Completed Application |
April 6 |
Application Review Begins |
April 12 |
Student Speaker Announced |
April 12-30 |
Preparation: During this time, the Speaker will work with virtual speech coach (2-3 sessions) provided by the School. Sessions will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. |
May 1-7 |
Recording - The Speaker will coordinate with School staff to record their speech during a date in this time frame. Recording sessions will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. |