Student Speaker Application Process

Graduating students who are interested in being the student speaker at their ceremony are encouraged to complete the nomination form and submit the following items to their academic advisor or email commencement@umassglobal.edu with 'COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER NOMINATION' in the subject line.* 

Nomination packets should include the following:

  • Completed nomination form
  • One-page cover letter
  • Resume
  • Brief letter of recommendation from either a full-time faculty member or academic advisor
  • Speech which includes:
    • No more than 750 words that can be read aloud in 3-5 minutes.
    • Insights into the successes and challenges you experienced while earning a college degree as an adult learner.
    • Description of how UMass Global helped you overcome any challenges and achieve your education goals.

Student speakers are selected based on the quality of their speech, as well as the information provided in their cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation. The student's grade point average and units completed toward degree completion are also taken into consideration. UMass Global reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to select the student speaker(s) for commencement regardless of the factors above.

 

*The submission deadline for the Summer 2026 Student Speaker application has passed. Information for applying to be a future commencement student speaker will be posted closer to the future ceremony date. Please check the website for more information this Fall. 

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Student Speaker Key Dates

The submission deadline for the upcoming Summer Commencement is Monday, March 16, 2026. Students can expect to receive a decision, whether selected or not, no later than Friday, April 3, 2026.

Summer Student Speakers

University of Massachusetts Global is proud to announce the four student speakers for our 2026 Summer Commencements:

9:00 a.m. Commencement – Schools of Arts and Sciences and Nursing and Health Professions

  • Glenda Jennifer McCauley, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

1:00 p.m. Commencement – School of Education 

  • America Paulo, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership & Administration 
  • Jette Kay Tankersley, Master of Arts in Special Education

4:30 p.m. Commencement - School of Business and Professional Studies

  • Matthew McCutcheon, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Glenda Jennifer McCauley earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work with the University of Massachusetts Global. She is currently a CFT Facilitator for Victor Community Support Services and supports families in crisis with the Department of Children and Family Services and Probation. Glenda uses her education to guide and empower clients, connect them to necessary resources, and help clients reach their goals. 

America Paulo is not only earning her master’s degree, but also her administrative credential in educational leadership. America is a sixth-grade teacher in Modesto, CA, with expertise in dual language instruction and bilingual literacy development. She is excited to share her experience and insights as an adult learner with her fellow graduates and celebrate their collective achievements.

Jette Kay Tankersley has focused her educational journey on her dream of creating meaningful impact in the field of special education. She is now Department Chair for Special Education in the district and high school where she works. Jette advocates for underserved students and pushes to create systemic change in her region. 

Matthew McCutcheon serves in the California Army National Guard as a Senior Noncommissioned Officer. He represents the diverse experience of an adult learner — balancing career, family obligations, military service, and personal challenges while pursuing higher education. 

We look forward to our graduating students hearing their inspiring speeches at our Summer Commencement ceremonies in Irvine, CA. 

 

Testimonial Consent

Student speaker applicants are encouraged to agree to the Photo/Video/Audio/Testimonial Consent Agreement by checking the "Yes" box on page 1 of the nomination form.

Photo/Video/Audio/Testimonial Consent Agreement:

I hereby consent to the use by University of Massachusetts Global/UMass Global of my image, quotation, testimonial, voice, or any combination thereof in (1) any video, photograph, audio tape, or print/digital publication described below; and (2) any video, photograph, audio tape, or publication reproduced either in whole or in part from the video, photograph, audio tape, or interview described below regardless of whether these materials are used for advertising, marketing, publicity, or any other purpose on behalf of the university.

In addition, I waive all claims to further compensation or damages based on the use of my image or voice, or both, by the university. I also waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photograph, video, audio tape, or publication.

I warrant that I am at least 18 years of age and that I am competent in my own name insofar as this is concerned. I further attest that I have read this consent form and fully understand its contents.