Student Speaker Information
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 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 upon the quality of the speech as well as the information provided in the cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation. The student’s grade point average and units completed toward degree completion are also considered. UMass Global reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to select the student speaker(s) for commencement regardless of the aforementioned factors.
*The submission deadline for the 2024 Student Speaker application has passed. Information regarding the 2025 student speaker process, along with the 2025 nomination form, will be posted in Spring 2025.
Student Speaker Key Dates
The submission deadline for the Summer 2024 ceremonies was Monday, March 11, 2024. Students can expect to receive a decision, whether selected or not, no later than Friday, March 29, 2024.
2024 Student Speakers
More information about our selected 2024 student speakers will be shared later in spring 2024.
Testimonial Consent
Student speaker applicants are encouraged to agree to the Photo/Video/Audio/Testimonial Consent Agreement on the nomination form by checking the “Yes” box on page 1.
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.