Fall 2024 Student Departmental Speaker
The Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Biology would like to offer one student the opportunity to be the next student speaker for the departmental graduation ceremony held in December. Being chosen as the speaker is one of the highest honors a graduate can achieve and carries a large responsibility, but it can be a very rewarding experience.
Who is Eligible?
- All graduating students in the Class of 2024 from the Department of Biology are eligible to be the departmental speaker.
- An approved graduation application/biology exit survey for the intended semester must have been approved for consideration.
- The candidate must be in good standing with the department and the University.
- Eligible students must possess strong public speaking skills and be able to deliver a strong message to the graduating class and invited guest.
How do I apply?
- On the submission form you will need to provide the following:
- Personal statement of why you believe you will be the best candidate.
- A rough draft of your speech.
- An endorsement from a member of the biology faculty or staff.
- Application need to be submitted no later than the submission deadline of 11:59 P.M. on October 11th, 2024.
- Submissions should be submitted via the online submission form (see submission button below).
- Please not only on submission per student is allowed, so make sure to thoroughly review all of your materials prior to submitting.
What is the selection process?
- Submissions will be reviewed by the advising team.
- Selected applicants will be required to audition for the opportunity with a selection committee consisting of biology academic advisors.
- Students will be notified about auditions on October 17th.
- Auditions will be held October 30th-31st.
- The official speaker will be announced November 4th.
Timeline
- Application and info doc sent out September 3rd.
- Applications due October 11th at 11:59 PM.
- Student speakers notified of auditions on October 17th.
- Auditions held October 30th - 31st (location TBA)
- Speaker announced November 4th.