Spring 2025 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 May. 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 2025 from the Department of Biology are eligible to be the departmental speaker.
- An approved graduation application and 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 graduating class and invited guests.
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
- A resume or CV
- Applications need to be submitted no later than the submission deadline of 11:59 p.m. on April 4th, 2025
- Submissions should be submitted via the online submission form (see submission button below).
- Please note only one 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 by April 11th.
- Auditions will be held April 16th - 17th.
- The official speaker will be announced April 18th.
Timeline
- Application and info doc sent out January 24th.
- Applications due April 4th at 11:59 PM.
- Student speakers notified of auditions by April 11th.
- Auditions held April 16-17th (location TBA)
- Speaker announced April 18th.