Spring 2024 Student Departmental Speaker
VCU 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.
Eligibility
- All graduating students from the Department of Biology in the Class of 2024 are eligible to be the departmental speaker.
- An approved graduation application/biology exit survey for the intended semester must have been approved for consideration.
- Ideally, the student will have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- The candidate must be in good standing with the department and the university.
- The ideal candidate will possess strong public speaking skills and be able to deliver a strong message to the graduating class and invited guests.
- In addition to academic excellence, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated qualities in professionalism, civic engagement, and leadership during their studies here at VCU.
How to apply
- On the submission form, you will need to provide the following:
- Personal statement of why you believe you will be the best candidate
- Thematic points you would like to convey in your speech (3-5 points)
- 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 March 12, 2024.
- Submissions should be submitted via the online submission form (see the submission link below).
- Please note only one submission per student is allowed, so make sure to thoroughly review all of your materials before submitting.
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 advisers, student representatives, and selected faculty members).
- There will be auditions in the first week of April.
- Students will be notified of the decision on April 12th.