2019 Student Commencement Speaker Application
Being chosen as Bellevue College Student Commencement Speaker is an honor and carries
tremendous responsibility. It offers you a special opportunity to represent the Bulldog
community, reflect on your experiences you have had at Bellevue College, and provide insight
and inspiration to your fellow graduates.
Bellevue College’s 2019 Commencement Ceremonies will be held Friday, June 21 at 4:00 pm
and 7:30 pm at Bellevue College. Two student commencement speakers will be selected; one for
transfer associate degree recipients, and one for high school diploma, non-transfer, professional-
technical, and bachelor degree recipients.
We hope you will consider submitting an application and look forward to your involvement in
the process!
Qualifications
Commencement student speaker applicants must meet the following criteria:
Bellevue College Student in good standing with the college (Not on academic probation
and in compliance with student conduct code requirements. Staff will check with the
Student Conduct Officer for conduct concerns that may impact your application.).
Graduated in Fall 2018, Winter 2019, or who have applied and been approved for
graduation for Spring 2019 or Summer 2019
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time the application is submitted
Selection
The selection committee consists of students, staff, and faculty members. The committee will
review all applications and select two finalists.
Application
A completed application will include:
Online Application Form
Bellevue College Center for Career Connection Approved Cover Letter.
The letter should include your name, program of study, student ID number, and describe
qualities or experiences which you believe make you an excellent candidate to represent
your peers as the Student Commencement Speaker).
A Bellevue College Center for Career Connection Professional Resume or Curriculum
Vita (including academic achievements, affiliations and leadership roles with any
clubs/organizations, community service contributions, and awards earned while a student
at Bellevue College).
One (1) Letter of Recommendation (from a faculty member from the program you are
receiving a degree, diploma, or certificate).
o Download Bellevue College Student Commencement Speaker Letter of
Recommendation Form
Proposed Commencement Speech
The committee will be seeking speakers that best fit the following criteria:
o The proposed speech should not exceed five minutes in length.
o A message that suits the occasion: Does it suit the dignity of graduation? Does it
convey a message that is intriguing, challenging and/or motivational? Is there a
balance of personal story and message intended for the larger audience?
o A speaker who delivers the speech well: Is the speaker well prepared? Do they
use voice, gestures and words effectively? Is the speech ready, or close to ready,
to be presented or will it need significant work?
o A speaker with presence: Is the speaker engaging? Will they have stage presence
in a venue large like an arena? Do they connect the audience?
Our hope is to give you the maximum opportunity to be selected by fully
expressing the thoughts you would deliver at the Commencement Ceremony and
to prepare you to be successful in giving your speech if selected for an audition.
Candidates who have developed their thoughts more fully are generally more
successful.
Selection Process/Timeline
Phase I: Application Deadline (Friday, April 12 at 5 pm)
Submit your application online. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.
Phase II: Applicants Notified & Finalist Invited to Sign Up for Auditions (Tuesday,
April 16)
All applicants will be notified if they are selected (or not) to audition and finalists will be sent a
link to sign up for a specific audition time.
Phase III: Interviews and Auditions (Tuesday, April 23)
Each finalist will sign up for a 15 minute time slot. Auditions consist of delivering your speech
to the selection committee, as well as short interview questions.
Tuesday, April 23, 10 am- 2 pm
Phase IV: Speakers Notified (Monday, April 29)
All those who audition will be notified by email. Those selected to speak will be paired with a
faculty/staff coach to revise and refine the speech from the time of selection through the date of
the Commencement Speech Rehearsal and Sound Check. Speakers will also complete a
biographical form to be used in press releases and the introduction at the Commencement
Ceremony.
Phase V: Commencement Speech Rehearsal and Sound Check (Wednesday, June
19 and Thursday, June 20)
Selected Student Commencement Speakers only.
Phase VI: Commencement Ceremonies (Friday, June 21 at 4 pm and 7 pm)
