The Center for Student Engagement, the Office of Graduate Studies, and Open Studies are pleased to announce the call for the 2022 Student Commencement Speaker. The Student Commencement Speaker is a unique opportunity to represent the graduating class to the larger community of faculty, staff, families and friends. It is an opportunity to reflect upon and share your experiences while at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Students may choose to apply solo, as a duet, or in a group of up to 4 students.

HOW DO I APPLY TO BE STUDENT SPEAKER?  

Please fill out the Student Commencement Speaker Nomination Application. The students who are interested in applying must submit a statement (200 - 300 words) briefly describing their ideas for their intended remarks. Application is due Monday, March 7th.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I APPLY?

All students who submit an application will have a 15-minute interview with the Selection Committee (selection committee will be composed of one student, one faculty, and one staff). 

You will be contacted to schedule an interview (taking place between 3/23 and 3/25). During the interview, you will need to deliver a part of your speech (between 30-60 seconds) and you will be prompted to answer questions. Once all students are interviewed, the committee will select four finalists to be voted on by the graduating class. 

The four finalists will include two undergraduate students and two graduate students. Two of these finalists with the most votes (one grad, one undergrad) will then officially deliver their speeches. The two remaining finalists will also be considered for two additional student speaker positions including the Welcome and the Charge to the Class. 

VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE ONLINE: 3/28 - 4/1

ALL graduating students are encouraged to participate in the online voting (a link will be sent to your email).  The students selected will be announced by April 4th. The selected speakers will meet with staff to prepare and rehearse their speeches.

If you have any questions, undergraduate students may contact Karol Martinez-Doane (kmartinez@mica.edu) and graduate students may contact Erin Jakowski (ejakowski@mica.edu).