Student Commencement Speaker

Would you like to be the USM student Commencement speaker? Read on and what you need to do to apply.

Speech Requirements:

• Speaker must be a graduating student, eligible to participate in commencement and have no more than 9 credit hours to complete at the end of the 2012 spring semester.
• Speech must be 3-5 minutes in length (approximately 500-700 words).
• One speech per graduating student may be submitted.
• Two students may collaborate on a speech, but only one student will be permitted to deliver the speech and sit on the commencement stage.
• Speech should be addressed to the University community in general, including traditional and non-traditional students, family members, guests, faculty and staff.
• It is suggested that the speech reflect the student’s experience as a member of the University community.
• Selection is based on quality, originality of content and oral presentation.

Presentation Requirements:

• One or more selections from all entries will be orally presented before the selection committee from 2:30-4:30 p.m., on Monday, April 9^th in 213 Abromson Hall, Portland. If you submit a speech, please block out this time on your schedule. You will be notified by April 4^th if you will be invited to present before the committee.

Process:

• Cover sheets and information will be available Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Office of the Chief Student Affairs Office, 2^nd floor of the Sullivan Complex, Portland; the Student Life Office,135 Woodbury Campus Center, Portland; Campus Involvement & Activities Center, lower level of Brooks Student Center, Gorham; Residential Life Office, 100 Upton Hall, Gorham; and the Student Success Offices, 119 Bailey Hall, Gorham; 119 Payson Smith Hall, Portland, 119 Lewiston/Auburn College and online Student Commencement Speaker Application.

Deadline for submission:

Monday, March 26, 2012

Please return, e-mail or fax cover sheet and speech text to:

Attention:  June Heggeman (780-4555) 
RE: Student Commencement Speaker
119 Bailey Hall, Gorham Campus
june@usm.maine.edu or fax 780-5605.

Questions: 

Call Helen Gorgas Goulding, Committee Chair, 780-4628 or e-mail gorgas@usm.maine.edu

FAQ:

• The student speaker is chosen by a committee made up of students, faculty and staff.

• Commencement is at 9 a.m. on May 12, 2012 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

• If you need special services, assistance or accommodation to participate fully in this program, contact – TTY 780-5646.

• The selected speaker will be awarded a University of Southern Maine Chair with engraved name plate donated by the USM Alumni Association.

• For any writing assistance, you are encouraged to contact the Learning Commons on the 2^nd floor of Glickman Library in Portland, or the 1^st floor of the Bailey Library in Gorham.