Senior Class Council Memo

Fall 2026 information is forthcoming. 

Baccalaureate Degree Candidates

Spring Semester 2026

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT SPEECH AND APPLICATION:
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.

Dear Graduating Senior:

Thank you for showing an interest in representing the Class of 2026 at the Spring Convocation, on Friday, May 1, 12:30 p.m., in the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Spring Convocation is the first ceremony of the commencement weekend. This ceremony is open to all baccalaureate degree candidates from all colleges. Degrees are not conferred at this ceremony.

Please use the following guidelines for your speech and the application. 

Your speech should be attention-grabbing, personally meaningful, thought-provoking, engaging, and no longer than 4 minutes. It should embody the unique experiences we share as Spartans. You should capture the essence of what we will be soon—Michigan State University graduates. As commencements are a time to celebrate your academic achievements, it is very important to include academic experiences in your speech. Consider including important study abroad lessons, the significant impact of a professor or a class, a reading that inspired you/influenced you, an internship, and/or other experiences related to earning your degree. 

Your application must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2026 and needs to include a copy of your speech and a document listing all extracurricular activities, work experiences, and honors and awards (a resume is also acceptable).

The selection committee will read every speech and application submitted. After review, some of the applicants will be notified to schedule an interview/presentation of their speech. These applicants will be notified by telephone or email by Thursday, March 19th. The interviews/presentations will be Wednesday, March 25th-Thursday, March 26th. All interviewees will be notified of selection status no later than Friday, March 27th. 

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Commencement Office at commencement@msu.edu. 

Good Luck and Congratulations,

Senior Class Council Commencement Committee