Senior Class Council Memo

Baccalaureate Degree Candidates

Fall Semester 2026

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT SPEECH AND APPLICATION:
8:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 27, 2026
 

Dear Graduating Senior:

Thank you for showing an interest in representing the Class of 2026 at your commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 19th. A graduating senior for each of the commencement ceremonies will be selected to represent his or her fellow graduates.

Your speech should be no longer than 4-5 minutes in length, attention-grabbing, personally meaningful, thought-provoking, and engaging to your fellow graduates. It should embody the unique spirit and experiences of Michigan State University graduates. As commencement is a time to celebrate a pinnacle in your academic career, it is important to include academic experiences in your speech. Consider including important study abroad lessons, the significant impact of a professor or a class, a compelling reading, and/or other academic examples.

Your application must be submitted no later than 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 27, 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).

In Phase I of the selection process, the selection committee will review each application and read each speech. In Phase II, a group of candidates will be selected for further consideration. The candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview by the evening of Thursday, November 5, 2026. Interviews will take place the week of November 9th. At the interview, each candidate will present the speech to the selection committee as if it were commencement day. Candidates will be notified of their selection status by Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

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 Co-Chairs