Academic Services
Commencement Student Speaker Nomination Information

2-Review of Nominations
Based on the nominated students’ eligibility and the strength of the nomination itself, the Student Speaker Selection Committee, made up of Rutgers School of Business–Camden faculty and staff, will review all nominations.

3-Submit Draft Speech
Once semi-finalists are identified by the Student Speaker Selection Committee, candidates will be asked to submit a draft of his/her/their speech and a copy of his/her resume to the Committee, directed to:

• Undergraduate students: Academic Services Office (ASO) (acadsvcs@camden.rutgers.edu)
• Graduate students: RSBC Graduate Services Office (rsbc.grad@camden.rutgers.edu)

The content and style of the draft speech submitted will be the primary criteria used by the Student Speaker Selection Committee to select the finalists. The delivery time of the speech must be no longer than four (4) minutes. Notable speeches are often those that: a) have the most meaning for the largest number of persons in attendance, b) reflect on the common educational experiences, and c) share, in a personal way, the value of the education received at Rutgers School of Business–Camden.

Draft speeches and a copy of the student’s resume must be emailed to ASO (undergraduate students) and the Graduate Program (graduate students).

Hard copies or digital copies are acceptable, but digital copies are preferred. In the email, clearly identify yourself, your intention, your major, and your undergraduate/graduate student status; include your email and phone number. These identifiers will be recorded and then removed from your submission for an unbiased review by the Student Speaker Selection Committee. Members of the Student Speaker Selection Committee will then review the unidentified copies of the speeches to determine the final pool of finalists who will be invited for in-person auditions.

 4-Finalists Selected
The Student Speaker Selection Committee will review all draft speech submissions. In selecting the best submitted draft, the Student Speaker Selection Committee rates the submitted speech along the criteria below:

• Clarity of ideas
• Appropriateness of topic and suitability for the event
• Relevancy to and embodies the “spirit” of all SBC students
• Possesses and tells a compelling and interesting story
• Overall quality of the speech and the speaker

5-Auditions
Once finalists are identified by the Student Speaker Selection Committee, candidates will be asked to make a speech (audition) to the Committee.

NOTE: The Committee encourages applicants to view previous student commencement speeches from Rutgers University and other prestigious schools to gain a clear understanding of the assignment that you are requesting.

6-Commencement Student Speakers Named
The Student Speaker Selection Committee will review all finalist submission packages and will select the chosen speakers for the following events:

• One undergraduate and one graduate student will be selected to speak at the Honors Ceremony (TBD)
• One undergraduate and one graduate student will be selected to speak at the Commencement Ceremony (9:00 am on Wednesday, May 15, 2024)

The chosen Student Speakers will receive assistance from selected faculty and staff of the Rutgers School of Business–Camden in preparing the final version of their speeches prior to the Honors Ceremony and Spring Commencement Ceremony.

Final approval of the speech is required from the Rutgers School of Business–Camden. Additionally, the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Commencement Speakers will have a seat on the dais with School officials and honorees during Commencement Ceremony. Family members of the Commencement Student Speaker may sit in the reserved section.

All finalists who audition will receive a memento from the School in appreciation of their effort.