Be the Voice of the Class of 2026!
Apply by March 16, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern
If you are a bachelor’s or master’s degree student who graduated in August 2025, or who will be graduating in January, February, or June 2026, we invite you to apply to become the Student Speaker at the Spring 2026 CUNY SPS Commencement ceremony.
This is a unique opportunity to represent the class of 2026 to the family and friends of our graduates, as well as to the greater CUNY SPS community.
Your application must include responses to two questions about your experience as a CUNY SPS student, as well as a 5-minute speech draft (roughly 750 words). The graduating class of 2026 includes students from all of the School’s degree and certificate programs, and your speech should be tailored to this entire group and your remarks should be appropriate to the occasion.
The Student Speaker selection process consists of several milestones, outlined in the next tabs. Please be sure to read through the timeline before beginning an application.
To apply to become the 2026 Commencement Student Speaker, you must be a bachelor’s or master’s degree student, in good standing, hasn't spoke at any previous CUNY SPS graduations ceremonies, and with a degree award date of August 2025, January 2026, February 2026, or June 2026. Review the table below to confirm your eligibility.
You must also commit to working with a virtual speech coach provided by the School and delivering the speech in person at the Spring 2026 ceremony.
Semester Candidates Complete Final Coursework |
Filing Deadline to Submit Application to Graduate |
Degree Award Date |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2025 |
August 1, 2025 |
August 2025 |
Fall 2025 |
November 1, 2025 |
January 2026 |
Winter 2026 |
January 15, 2026 |
February 2026 |
Spring 2026 |
March 1, 2026 |
June 2026 |
- Responses to short answer questions about your time at CUNY SPS
- Written draft of your proposed speech.
- The Commencement speech should be 5 minutes in length (approximately 750 words, or 2 ½ to 3 pages double spaced).
- The speech must be an original work, and must appeal to all members of the graduating class (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and certificate programs).
- Speech themes should focus on commencement, graduation, and/or your time at CUNY SPS.
- The committee will not return the draft speech.
The selection committee consists of members of the Student Association, Faculty, and the School’s administration. Graduating members of the Student Association who have submitted an application themselves are not eligible to participate in the committee’s review process. The committee will carefully review all submitted applications and supporting materials, deliberate, and select the student who best represents the School.
All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision, whether selected or not, via email by March 31st.
Date |
Action |
|---|---|
September 12, 2025 |
Application Process Opens |
March 16 |
Final Day to Submit Completed Application |
March 17 |
Application Review Begins |
March 31 |
Student Speaker Announced |
April 1 - May 2026 |
Preparation: During this time, the Speaker will work with virtual speech coach (2-3 sessions) provided by the School. Sessions will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. |
Spring 2026 |
Ceremony - The Speaker delivers their remarks in person during the School's in person ceremony. |
*Application deadlines and announcement dates are subject to change.
If selected as the Student Speaker, you will work with a virtual speech coach provided by the School to practice the delivery of your speech. The School will provide up to three coaching sessions to help you refine your presentation, strengthen your delivery, and feel fully prepared for the ceremony.