Student Speakers

The Ross School of Business Commencement Planning Committee requests submissions for student speakers to represent their graduating class in the Ross Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 2, 2025.

 

Eligibility 

Submissions must be received to participate in the 2025 Ross School of Business commencement exercises may apply. Eligible students include: April and August 2025 bachelor's and master's graduates and candidates, and any December 2024 graduates who did not participate in the May 2024 commencement ceremony. Eligible speakers will not have violated the Michigan Ross Statement of Community Values nor any University of Michigan statements or codes. 

Submission Requirements 

Submissions must be received no later than 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. Entries received after 5 p.m. ET will not be considered. Speeches should be no longer than four minutes spoken (approx. 600 words).

Apply

Process

  1. Use this form for your submission. Please note that by submitting your speech for consideration, U-M offices, departments, or programs could be asked to share information regarding your academic performance or misconduct for the sole purpose of determining eligibility. The U-M offices, departments, or programs providing information and receiving student record information will do so consistent with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 
  2. Redacted copies of the speech — without identifying names / other factors that could identify the applicant —will be sent to the members of the Review Committee. All speeches will be evaluated based on message, tone, and length. 

  3. All applicants will be notified of their application status no later than Feb. 6, 2025. Finalists who are chosen to move forward will perform their speeches in-person to the Review Committee on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025

    PLEASE NOTE: If your speech is chosen to move forward to the in-person auditions, you will be assigned a 10-minute slot during the time period below on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Speeches must be performed live and in person. The timing depends on your degree program. 

OYM: 9:30-11 a.m. 

MBA: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

BBA: 1-2:30 p.m.

  1. Up to three speakers will be selected for the combined ceremony representing the BBA, OYM, and MBA graduates. 
  2. The selected speakers will receive individualized coaching to assist in preparing them to deliver their speech.

*The Review Committee has student, faculty, and staff representatives. 

For questions, please contact the Ross Events Team: [email protected]