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SENIOR SPEAKER ELIGIBITY:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Graduating students wishing to apply to be the Commencement Senior Speaker must meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants must be Seniors graduating in May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The selected senior must commit to attend the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 31, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SELECTION PROCESS<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Selection Committee reviews all the applications and will select three finalists who will be invited to the in-person auditions in April. After the in-person auditions, the Committee will recommend one student to the president. The president makes the final decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SPEECH GUIDELINES<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your speech should be reflective of the excellence and rigor of a Bates education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A great speech blends the specific (a personal story) with the general or universal (world of ideas, your broader communities).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your speech should inspire, encourage, and\/or reflect on the vision and hope of the graduating class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your speech should be respectful of the Commencement occasion, and all the community gathered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your speech should be 5 minutes in length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n HOW TO SUBMIT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To be considered, please complete the Submission Form<\/a> by Wednesday, March 18, 2026<\/strong>, at 11:59PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n