Undergraduate speaker application

Open information session for any students interested in becoming the Lawrenceville campus Senior Class Commencement Speaker. Please drop into Zoom if you're interested in applying.

Zoom Information Session

The application package containing the documents listed below is due to the Dean of Students office, Student Affairs Suite, SRC 2nd Floor.

Electronic submission emailed to deanofstudents@rider.edu is preferred.

1. The full written text of your speech and a video recording of you reading your speech. Your speech should run from 5-7 minutes in length and should reflect the impact Rider University has had on you and a message you would like to share with your class. Videos can be linked privately on a video sharing service, such as YouTube, or shared directly through Google Drive.
2. A copy of your resume that includes your name and contact information; major/minor; G.P.A.; information on any honors and or awards received; jobs, internships or co-ops; Rider University activities and offices held; Community Service activities; and the names of two (2) Rider University references.
3. A cover letter that describes your interest in being considered as a candidate for the Senior Class Speaker. Please also include a response to each of the following prompts. Your answers should not exceed one-paragraph per prompt.
   • What is your perception of the purpose of a commencement speech?
   • What do you think should be included in a commencement speech?
   • What are the reasons why you want to be considered as a candidate?
   • What is the most important way in which Rider has impacted your life?
   • What do you know about your audience?

A committee composed of faculty, staff and students will select 5 to 7 finalists for further consideration. The finalists will be interviewed by the committee and asked to present their entire speech.

The finalists will be informed of the committee’s decision in writing. A Senior Class Commencement Speaker and an Alternate Speaker will be chosen.

The student selected will work closely with a committee member to prepare for their Commencement address. Both the speaker and the alternate must agree to prepare for the Commencement address.