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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Recognition Ceremony

Student Speaker Application

The UF College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) invites graduating Master’s and Bachelor’s students from the Spring Class of 2026 to apply to be a student speaker for their major’s CLAS Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Click here to verify which ceremony your major will be recognized at.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

In order to apply, you must:

  • Have experience speaking in front of large groups.
  • Be eligible for graduation from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences in Spring 2026, Master’s and Bachelor’s graduates only.
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
  • If selected, be able to prepare a 2-3 minute speech and deliver it at an audition.

If selected as our student speaker, you must:

  • Commit to attend a mandatory rehearsal in the O’Connell Center.
  • Commit to attend your major’s Spring 2026 CLAS Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 2 in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center and deliver a 5 minute address capturing your experience as a UF College of Liberal Arts & Sciences student to over 8,000 attendees.

Process:

  1. Click here to open the application form and submit it no later than February 15, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.
  2. Students selected to audition will be notified by February 20, 2026.
  3. Students selected to audition will deliver a 2-3 minute portion of their speech the March 10, 2026 (TBD).
  4. Notification emails to the selected CLAS Recognition Ceremonies speakers will be sent on March 13, 2026.
  5. Work with an assigned faculty coach to refine the speech and delivery of their graduation address.
  6. Submit the final address to the Ceremony Coordinator by April 20, 2026.
  7. Attend a mandatory rehearsal at the O’Connell Center, April 27 or 28 time TBD. Won’t be needed the entire time but should be available for a portion of this time.
  8. Address the 2026 graduates on May 2, 2026 at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

Summary of Dates:

  • February 15: Application deadline
  • February 20: Applicants will be notified if they are selected to audition
  • March 10: Auditions (if selected)
  • March 13: Speakers selected
  • April 20: Final address due
  • April 27 or 28: O’Connell Center Rehearsal
  • May 2: CLAS Recognition Ceremonies

Questions? Email clas.ceremony@clas.ufl.edu.