Student Commencement Speaker
Guidelines for 2021 Commencement
Saint Xavier University invites students -- undergraduate and graduate -- to apply to be a commencement speaker. It is a distinguished honor for a student to be selected to present a commencement speech; one that may be included on a resume.
One student will be selected to deliver a virtual address to be filmed (preferably on campus) on March 29, 2021.
Speeches should address the following:
- How have you been shaped by the mission of SXU, which is rooted in our Mercy heritage? Include examples from collegiate life, course work, co-curricular involvement, service, reflection on a Core Value, peer and other relationships developed, etc.
- This year marks Saint Xavier's 175th anniversary. Speak to the transformative power of being immersed in an SXU Mercy education; specifically, how the 175 year legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and Saint Xavier has transformed your life.
- What does the phrase "calling all doers" mean to you? How have you been "called as a doer" or challenged others to this call?
- Share information about your personal development and future outlook -- speaking to "the best in you."
- How have your personal experiences as a student shaped your educational journey at SXU and developed a desire for you to want to make a change in the world?
The speech should:
- Utilize language that is sophisticated, inspiring, yet accessible
- Appeal to and capture the attention of a broad audience
- Be inclusive of the undergraduate and graduate student experience
- Include creative and appealing techniques such as metaphors, stories, brief quotes or humor
- Illuminate the universal experience of being a student
- Be structured around a Mercy theme using descriptive examples reflective of the broader student experience at SXU
- Be three to four minutes in length, or approximately 700 words
A committee will select the student speakers.
Speech Evaluation
The committee utilizes the following rubric as an evaluative tool for each speech
and speech presentation:
Speech Content
| The Student's Speech | Poor | Average | Very Good | Excellent |
| Thoughtfully reflects on how his/her personal experiences at SXU have shaped his/her journey | ||||
| Thoughtfully reflects on the impact of a Mercy Education, uses specific examples as well as effective language to illustrate his/her message | ||||
| Appeals to a broad audience of graduates, guests, and SXU community members |
Speech Delivery
| The Student | Poor | Average | Very Good | Excellent |
| Effectively engages the audience and holds its attention | ||||
| Uses appropriate pronunciation, volume and inflection | ||||
| Maintains eye contact throughout the presentation | ||||
| Displays appropriate self-confidence and comfort speaking before an audience |
Complete the SXU Student Commencement Speaker Application 2021 Form by Monday, March 15, 2021, which includes the required items listed below.
- Statement of interest that includes contact information (phone number and SXU email)
- Written draft of speech
- Current resume that includes academic achievements, research, campus involvement and volunteerism
- Video recording
Video Recording Recommendations
In addition to completing the form, please prepare a video recording of you delivering
the speech. The video should be uploaded to your @mymail.sxu.edu Google drive with
shared access to sxucommencement@gmail.com. The video is not expected to be of professional quality, but should be recorded
in good lighting, with no background noise or other distractions.
Recommendations to prepare an optimal video:
- Record in a horizontal 16:9 ratio.
- Place yourself in the center of the frame with your head in the top half of the frame.
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Before recording, check the room for distractions and/or items that might be considered inappropriate for the video.
- Turn off all electronics and other objects that produce audio.
- DO NOT record from extreme angles. The camera should be around eye level.
- Use a tripod if your device can be mounted on one. Phone/tablet users will have to be creative; find an assistant or use books, a bookshelf, a phone holder with a stand, a picture frame stand, or an easel.
Selected finalists will be mentored prior to the delivery of the speech at the commencement ceremony.
Questions?
Questions about the student speaker selection process may be directed to commencement@sxu.edu.