All graduates—both undergraduate and Graduate School students—are invited to apply to be the speaker at their respective college ceremony. Selected speakers will receive the distinguished honor of sharing their experience and unique Rhody perspective with classmates, faculty, and thousands of guests at their ceremony.
Please note, the College of the Environment and Life Sciences and Graduate School of Oceanography ceremony, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, will feature two speakers (one from each college).

Deadlines

• Deadline for students to apply: 11.59 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025
• Deadline for submissions to be reviewed and speakers chosen: Friday, April 11th

Criteria for consideration

When applying, please indicate if you are either an Undergraduate or Graduate School student.

Submit the following, in PDF form, to events@uri.edu:

• A brief (one-paragraph) description of why you wish to be selected as a student speaker for your Spring 2025 college commencement ceremony.
• A resume that highlights leadership and involvement at URI.
• Proof of your intent to graduate by May 2025 and unofficial transcript.
• Your commencement speech, which should be 3 minutes in length, 12 pt. font, and double spaced.

One a student speaker has been selected, they will be assigned to work with a professional URI Communications Team member for assistance with their speech content and presentation tips.