Spring 2024 Commencement
It’s time to celebrate your accomplishments at Northern Arizona University. Find all you need to prepare yourself for commencement, including ceremony times, directions and parking, NAU maps, and more.
928-523-6063
Lisa.Newton@nau.edu
Celebrate with us!
Our Spring 2024 Commencement will take place on Friday, May 17th at 7pm at Veterans Memorial Stadium
Student Commencement Speaker
Role
The Student Commencement Speaker serves as the representative of the entire graduating class and presents a speech during the commencement Ceremony in May. The student speaker has the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class, reflect upon the past few years, and convey a message for the future. As the representative of the graduating class, the Student Commencement Speaker is expected to have made significant contributions to the campus and to have achieved academic success. The Student Commencement Speaker will participate in pre-Commencement activities and be seated on the main stage during the ceremony.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must have graduated in fall/winter 2023 or be graduating in spring/summer 2024.
• Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence (though not required for eligibility, preference will be given to students with a 3.5 GPA or higher).
• Applicants must be in good disciplinary standing.
• Applicants must provide all required materials for a complete application by the stated deadline—Friday, March 15, 2024.
Selection Process
• The Student Commencement Speaker interview committee is composed of NAU–Yuma faculty and staff.
• The committee reviews all applications and selects the top finalists for interviews.
• Finalists interview and present their proposed commencement speech to the interview committee.
Application Materials
To apply to be the Student Commencement Speaker, please submit the following:
1. a current résumé
2. two (2) reference letters from an NAU faculty or staff member who can comment on the quality of your academic work and/or work ethic (please ensure that each letter includes the faculty/staff member’s name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address)
3. an essay summarizing the ideas, thoughts, and feelings you will portray in a three-minute commencement speech
Application Deadline
A complete application must be received by the Administrative & Faculty Support Services/Front Office, AC-214A or emailed by Friday, March 15, 2024.
Clear Bag Policy
NAU–Yuma’s partner, Arizona Western College (AWC), has implemented a clear bag policy for commencement (Spring 2023) to provide a safer environment for the public. Approved bags include one (1) clear tote bag no larger than 12″w x 6″d x 12″h or one (1) plastic storage bag (one gallon, clear) AND one small clutch bag no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, which does not have to be clear.
Flagstaff Commencement
Looking for Flagstaff’s commencement ceremonies? Read about commencement at our main campus in Flagstaff.