Imagine yourself as the 2026 Convocation student speaker!
Current, full-time, undergraduate juniors are invited to apply to be the Convocation student speaker. The application will be open from March 16 through March 28. All materials should be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on March 28.
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must be a current full-time undergraduate student planning to file for program completion in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027, be in good standing with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, represent the spirit and scope of the WashU educational experience, and be an excellent public speaker.
Selection Process
A committee of staff will review all submissions and notify top candidates in mid-April. Finalists will be interviewed before the candidate is selected in late-April.
How to Apply
- Complete the essay questions: This application includes five essay questions. Please limit your essay responses to 100 words or less per question.
- We suggest completing the essay questions in Microsoft Word and paste your responses in the online application form to ensure the word limit is met.
- Create an introduction video: Make an introductory video beginning with your full name, hometown, and major at WashU, followed by a shortened version of the speech you would give at Convocation. This video should be no longer than three minutes in length.
- Upload the video to YouTube and edit the settings to set as “unlisted.” Include your name in the video title. Include the link to your video in the online application.
- If you are unable to upload the video to YouTube, contact Claire Pannhavong, Senior Events Manager for Academic Ceremonies & Celebrations at cclaire@wustl.edu.
- Complete the application: Complete the essay questions and upload your YouTube video URL into the application.
- Upload your resume: After you submit the application, you will be redirected to WashU Box to upload your resume.