What is the difference between graduation and commencement speech?

College graduation marks the completion of your degree requirements, while commencement celebrates those accomplishments and looks toward the future.

Are commencement and graduation the same thing?

Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree.

Is a commencement speech a graduation speech?

Commencement speech: A speech given at graduation, often by a prominent figure in the local or global community as part of a larger schedule of commencement ceremonies.

What is another name for graduation speech?

A commencement speech or commencement address is a speech given to graduating students, generally at a university, although the term is also used for secondary education institutions and in similar institutions around the world.

Why do people give commencement speeches?

Hoover says, first and foremost, good commencement speeches celebrate the students and their families. Many offer pieces of advice or observations about society and, oftentimes, bits of humor to lighten the pomp and circumstance.

What is the difference between graduation and commencement?

Why is it called commencement and not graduation?

Commencement refers to the start of something, and in an academic context, this ceremony signifies you're starting your career and the next phase of your life. Students may be allowed to participate in commencement prior to completing all of their graduation requirements.

What is the point of a commencement speech?

It is not about the speaker; it is about the graduates and their guests. The message should be uplifting and should deal with education, wisdom, the future, and what the graduates have accomplished.

Who usually gives speeches at graduation?

Additionally, the salutatorian also plays a pivotal role in the graduation ceremony. Like the valedictorian, the salutatorian is tasked with delivering a speech on stage during the ceremony itself.

How long is a commencement speech?

The length of a commencement speech can vary depending on the ceremony. As a general rule of thumb, aim for a speech that's 10 to 15 minutes long. Give yourself enough time to cover all the main ideas you want to share. At the same time, make it short enough so you don't bore or tire your audience.

Who gives the commencement speech?

In some cases, the valedictorian, who is the student with the highest academic standing in the graduating class, gives the main speech. In other cases, there may be a student speaker who is chosen by the graduating class or by the faculty.

What not to do in a graduation speech?

Can you still walk if you don't graduate?

A graduating student is someone who has met all graduation requirements, whereas “walking” means a student who is participating in ceremonies but is not graduating yet. Diplomas are mailed and not given to students at either commencement or convocation.

Is a valedictorian speech a commencement speech?

Valedictorian (VD) is an academic title for the highest-performing student of a graduating class of an academic institution. A valedictorian giving his valediction (farewell speech) at commencement.

Do they call names at commencement?

Will my name be called? Graduate names are called during the winter ceremony only. The spring ceremony is too large to call out every graduate's name. However, many departments and student groups hold smaller, more personal graduations during the spring semester that may include the calling of names.

Is commencement before or after graduation?

Often referred to as “Graduation”, Commencement is the ceremony. It is an end-of-spring semester celebration for students projected to successfully complete all of their graduation requirements by the end of that Spring or Summer semester. Commencement is coordinated by the Commencement Office.

At what age does college end?

As a general rule, most students graduate from high school when they are 18 years of age. If they proceed directly into college, and complete the curriculum requirements in the normal four year allotment of time, they will graduate from college, at the age of 22.

Do people get paid for commencement speeches?

While many colleges do not pay their commencement speakers — some offer honorary degrees instead — others do. Cleveland.com reported that Spencer's contract included airfare for two, lodging, and meals in addition to the $100,000 speaking fee.

What is a commencement speech example?

I stand before you this morning, duly humbled, and in awe of the distinguished and hard-earned accomplishment awarded to each and every single one of you on this unforgettable and long-awaited day of your graduation. Look at you! You are gowned and tassled and you're ready to take on the world!

Is it an honor to be a commencement speaker?

Being chosen as a speaker is one of the highest honors a graduate can achieve and carries tremendous responsibility.

What are the top 3 graduates called?

Here's how they typically work in American academia: summa cum laude is the prize granted at the pinnacle (think “summit”), awarded to a small fraction of college graduates each year. Magna cum laude comes next in prestige, followed by cum laude.

What are the top 5 graduates called?

Cum laude: “With distinction,” typically 3.5–3.6 GPA or top 16-35% of class. Magna cum laude: “With great distinction,” typically 3.7–3.8 GPA or top 6-15% of class. Summa cum laude: “With highest honor,” typically 3.9–4.0 GPA or top 1-5% of class.

What GPA do you need to be a salutatorian?

The salutatorian shall be the student with the second highest grade point average as computed at the end of the eighth semester of the senior year. QPA will not affect this determination.

Who gives speeches at high school graduation?

At a high school or university graduation, the valedictorian traditionally gives a farewell speech, called a valedictory. This person is almost always the student in the class with the very best academic record.

How are student commencement speakers chosen?

The undergraduate student speaker will have a successful academic record and a history of participation in campus or community activities. A selection committee with representation from the faculty, staff, and student body will review applications, interview a number of candidates, and determine finalists.

What are you going to do to prepare your speech as a commencement speaker?

Rehearse, practice, make sure the advice you are giving to these young minds is something they can use in the future. Practice your speech in front of your loved ones. They will tell you the truth, even if that means re-writing the night before the event.