Student orators

Could you represent your graduating class, and leave a lasting impression of your time at York?

At each graduation ceremony, there is an opportunity for a graduating student to give a personal message to their classmates, family and friends.

This could be you! We hope it will be an unforgettable experience - and one which could enhance your CV.

If you’re selected as a student orator, you’ll be awarded a certificate in recognition of your contribution.

Previous student orators

For inspiration on what you might say, have a look at these orators from previous graduations:

Video

Grant Mitchell

Department of Environment and Geography

Video

Manveet Heer

Department of Politics and International Relations

How to apply

To apply to become a Student Orator, complete the form below by Wednesday 18 November 2026.

Apply to be a student orator

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview on Monday 23, Tuesday 24 or Wednesday 25 November 2026 - interviews can take place online or by telephone. We’ll let you know whether your application is successful by Tuesday 1 December 2026.

If you are chosen, you will need to present a first-draft of your three minute speech by Wednesday 9 December 2026. Three minutes equates to between 300 and 500 words. Your speech might include the following:

brief thanks to the individuals responsible for your success;
an anecdote relating to your experience at York;
a reflection on what that experience has enabled you to learn and;
a conclusion reflecting on why that learning experience has been valuable, or what others in your graduating class can take away from it.

We’ll give feedback on your draft by Wednesday 16 December 2026. You should then deliver a second draft of your speech by Tuesday 22 December 2026.

Further details will be confirmed with successful applicants.

Questions?

If you’d like to find out more, email clare.moffatt@york.ac.uk.