For Winter 2026 Commencement, the College of Arts and Sciences is nominating the following:
- One (1) undergraduate Commencement Student Speaker
- Two (2) undergraduate Student Marshals
- Two (2) graduate Student Marshals
The applications to be considered for nomination are separate for undergraduate and graduate students.
The deadline for both the undergraduate and graduate applications is Oct. 19, 2026. Carefully review the information on this page before applying.
Winter 2026 Commencement Speaker Nominee and Student Marshal
Students in the College of Arts and Sciences who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to apply for consideration to be the college’s nominee for Commencement Student Speaker or be selected as the college’s Student Marshal.
Applications are due Oct. 19, 2026.
Commencement ceremony
- When: December 19, 2026
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Where: ExtraMile Arena
- More details: https://www.boisestate.edu/commencement/
Applicant information
Undergraduate eligibility requirements
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Graduate in December 2026 with your first baccalaureate or associate degree.
- A minimum of 60 credits at Boise State University
Graduate eligibility requirements
- 3.5 GPA minimum
- Graduate in Summer 2026 or December 2026 with your first master’s degree
Overview of opportunities
Submitting the undergraduate application ensures you are considered for both opportunities. Submitting the graduate application ensures you are considered for the Graduate Student Marshal.
Questions? Email coas-studentsuccess@boisestate.edu or call 208-426-2663.
Commencement Student Speaker
It is a Boise State tradition to recognize student speakers to address their fellow graduates at each commencement ceremony for approximately five minutes, sit on stage with the other dignitaries and be recognized with a short biography in the program.
Each college is invited to nominate a student to be considered for Student Commencement Speaker. A university committee reviews all colleges’ nominations and selects the Commencement Student Speaker for each Commencement Ceremony.
What is the story you want to share with your graduates and members of the Commencement Ceremony audience? Applicants will be evaluated based on content (relevance, unique point-of-view, thoughtfulness), presentation (eye contact, gestures, physical presence, posture), and delivery (phrasing, pacing, articulation, clarity of speech).
COAS Student Marshal
Student marshals serve an important role during commencement activities. They are vital in ensuring that commencement is a dignified and memorable experience for graduates, their families and friends and guests of the university.
Leading up to commencement, each student marshal will be interviewed for a video produced by Boise State that will air during the ceremonies and on university social media.
During the ceremony, student marshals carry gonfalons (banners) and lead their colleges’ graduates into the arena and then post their banners once all fellow graduates are seated. They have a reserved seat in the first row of their college’s section during the ceremony.