Graduate student valedictorian process

Graduate student valedictorians are selected for fall convocation ceremonies only.  

Each fall, a graduate student valedictorian from participating faculties delivers a five-minute address at their faculty’s in-person convocation ceremony. Students who graduate in the spring or fall term are eligible to apply to serve as a graduate student valedictorian at fall convocation. 

The Faculties of Environment and Health alternate years for selecting a graduate student valedictorian. Please refer to the current year’s convocation details to confirm faculty participation. 

Any costs associated with attending convocation, such as travel or accommodation, are the responsibility of the valedictorian. 

To be eligible, applicants must: 

• Have completed or be completing their degree within the relevant academic year  

• Graduate at either spring or fall convocation of the relevant academic year 

• Be a graduate student in the faculty for which they are applying 

• Be able to attend their faculty’s in-person fall convocation ceremony 

Joint program students may apply through either faculty. 

Selection criteria

High academic achievement is required within graduate-level courses. As demonstrated by past academic results, transcripts, awards, and distinctions. Indicators of academic excellence: 

• Academic record
• Scholarships and awards
• Duration of previous studies
• Type of program and courses pursued
• Course load
• Relative standing (if applicable)

As demonstrated by the applicant’s past professional and relevant extracurricular interactions and collaborations. Indicators of personal characteristics and interpersonal skills: 

• Ability or potential to effectively orally communicate and maintain engagement
• Demonstrated capacity to articulate complex concepts clearly and logically in written and oral formats
• Substantive involvement in academic/university life
• Leadership experience
• Volunteer/community outreach experience
• Professional experience
• Project management, including organizing conferences and meetings

1. Interested graduate students complete the Graduate student valedictorian application form, including uploading a curriculum vitae (CV) and unofficial transcript.
2. Interested graduate students receive endorsement from three (3) nominators who complete the Graduate student valedictorian endorsement form.
   • Endorsers must be members of the University community (students, staff, faculty, or alumni).
   • At least one endorsement needs to be received from a current/former graduate student.
   • If an Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, is one of the endorsers, they must declare a conflict of interest in their role on the faculty selection committee.

Each faculty will review their applications in July and August and select their valedictorian.

Applicants can expect to hear back from their faculty regarding the success of their valedictorian application by the end of the spring term.