115th Summer Commencement

Saturday, August 8, 2026

9 a.m.
William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building (Baby Dome)

Candidates

Graduate School

College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

School of Architecture

Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences

College of Business

Whitlowe R. Green College of Education

Roy G. Perry College of Engineering

College of Juvenile Justice

College of Nursing

School of Public and Allied Health

Undergraduate Studies

Rehearsal

Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building (Baby Dome)

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Commencement Speaker

The Honorable Senfronia Thompson '64
Texas State Representative, District 141

In the records of Texas’ legislative history, few names resonate with the enduring impact and unwavering commitment to equality and civil rights as that of State Rep. Senfronia Thompson. She holds the distinct honor of being the longest-serving female, the longest-serving African-American and the Dean of the Texas House of Representatives. She is the only founding member of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus still serving in the Texas House. Her five-decade exemplary career of representing Northeast Houston and Humble is a testament to her resilience and dedication to public service.

The Honorable Senfronia Thompson '64

Frequently Asked Questions

The Baby Dome will open for guests at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Candidates for graduation should report to the Student Recreation Center at 7:00 a.m. The Academic Processional will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Honors recognition at graduation is based on consistent high scholarship and cumulative grade point average based upon the completion of a minimum of 60 semester credit hours earned at Prairie View A&M University. Developmental courses will not be included in the computation of the GPA for graduating with honors. Students graduating with honors will be recognized at commencement by wearing gold honor stoles and by public announcement during the ceremony.

The specific honors levels are as follows:

  • 3.90 – 4.00 GPA = Summa Cum Laude
  • 3.70 – 3.89 GPA = Magna Cum Laude
  • 3.50 – 3.69 GPA = Cum Laude

Honors cords will be distributed at graduation rehearsal.

Updates or changes to the ceremony due to inclement weather will be made available on PVAMU’s homepage, official social media channels, Campus Announcements, and the Panther Alert System.

Yes. View the clear bag policy below.

Approved Bags

  • Bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
  • One-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bags
  • Small clutch bags or purses do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″

Prohibited Bags

  • Purses
  • Printed pattern plastic bags
  • Diaper bags*
  • Reusable grocery totes
  • Cases (camera, binoculars, etc.)
  • Backpacks
  • Fanny packs
  • Mesh or straw bags
  • Duffle bags
  • Large totes

*Items normally carried in a diaper bag must be put into a clear plastic bag for venue entry.

  • Horns or artificial noisemakers
  • Umbrellas
  • Fireworks
  • Lawn chairs or folding chairs
  • Backpacks or bags
  • Illegal substances, weapons, or firearms
  • Bicycles or skateboards
  • Coolers, bottles, cans, or other containers
  • Food
  • Infant seats or strollers

Yes. All graduates will have the opportunity to cross the stage where their names will be called, and their diploma covers will be received.

The ceremony is expected to last 2 hours.

Starting June 26 to August 4, candidates for graduation will only be able to apply for “conferral only.” “Conferral only” candidates will not be able to participate in the spring commencement ceremony, and their names will not be listed in the commencement program. Their diplomas, however, will be mailed to the most recent mailing address in PantherTracks.

Schedule an appointment to speak with a financial aid advisor to conduct the exit interview.

Please direct all questions and concerns related to degree retrieval, degree audits, and honors status to the Registrar’s Office at registrar@pvamu.edu. All questions regarding the 115th Spring Commencement Convocation should be directed to the Office of University Special Events and Protocol at events@pvamu.edu.