Tickets

Spring 2025 candidates for graduation will each be allotted a total of 15 tickets (eight tickets to enter the William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building (Baby Dome) and seven tickets to enter the Alternate Viewing Sites) for family, friends and other guests to attend. Tickets will be distributed through each College and School beginning April 23, 2025.

Clear Bag Policy

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.

Seating

There is no reserved seating. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find parking and seating.

Climate-Controlled Alternate Viewing Sites

  • Willie A. Tempton, Sr. Memorial Student Center – Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium
  • Willie A. Tempton, Sr. Memorial Student Center – Ballroom
  • Student Recreation Center

Parking

Parking attendants will be on hand to guide visitors to parking spaces. Please follow instructions closely, as doing so will allow for convenient event parking and exiting. Parking for the event is free, and no prior permission or parking pass is needed to park. Drivers are expected to follow all parking regulations set forth by the parking attendants.

Special Services

A section will be reserved in the Baby Dome for guests requiring accessible seating accommodations. Space is limited and is provided on a first-come, first-seated basis. After the reserved accessible seating area is filled, other guests needing seating accommodations will be directed to the Alternate Viewing Sites.

Photography

A third-party vendor, Balfour, will do official photography for the commencement ceremony. Graduates will be given cards and order forms at the commencement rehearsal to be completed and returned should the individual want to order photos.

Live Streaming

For friends, families and guests unable to attend the commencement ceremony in person, PVAMU will stream the event live on the University’s official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/pvamu. A link to the stream can also be found on the University’s homepage, www.pvamu.edu.

Social Media

We welcome graduates and guests to post their photos to social media sites using the hashtags #PVGradSwag and #PVAMU.

Caps and Gowns

The PVAMU University Bookstore will provide information about pricing and pick-up of caps and gowns, class rings, and announcements. Please visit www.bkstr.com/prairieviewamunivstore/home for additional information.

Gifts & Memorabilia

Information about PVAMU-branded gifts and alumni merchandise can be found on the PVAMU University Bookstore’s website at www.bkstr.com/prairieviewamunivstore/home. The store will be open Friday, May 16, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 17, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Diplomas

During the ceremony, graduates will receive a diploma case presented to them by the Office of the Registrar. The actual diploma will be mailed to the graduate at the mailing address designated by the graduate in their graduation application. Please allow 8-10 weeks for diplomas to arrive. We now have digital diplomas that students will receive first from Parchment to their campus email address, and the regular diploma will be mailed to the most updated address.