PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 11, 2023) – As previously communicated, if it is apparent before the start of the commencement ceremonies that weather conditions require us to move the ceremony inside, we will relocate to the William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building (“Baby Dome”). However, in the event of light rain, the ceremony will proceed as planned in Panther Stadium. Rain ponchos will be distributed to graduation candidates, faculty and commencement staff during rehearsal on Friday, May 12. Guests are encouraged to come prepared for rain.

After reconsideration and careful examination with various units across campus of the contingency plan communicated on Monday, the Commencement Steering Committee, Acting President and College Deans have determined that the commencement exercises can be split into two ceremonies to accommodate more graduates and their guests. We are grateful to our commencement speaker, Ruth J. Simmons, for agreeing to deliver remarks twice if needed.

If we must use the smaller venue and have two commencements, due to the seating capacity of the Baby Dome, each graduating candidate will be restricted to six (6) tickets, with additional seating available at remote locations (Student Recreation Center, Willie A. Tempton, Sr. Memorial Student Center Ballroom, Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium, E.H. Edison Anderson Recital Hall in the Hobart T. Taylor Building, and Julius W. Becton, Jr. Auditorium in the Alvin I. Thomas Administration Building). Tickets are not required to enter remote locations; seating is limited to first-come, first-served (3,950 seats). Due to the number of graduates seated on the floor, special needs seating will only be available at remote locations, and staff will be on hand to assist.

We are closely monitoring the weather forecast, which changes hourly, and will decide on the location by 4:00 A.M. on the day of the ceremony. We will communicate any changes to the ceremony via email, social media, Panther Alert, and the PVAMU website. Please check the PVAMU website for updates and review the commencement guide for frequently asked questions.

We understand that changes to the ceremony may cause inconvenience, but please know that our top priority is the safety and comfort of all graduates and their guests. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in advance.

Contingency Ceremony Schedule (William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building)

8:30 A.M.

Graduate Studies
College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
School of Architecture
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences
Undergraduate Studies

1:30 P.M.

College of Business
Whitlowe R. Green College of Education
Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
College of Juvenile Justice
College of Nursing

Visit www.pvamu.edu/commencement for more information about PVAMU’s 141st Spring Commencement Convocation.

-Commencement Steering Committee

-PVAMU-