Student Ceremony Information

Senior Portraits  

  • Dec. 13–17, 2025

Get professional graduation photos. Photo Magic Media provide senior portrait services to Bowie State University students with their signature style.

To order your photos or make an appointment:

855-416-0016
PhotoMagicMedia.com

Commencement Day Photos

Professional photos of graduates with their diplomas will also be available through Photo Magic Media after the ceremony. Please sign up to get copies of your photo.

 

 

Graduate Sendoff  

  • Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 
  • 12 – 7 p.m.
  • Student Center

Activities may include: 

  • Decorating your mortarboard (cap) 
  • Meeting alumni 
  • Light refreshments 
  • Giveaways and celebration 

Regalia  

All regalia must be purchased in person at the Bowie State University Bookstore.  Please ensure you have your cap, gown, and (if applicable) hood prior to rehearsal. 

Rehearsal and Evening Reception (Mandatory)  

  • Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025
  • 3 p.m.
  • Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex

Rehearsal will include a full commencement walkthrough for graduates, platform party and program flow review. Graduates should bring their cap and hood (if requested by the committee). 

Rehearsal will conclude with a reception immediately afterward. All graduates and program participants are invited to attend. 

Commencement Day  

  • Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 
  • Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex
  • 7 a.m. – Graduates arrive for assembly/check in
  • 8:45 a.m. – Processional  begins
  • 9 a.m. – Ceremony begins

Arrival Time and Location

Graduates must arrive no later than 7 a.m., wearing regalia, to check in at the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex. Please note that there is no storage area for belongings. Breakfast will be provided for graduates in the morning. 

Tickets

Tickets will be issued digitally via email to graduates:

  • 2 tickets for in-venue seating at the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex
  • 3 tickets for satellite viewing locations: the Student Center and Fine and Performing Arts Center

Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves to participate in the ceremony. Duplicating or copying tickets is strictly prohibited; duplicated ticket holders will be denied entry. 

Honor Cords

Honor cords and name cards will be distributed during the Graduate Breakfast on Friday, Dec. 19. Pickup time is 7:30 a.m. Photo ID may be required at pickup. Honor cords are for undergraduate students only.

Guests

Gates open for guests at 7:30 a.m. Family and guests are encouraged to arrive early, as general seating will be suspended at 8:15 a.m. until the conclusion of the processional. Family and guests of graduates are not allowed in the assembly area.  

Parking

On Commencement Day, graduates and persons with disabilities should park in Lot I. All other guests should park in available lots, where spaces are not designated as reserved. Parking attendants will provide assistance.  View the campus map online.

Attire

A clear bag policy will be enforced to provide a safer environment for the public and expedite entry into the Bulldog Stadium.  

Donations 

Make your class gift of $20.25 at bowiestate.edu/give.