Austin Community College holds a commencement ceremony at the end of each fall and spring semester. There is no fee for graduation, but each graduate must purchase a cap and gown for the ceremony. All graduates receive an emailed invitation with the individual link to RSVP to attend the ceremony.
The ceremony will be livestreamed on the ACC website and will also be recorded for future viewing.
We want your commencement ceremony to be a pleasant, meaningful experience. Below you will find some helpful information to make your commencement a success.
The HEB Center has an enforced bag policy for all guests. Information about this can be found here. Additionally, the HEB Center does not allow guests to carry in gifts, helium balloons or signs.
For more information regarding Commencement, you can refer to the ACC Graduation Info Packet or email us at graduation@austincc.edu.
To participate in commencement, you must be dressed in the appropriate cap and gown. You can purchase graduation caps, tassels, and black gowns from the ACC Bookstores located at Highland, Riverside and Round Rock. The cost to purchase graduation wear is approximately $65.00. Only ACC-authorized academic regalia, including honor cords and stoles, may be worn by graduates.
Access the ACC Bookstore portal for online purchases of caps and gowns here.
If you have access to a black cap and gown in good condition, you may wear them. You still must purchase the tassel.
ACC encourages graduates who do not wish to keep their regalia to donate it back to the college -- it's the 'green' thing to do! All donated regalia will be made available to future graduates who would not otherwise be able to attend graduation without it.
You are encouraged to make any childcare arrangements well in advance. Children are not allowed to sit with graduates or wander the arena without supervision during the ceremony.
Diplomas will be mailed approximately ten to twelve weeks after the end of each semester. If you should move in the meantime, please update your address by sending an email from your ACC email account to graduation@austincc.edu with your name, ID number, and new address.
December commencement is open to students who received a degree or certificate in the preceding summer semester or candidates who apply to graduate in the fall. May commencement is open to degree/certificate candidates who apply for the spring.
You can purchase commencement invitations online only. Balfour conveniently packages popular items for easy ordering. Each package contains:
Graduates may also order additional individual items. Visit CB Announcements / Balfour to place your order.
Parking is available at no charge at the HEB Cedar Park Center.
A professional photographer will take photographs as you walk across the stage to receive your diploma cover, and after you exit the stage. Graduate images will be posted on the photographer's website 2-5 days after the commencement ceremony. Proofs will be mailed 1-2 weeks after the commencement ceremony, and emailed to the address on your reader card. There is no obligation to purchase.
For everyone's safety and convenience, graduates must remain at their seats before and after being called to the stage for the duration of the program. Graduates may take photographs from their seats. Graduates may not move about the arena floor, the stage, or backstage to take photographs, nor should graduates take photographs during the procession or while walking across the stage.
College personnel will organize the procession; you are asked to carefully follow their instructions at all times. Do not stop before you arrive at your seat.
IMPORTANT: Graduates must remain seated in place until the ceremony concludes with the recessional music. If you arrive after the processional, ushers will seat you if you are wearing your cap and gown.
Smoking, food, and drink are prohibited on the arena floor. A reception with light refreshments will be held on the Center concourse following the ceremony.