This fall, Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates one of the most meaningful moments in our students’ journeys — commencement. And every employee has the opportunity to be part of it.

We’re opening up volunteer roles, giving you a chance to connect directly with our graduates and support them as they cross the stage and step into what’s next.

Whether you’ve attended commencement before or this would be your first time behind the scenes, your presence helps create a memorable, welcoming, and seamless experience for our students and their families.

Due to the growing number of graduates, the College hosts two commencement ceremonies on Thursday, December 10 — one at 3 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. 

Volunteer opportunities are available at each ceremony and at a special GradFest party happening at Highland Campus on Friday, November 20. Find a role that fits your schedule. Employees can sign up for multiple opportunities.  

Friday, November 20 | Grad Fest @ Highland Campus

  • This role helps with event set-up, checking students in, guiding students through the event, assisting with activities, and breaking down the event. 

Thursday, December 10 | 3 p.m. Commencement Ceremony

  • Pep Rally: This role serves on the welcome team to greet and cheer on students as they arrive. 
  • Student Check-in: This role helps students check in by handing them their name card and photo card and handing out veteran medallions to students labeled veteran on their name card.
  • Faculty Check-in: This role helps faculty and administrators check in. They distribute and assist faculty and administrators with their regalia.

Thursday, December 10 | 7 p.m. Commencement Ceremony

  • Pep Rally: This role serves on the welcome team to greet and cheer on students as they arrive. 
  • Student Check-in: This role helps students check in by handing them their name card and photo card and hands out veteran medallions to students labeled veteran on their name card.
  • Faculty Check-in: This role helps faculty and administrators check in. They distribute and assist faculty and administrators with their regalia.

Both Ceremonies

  • Prep Logistics: This role provides logistics support from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and helps with the setup of the ceremony. They bring in supplies, set up the stage, receive the lunch order, and set up food for the volunteer staff. 
  • Event Support and Marshal: This role provides various support for both ceremonies, from supporting the stage party to supporting faculty, students, and official graduate photo stations. Volunteers are required to wear dress clothes (mostly black).
  • Student Room: This role directs students to the correct alpha area and makes sure large gaps are filled in by students. They support students with any issues. 
  • Student Accessibility Support: This role assists students who may need accessibility support. For example, assisting blind students to their seats, walking the stage, etc. 
  • Front of Stage: This role is positioned at the stairs to assist students exiting the stage and direct them back to their seats after receiving their diploma. This role requires you to stand. 
  • Side Stage: This role supports graduates at the official photo station and helps guide them to the stage ramp. 
  • HEB Center Doors: This role welcomes guests at the three main doors and hands guests programs. This also includes setting up the program table and breaking down program boxes. 
  • Event & Breakdown Logistics: This role provides logistics support from 3 to 8 p.m. and helps pack up supplies, receive the dinner order, and set up food for volunteers, faculty, and administrators in designated rooms. 

We hope you’ll join us in showing our graduates just how proud we are. Click here to sign up to volunteer and learn more.