Onsite Ceremony for Austin Residential and Distance Learning (Online) Graduates

Austin Residential Campus 

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Pastry Arts

Boulder Campus – Interactive Distance Learning

Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Baking and Pastry
Diploma in Professional Pastry Arts
Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Plant-Based Culinary Arts
Diploma in Plant-Based Culinary Arts
Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Operations Management
Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness
Diploma in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness
Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Food Entrepreneurship
Diploma in Food Entrepreneurship

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

VENUE AND PARKING DETAILS:

Venue Address:

Riverbend Centre
4214 N. Capital of Texas Hwy,
Austin, Texas 78746

Guest Registration hosted in the Student Center
Guest Arrival and Ceremony hosted in the Main Auditorium (Building FHF on diagram below)

Ceremony Timeline:

• Graduate registration opens at 1:00 pm CST (Guests are not allowed in the registration area)
• Guest arrival and seating begins at 2:00 pm CST
• Graduate dress rehearsal begins at 2:15 pm CST
• The graduation ceremony begins at 3:00 pm CST

Street Traffic and Parking

Please allow extra time to arrive at the venue as there is construction on North Capital Of Texas Highway (HWY 360) the main road into Riverbend Centre.    

Parking is complimentary. Allow an extra 20 minutes onsite to park on site at the Venue. Venue and map links are provided here. 

Graduates must attend the registration which starts early (1:00 PM CST) and is located in the Student Building. Parking lots (C), (A) or (B) are reserved for students.

Guests should arrive no earlier than 2:00 PM and may park in any available parking lots. 

Directions & Parking — Riverbend Centre for the Arts

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

The Visit Austin Website has an excellent list of accommodations.

Explore transportation options and Austin’s Museums and Cultural Arts by visiting Austintexas.gov

VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY:

Video and photography will be in session during graduation and could be used for marketing purposes and promotional materials.

SHARE THE MOMENT:

• Stand proud! Post photos or videos of celebrating your awesome accomplishment! Use hashtag #EscoffierGraduate

FAQs:

1. Will the Graduation Ceremony be recorded? (NO) This event will not be recorded or live streamed, however a recording of the virtual ceremony will be offered.

2. Do I need to RSVP? (YES)  Yes, you will receive the official invitation and be required to RSVP for the event and purchase tickets for yourself and your guests. The graduates ticket is complimentary, and each guest ticket costs $15.00 per person, inclusive of fees and service charges.  Each graduate may reserve up to 5 tickets including their ticket. The RSVP’s confirmation deadline is Friday, October 23rd, 2026

3. What time will graduation start? All Graduates must register for the ceremony and should arrive at the Student Center between 1:00 – 1:15 PM.  Once registered, you will gather with your fellow graduates by program and review ceremony rehearsal instructions.  Note: Guests are not allowed in the registration/ceremony rehearsal area. Doors will open for guest seating at 2:00 pm CST. The ceremony begins at 3:00 PM CST.  Note: Guests are not allowed in the registration/ceremony rehearsal area.

4. When should guests arrive? Guest seating begins at 2:00 PM CST. Guests should not arrive early as there is not a comfortable space for congregating outside of the theatre before the doors open at 2:00 PM CST.

5. Who is eligible to celebrate graduation? All interactive distance learning (online) graduates who graduated from a program between the dates of 10/1/2025-9/30/2026 are eligible to participate in this graduation event.

6. What if I graduated from more than one program? Congratulations, job well done! You may choose to walk across the stage for each program. In addition your name will be acknowledged in each program completed.

7. Is food service available at the theatre? No. You should eat before you arrive for graduate registration. Food and beverages are not permitted on the Theatre premises.

8. How will I get my graduation memorabilia? Graduates will receive graduation memorabilia at the time of registration.

9. What do I need to wear? We ask that all graduates wear their issued Escoffier Chef jacket with black pants for the ceremony. There are steep steps up to the stage so please wear shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk in. You will be provided a chef toque as part of the graduation ceremony.

10. When will I receive my diploma? Students meeting all graduation requirements will receive their diploma by mail 8-10 weeks following their program completion date. If in doubt, please contact the registrar’s office to ensure you have the most current mailing address on file.

11. I graduated after the eligibility time frame. You will be eligible to participate in the 2026-2027 graduation ceremonies.