USC Commencement Week | May 8-11, 2024

Commencement Update, April 25, 2024

This update provides information about our upcoming 2024 commencement events. To ensure we host commencement activities and celebrate our graduates safely, we will be implementing additional security measures. These include ticketing of all commencement events taking place on May 8-11 and directing all campus access through specific points of entry.

We are in the process of finalizing details, and all schedules, ticketing processes, and additional materials will be posted on our commencement website by Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Once posted, we will do our best to minimize changes so as not to disrupt your planning.

Events and Schedules:

As in previous years, the university will be hosting dozens of commencement events, including all the traditional individual school commencement ceremonies where students cross the stage, have their names announced, are photographed, and receive their diplomas. In keeping with tradition, we will be hosting all doctoral hooding ceremonies, special celebrations, and departmental activities and receptions.

With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially. As a result, we will not be able to host the main stage ceremony that traditionally brings 65,000 students, families, and friends to our campus all at the same time and during a short window from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

We understand that this is disappointing; however, we are adding many new activities and celebrations to make this commencement academically meaningful, memorable, and uniquely USC, including places to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff, the celebratory releasing of the doves, and performances by the Trojan Marching Band.

Ticketing and Safety Measures:

1. Tickets will be required to access campus and all commencement events taking place on May 8-11, 2024. Graduating students will be able to reserve, free of charge, tickets for themselves and up to eight named guests. Tickets will not be transferrable. There will be an appeal process if more tickets are needed. We will begin reserving tickets early next week.

2. Prior to entering commencement events, we will screen people and bags, using security measures similar to those for attending athletic events at the Coliseum and before entering many other large venues.

3. Please note, we will have a clear bag policy.

4. You should allow more time — to park, go through security, enjoy campus, and get seated at the various ceremonies. Commencement ceremonies take place at different times and various locations on or adjacent to our campus. Guests and graduates will be able to plan their arrival times to meet their own needs. There will be hospitality areas, a variety of places to sit, rest, and hydrate in the shade before and after your ceremony.

Conferring of Degrees:

The most important part of commencement is the presentation of degrees, which will take place at our individual school ceremonies. For those who have never attended a graduation (like many students this year), we’ve created a gallery of photos from ceremonies of previous years so you can see how joyful and special these are.

Further Information:

Further information, including detailed maps, parking instructions, ADA accommodations, public transportation, ticketing information, and our code of conduct and expectations, can be found at the 2024 Commencement website. Demonstration and free speech zone policies will be posted, as well, so everyone understands how we will ensure a safe and orderly commencement. This is a one-stop site that will be updated regularly.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make our arrangements for a celebratory and significant experience for our 2024 Trojan graduates.