Baccalaureate
While the focal point of Commencement 2025 is the main ceremony, there are many activities earlier in the week. Chief among these is the Baccalaureate Ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, at 5:00 p.m. at Bovard Auditorium.
Baccalaureate is a non-denominational, inter-faith celebration open to all students and their guests, and is a wonderful opportunity to bless our graduates as they proceed with the next stage of their lives. The highlight of the ceremony is a keynote address from a specially selected Baccalaureate speaker, as well as the participation of numerous university dignitaries and the religious directors who work with our student groups. The service itself will feature music and will conclude with a benediction over the graduating students. Regalia for students at this ceremony is optional.
Ph.D. Hooding Ceremonies
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 8:30 a.m.
Location: Bovard Auditorium
USC Marshall School of Business
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Davidson Conference Center, Vineyard Room
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 8:30 a.m.
Location: McCarthy Quad
USC Rossier School of Education
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Location: McCarthy Quad
USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 11:30 a.m.
Location: Annenberg Hall
Cultural Celebrations
Asian & Pacific Islander Graduate Celebration
Hosted by Asian Pacific American Student Services, Student Life
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1:30 p.m.
Location: Epstein Family Plaza (E-Quad)
For information and to RSVP, visit the APASS website.
Black Graduate Celebration
Hosted by the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs, Student Life
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Location: McCarthy Quad
For information and to RSVP, contact: cbcsa@usc.edu, 213-740-8257
Latinx/e Graduate Celebration
Hosted by La CASA, Student Life
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
Location: McCarthy Quad
For information and to RSVP, contact: lacasa@usc.edu, 213-740-1480
Lavender Graduate Celebration
Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Student Center, Student Life
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Ronald Tutor Campus Center Ballroom
For more information and to RSVP, visit the Lavender Celebration event page.
Military and Veteran Celebrations
Veteran & Military-Affiliated Graduate Celebration
Hosted by the Veterans Resource Center.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ronald Tutor Campus Center Ballroom
For more information and to RSVP, contact vrc@usc.edu or (213) 740-8605.
ROTC Ceremonies
The ROTC Joint Commencement ceremony occurs alongside the Veteran & Military-Affiliated Graduate Celebration on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center Ballroom.
Additional Scheduled Events
Phi Kappa Phi Initiation Ceremony
An invitation-only ceremony honoring new Phi Kappa Phi honor society faculty and student initiates; hosted by the Phi Kappa Phi Society. Contact: pkp@usc.edu
Please check back later for updated information.
USC Athletics Graduate Celebration
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1:00 p.m., Galen Center
An invitation-only ceremony for graduating athletes; hosted by USC Athletics
Campus Activities Events
Please check back later for updated Campus Activities Events information.