General Information
When is commencement 2026?
Wednesday, May 13 – Saturday, May 16, 2026. More than 100 commencement events will celebrate the conferral of 19,000+ degrees. Check ceremony times and locations for all of the schools and special events.
What is the difference between the Academic School Ceremonies and Main Stage Ceremony?
The Main Stage Ceremony, taking place in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, will include the presentation of honorary degree recipients, a keynote address from the 2026 commencement speaker as well as remarks from Interim President Beong-Soo Kim and the official conferral of degrees.
The focal point of commencement is the Academic School Ceremonies, where students gather with their academic peers and cross the stage as their name is called to receive their diploma. Each school features a speaker related to their chosen disciplines. This is the highlight for family and friends and the culmination of the student’s academic career, honoring the work they have completed. They are held at various times and locations; check the schedule for more specifics.
Will the ceremonies be broadcast for those unable to attend?
Yes, for those who cannot join us in Los Angeles, all in-person ceremonies will be broadcast online, live and on-demand for future viewing. Ceremonies will be streamed on our virtual platform.
How do I participate in social media?
When posting to your social media, please use the hashtag #uscgrad.
In addition to the commencement ceremonies on campus, will there be other school-specific events?
Many schools will host a reception before or after their ceremonies. Individual school units will contact their students directly with more information, or check your school’s commencement page.
Will wheelchairs be available for disabled guests?
Wheelchairs are available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, May 15. Checkout begins at 7:00 a.m. and all chairs must be returned by 8:00 p.m. Checkout is at Taper Hall Lawn off Trousdale Parkway.
Please note: If you need a wheelchair on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday, or on Friday after 8:00 p.m., you will need to bring your own.
Does USC have any travel and accommodation recommendations?
If you are traveling from outside of the Los Angeles area for commencement, it is highly recommended to reserve accommodations early. Regardless of the plans you make, please review cancellation policies closely. Commencement schedules could be subject to change based on health and safety considerations.
- The hotel adjacent to the USC main campus is the USC Hotel.
- Visit Discover Los Angeles for a handy listing of hotels by price, location, and amenities. When searching, select “Downtown/LA Metro” for the nearest adjacent neighborhood to USC.
Other popular visitor neighborhoods, such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Pasadena, offer a variety of hotels at different price points.
Do students have to register for commencement?
There is no sign-up process for participation in the main university ceremony, which is held on Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. If you’re on track to graduate in fall, spring or summer of this academic year, you can march in the main university ceremony without any registration process. You and your guests will need tickets to attend this ceremony. Ticketing information will be available in early spring.
When should graduates arrive on commencement day?
We recommend graduates arrive at least two hours before their ceremony to ensure ample time to secure parking and seating.
Parking
Where should I park?
Parking is extremely limited on campus and, due to the large crowds, tends to fill up quickly. Off-campus structures are recommended. Use of rideshare and public transportation options are highly encouraged.
For ceremonies on Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15, campus and campus-adjacent parking options include Royal Street Parking Structure (ADA Accessible), Figueroa Street Structure, Flower Street Structure and the USC Shrine Structure. The Grand Avenue Parking Structure (formerly UPX), on the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Grand Avenue, is also recommended for all degree candidates, their families and guests. Parking at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will also be available on Friday, May 15.
For ceremonies on Wednesday, May 13, and Saturday, May 16, parking can be found at any available structure except for the McCarthy Parking Structure, which will be closed to all inbound vehicular traffic May 15 – May 16.
Please see the Transit and Parking Page for more details.
Security
How far in advance should I arrive before my ceremony?
To avoid potential delays, we recommend you arrive on campus at least two hours prior to your ceremony.
Will I be allowed to bring bottles of water, food or other items?
Yes. Snack items and factory-sealed water are allowed at the USC Galen Center and the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. Hydration stations to refill water bottles are located throughout campus for your convenience. Alcoholic beverages of any kind are not permitted.
Accessibility
What accommodations are available to people with disabilities (e.g., seating, parking, ASL interpreters)?
Please check the Accessibility Information Page for more detailed information. You may also contact the coordinator for the ceremony you are attending. Their information is at the bottom of the individual school page: a list of school events can be found here.
ADA Parking Reservations
Guests who require ADA parking are encouraged to pre-register for a parking space through our ADA Parking Reservation Link. Guests must present a valid ADA placard or license plate to the gate attendant for verification.
Academics
How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?
Students will need to check their degree status with the Office of Academic Records and Registrar, Degree Progress.
Do I need to attend the commencement ceremonies to have my degree conferred?
No, graduates do not need to attend to have their degree conferred.
Will my name be called at my Academic School Ceremony if I cannot attend in person?
Please contact your school’s commencement coordinator to inquire if there will be any opportunities available to have your name announced or listed virtually at your school ceremony in your absence.
Will my doctoral hooding take place this year?
Yes. PhD and EdD candidates will be invited to official hooding ceremonies held by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism; the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; the USC Marshall School of Business; the USC Rossier School of Education; and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Ceremony days and times will vary. Students will be contacted directly by their school’s coordinator. Family and friends can check the Full Schedule for location and timing.
I will be finishing my degree requirements next fall (2026). Can I participate in this year’s graduation ceremony?
Certain schools have rules about which spring (before or after) a winter graduate can participate in for the Academic School Ceremonies. Please contact your school’s commencement coordinator and/or academic advisor to inquire. Students who decide to walk early are not eligible to wear a university honor cord.
Regalia
Do I need to wear regalia to participate in commencement ceremonies?
Yes, regalia is available to rent or purchase through the USC Bookstore.
Will regalia be shipped to my home, or can I pick up on campus?
Yes, regalia can be shipped to your home at no additional cost if ordered by April 12, 2026.
- Orders placed after April 12 will incur an expedited shipping fee and will be sent via 2nd Day Air.
- On-campus pickup will be available starting May 11, 2026, on the USC Bookstore patio.
Plan ahead to ensure you receive your regalia on time!
Can I keep my cap and tassel that came with my rented regalia?
Yes, the cap and tassel are yours to keep.
Who can I contact if I have questions regarding regalia?
Please send an email to: gradproducts@usc.edu
How do I return my regalia after the commencement ceremonies?
All rented regalia must be returned after your ceremony by placing it in one of the designated return bins located around campus. Return bins will remain available through the final ceremony on Saturday of commencement week.
Alternatively, you can return your items by mailing them directly to Herff Jones using the original box they arrived in. All rental shipments included a prepaid return label inside the box. If you need a replacement return label, you can print one HERE.
Please ensure you return your rented regalia on time. Per the rental agreement, any gown not returned within 30 days of your graduation ceremony will result in a replacement fee equal to the full purchase price.
Honor Cords
How do graduates get honor cords?
Honor cords are only given to undergraduate students who have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Students must meet these averages, for both USC coursework and on combined transferred and USC coursework. University honors is then determined by either the USC GPA or the combined USC and transfer GPA, whichever is lower.
You will be contacted by your school’s commencement coordinator or academic advisor during the spring semester if you are eligible to receive one. They are free of charge.
Where do I pick up my honor cord?
Honor cords are provided by your individual school. You will be contacted by their team and instructed on how to pick up your cord.
Diplomas, Program Book, Yearbook
When will I get my diploma?
Diplomas are distributed by the Office of Academic Records and Registrar, Degree Progress. They will be mailed to your permanent address approximately six weeks after degrees are conferred on May 14.
When and where do I receive my diploma cover?
Diploma covers are distributed to graduates at their Academic School Ceremony.
Will my name be listed in the 2026 digital commencement program?
If you have worked with Degree Progress to confirm that your requirements are complete, you will be listed in the program.
How do I get a copy of the 2026 digital commencement program?
You will be able to download a copy of the digital program from the commencement website and virtual platform.
How do I take my yearbook/graduation photo?
USC’s yearbook, El Rodeo, partners with Lauren Studios to take portraits each fall semester. For more information about portrait appointments, dedications and other yearbook questions, please visit the El Rodeo website.
How will yearbooks be issued out to purchasers?
When ordering the yearbook, purchasers may elect to pick up the book on campus or have the book shipped directly to domestic addresses. Student Publications will be in contact directly with purchasers to provide pickup information and shipping notifications. For questions related to yearbook orders, see the El Rodeo website.
International Students
I’m an international student, and I need a letter from USC to invite my parents for commencement. How can I get it?
Invitation letters are not required by U.S. Embassies or Consulates in order for family members of F-1/J-1 students and scholars to obtain visitor visas. As such, the Office of International Services (OIS) does not write letters of invitation for the purpose of inviting students’ and scholars’ family members to visit the United States.
As a courtesy to our students and scholars, OIS has provided a sample letter template for those who wish to write their own letter to invite primary family members (i.e., parents, grandparents and siblings) to the U.S. Again, this letter is not required and OIS provides this template as a courtesy only.
Should the student or scholar choose to write an invitation letter, they should also include a photocopy of their most recent I-20/DS-2019.
Baccalaureate
What is the Baccalaureate Ceremony? Are all students, families and guests invited to attend?
Baccalaureate is a nondenominational, interfaith 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.
When and where is the Baccalaureate Ceremony? Is there a fee to attend?
The Baccalaureate Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 13, at 5:00 p.m. It will be held in Bovard Auditorium and is free for students and their guests. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but guests must register to attend. Learn more and register.
Are tickets required for the Baccalaureate Ceremony?
Tickets are not required to attend this event, but we do ask that you register; seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Regalia for students at this ceremony is optional.