FAQ for Class of 2025

General Information

When is Commencement 2025?

Wednesday, May 14 – Saturday, May 17^. 2025. 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 Commencement Ceremony, taking place in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, will include the presentation of honorary degree recipients, keynote address from the 2025 commencement speaker as well as remarks from President Carol Folt 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 all school ceremonies be streamed?

Yes, all school ceremonies will be streamed on our virtual platform.

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.

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 16^th. 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—Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Pasadena, offer a variety of hotels at different price points.

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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 15, and Friday, May 16, 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 16.

For ceremonies on Wednesday, May 14, and Saturday, May 17, 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 17.

Please see the Transit and Parking Page for more details.

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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. There will be hospitality areas in a variety of places to sit, rest and hydrate in the shade.

What personal items am I allowed to bring to commencement?

Bags, backpacks, and other containers will be prohibited with the following exceptions:

• One bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and does not exceed 12” by 6” by 12”, or;
• A one-gallon clear plastic storage bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• In addition to one of the clear bags noted above, guests may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.

Other permissible items (subject to further inspection):

• Diaper bags (only when an infant is present)
• Strollers
• Medically necessary items after proper inspection
• Personal camera equipment (photo and video) is allowed. Please adhere to the clear bag policy when bringing equipment to campus.

What items am I prohibited from bringing to commencement?

• Bags, Backpacks or Purses which do not meet Bag Policy guidelines. Hard or Soft Coolers, Baskets, Packages or Containers;
• Alcoholic Beverages, Bottles or Cans; 
• Metal water bottles (Factory sealed bottles of water are allowed); 
• Illegal Drugs and Weapons including Firearms, Knives, Explosives, Fireworks, Lighters and Laser Pointers;
• Selfie-Sticks and Tripods;
• Banners, Sticks, Poles, Inflatables, Frisbees, and Balls; 
• Umbrellas and Folding or Beach Chairs;
• Noise making devices such as whistles, bullhorns, or air horns;
• Pets (Service Animals are allowed);

Will I be allowed to bring bottles of water, food, or other items?

Yes. Snack items and factory sealed water are allowed. Hydration stations to refill water bottles are located throughout campus for your convenience. Alcoholic beverages of any kind are not permitted.

 Will you supply clear bags if I don’t have one?

Please plan to bring your own clear bag. We will make some available to guests on a first come, first served basis.

Will there be a place to store my bag?

We plan to have a limited number of spaces available on a first come, first served basis to store belongings that do not pass security. We recommend storing your items in your car or elsewhere.

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Accessibility

Academics

How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?
Students will need to check their degree status with the Office of the 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. Ph.D. 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 day 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 (2025).  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.

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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 is required. Regalia is available for graduating students to rent or purchase through the USC Bookstore.

Can I rent regalia the day of my Commencement ceremony?

A limited amount of regalia will be available to rent outside of the Bookstore on commencement day. To avoid waiting in possible long lines, we recommend ordering in advance via the USC Bookstore.

How do I return my regalia after the Commencement ceremonies?

All rented regalia should be dropped off in the return bins located around campus following your ceremony. Permanent bins will be placed in front of the Bookstore.

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

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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.

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Diplomas, Program Book, Yearbook

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas are distributed by the Office of the Registrar, Degree Progress. They will be mailed to your permanent address approximately six weeks after degrees are conferred on May 15.

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 2025 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 2025 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 see 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 pick-up information and shipping notifications.  For questions related to yearbook orders, see the El Rodeo website.

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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?

Please inquire with the Office of International Services, or emailing ois@usc.edu.

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Health Protocols and Restrictions

Will there be any COVID policies and restrictions in place when visiting USC’s campus for Commencement?

There are Currently no health restrictions or limitations for visitors coming to campus. If you have any symptoms or are currently in isolation/quarantine period due to a recent infection or exposure, you may not attend.

Please note that COVID polices and protocols are subject to change. Information on protocol updates will be communicated to guests by email or other appropriate mechanism.

Do I need to be vaccinated to come to campus and attend commencement?

No.