General Information
Ticketing
Security
Academics
Regalia
Honor Cords
Diplomas, Program Book, Yearbook
International Students
Health Protocols
General Information
When is Commencement 2024?
Wednesday, May 8 – Saturday, May 11. 2024. More than 100 commencement events will celebrate the conferral of 18,000+ degrees. Check ceremony times and locations for all of the schools and special events.
What are the different ceremonies?
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.
Do students have to register for Commencement?
Everyone who intends to participate in Commencement — students, family and friends — will need to sign up for tickets. More details will be provided in the near future.
When does the graduate need to arrive on campus on Commencement Day?
Campus access for Commencement events will begin at 8:00 a.m. Since Commencement activities will be ticketed and all students, guests and staff will need to clear security checkpoints, we recommend graduates arrive at least two hours before their ceremony to ensure ample time to enter the campus for their event.
When should guests arrive on Commencement Day?
Campus access for Commencement events will begin at 8:00 a.m. Since Commencement activities will be ticketed and all students, guests and staff will need to clear security checkpoints, we recommend guests arrive at least two hours before their ceremony to ensure ample time to enter the campus for their event.
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 in-person 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 commencement day only, Friday May 10th. Checkout begins at 8:00 a.m. and all chairs must be returned by 9:00 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 9:00 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.
Ticketing
What commencement events will require a ticket?
All commencement events taking place both on and off campus from May 8-11th will require a ticket. You can find the complete list of commencement events requiring a ticket on our commencement website.
Will one ticket work for all events May 8-11th or will graduates and guests need separate tickets for each day?
Graduates and their guests will need separate tickets for each day. Graduates will receive their tickets through USC Ticket Office My Account no later than Friday, May 3. After claiming their mobile tickets, they may transfer event tickets to up to eight named guests for the commencement ceremonies and celebrations that they are registered to attend.
Will commencement tickets be made available free of charge?
Yes, a graduating student can reserve up to nine tickets (one for themselves and up to eight for their named guests) at no charge for the commencement ceremonies and celebrations that they are registered to attend.
How do I reserve tickets?
Graduating students will receive a detailed memo, sent to their USC email address, to inform them when their commencement tickets are available to download. The memo will provide information on how to download their ticket – and distribute their eight guest tickets – for the commencement ceremonies and celebrations that they are registered to attend. Graduating students will need to use their USC email account to access these tickets. Children under 2 years of age do not need a ticket to attend.
Who is eligible to reserve tickets?
Students who are eligible to graduate during the 2023-2024 school year are eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies and may reserve up to eight tickets for the events that they are participating in. Eligibility is verified by the Registrar’s Office.
Can parents or other guests reserve tickets directly?
No. Only graduating students, using their Student ID, will be able to claim up to eight guest tickets. Graduating students will need to use their USC email account to access their tickets through USC Ticket Office My Account. After claiming their mobile tickets, they may transfer the tickets to their named guests via email.
All tickets transferred to family members and other guests will be linked back to the graduate who reserved them.
Is it possible to reserve more than nine tickets?
Graduating students may request additional tickets by completing the Additional Ticket Request Form. All requests for additional tickets will be reviewed, and we will do our best to accommodate these requests within reason and in consideration of space limitations. Graduating students may only request additional guest tickets for ceremonies/celebrations they are currently registered to attend.
Will guests have the option to print tickets?
No, all tickets are mobile and printed tickets will not be accepted. Tickets should be downloaded to a mobile device prior to arriving to campus. On-campus Wi-Fi service may be limited or unavailable due to the large crowd.
When and where will I need to show my mobile ticket for entry?
All graduates and guests will be required to show a mobile ticket when entering campus or one of the off-campus venues (Galen Center, USC Village Great Lawn, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum).
Do I need to scan my ticket when leaving campus/commencement ceremony?
If you plan on returning for another commencement activity [in the same day], you must have your ticket scanned when exiting campus. If scanned when exiting, you can return later [that day], and your ticket will still be valid.
Why has the university moved to a ticketing system for this year’s commencement?
With an expected 65,000 students, families, and friends planning to attend numerous ceremonies and celebrations, USC – like most large research universities – has made the decision to transition to a ticketed system to ensure a safe and secure celebration.
Security
Why are you putting in place these new security measures?
Our focus remains on the safety of all of our guests as we gather to celebrate our 2024 graduating class. The university is implementing the same security protocols we use at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Our hope is guests will be familiar with the procedures they have experienced at Trojan football games.
What time will campus open for commencement events on May 9, 10 and 11?
Commencement event guests can access campus beginning at 8:00 a.m.
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.
An exception will be made for diaper bags (when an infant is present) and medically necessary items after proper inspection.
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.
What kind of security check will be performed?
Similar to security checks at Trojan football and basketball games, all persons and their belongings will be subject to metal detector screening and bag inspection prior to entering campus.
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.
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 in-person 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 (2024). 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 for the in-person 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?
You can order your regalia via the USC Bookstore website. The deadline to order Cap and Gown Rentals to ship to your home is April 7, 2024.
After April 7th regalia can be rented only in-person at the Bookstore. In-person distribution begins May 6th until May 10th.
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 in-person 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
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 the Registrar, Degree Progress. They will be mailed to your permanent address approximately six weeks after degrees are conferred on May 10.
When and where do I receive my diploma cover?
Diploma covers are distributed to students at their school’s in-person ceremony.
Will my name be listed in the 2024 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 2024 commencement program?
You will be able to download a copy of the 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.
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.
Health Protocols and Restrictions
Will there be any COVID policies and restrictions in place when visiting USC’s campus for Commencement?
Currently no 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.