Graduation 101: A Guide to the
Commencement
Anne Martorana
2023
Leigh
Executive Event Producer, Academic Events Cultural Relations and University Events
Commencement.usc.edu
Commencement Structure • Main ceremony, Friday, May 12th – Honorary Degrees, Commencement Speaker, Valedictorian address – Students process into Alumni Park at 8:30 a.m • Satellite ceremonies (aka school ceremonies) – Where students cross the stage and name is read outloud – Various locations and times throughout the day
Thursday Events • Baccalaureate Ceremony, 5:00 p.m. • Cultural Celebrations • Award ceremonies – Students will receive information if invited – Take place in afternoon
How can I get Commencement information? • commencement.usc.edu • Grad Fest: 2023 – February 15 & 16 – Regalia rental, memorabilia package deals, etc. – 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. in the Tutor Campus Grand Ballroom and virtual
What do students need to do before graduation? • Checklist available on commencement.usc.edu under Graduates tab • Ensure on track with advisors • Check name on diploma and program – Degree Progress will send out link in late Spring • Check address online for diploma mailing • Order regalia
Planning for Commencement Day
Transportation
Always add time to account for traffic to and around campus
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• Suggestions: – Park at your student’s apartment and walk – Use the Metro Expo Line – Uber or Lyft • be sure to use designated drop-off and pickup areas around campus
Parking • All parking in USC structures are free for Commencement activities on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday • Tell the attendant you are here for Commencement and ask for a pass – Passes are only valid for a day; overnight parking is not permitted
Wheelchair Drop-off & Seating
• Wheelchair Drop-off – Enter at Royal Street Entrance, located on Jefferson Blvd. Drop off is behind Leavey Library on 34th Street – Vehicles will then be directed to park at the Flower Street Parking Structure • Wheelchair Seating – Space for one guest in a wheelchair and one escort – Located on Trousdale, near flowers that spell USC
Wheelchair Checkout • A limited number of wheelchairs are available for complimentary checkout • Located behind Leavey Library on West 34th Street • Checkout begins at 6:00 a.m., and all wheelchairs must be returned by 5:00 p.m.
When to Arrive • If attending the Main Ceremony, arrive by 7:00 a.m. to secure parking and seating – Students need to be at their designated assembly place by 8:00 a.m. to march in at 8:30 a.m. • If only attending the satellite ceremony, please plan for extra time to find parking, etc. as structures may already be full due to the main ceremony
Celebrating Your Student
• Sashes – Very popular memorabilia item sold at the Bookstore, though not required – Can be customized with any messaging • Does take time for embroidery so don’t wait until the last minute to order
Sash Examples • Class year • School name • Greek letters • Nickname • Significant quote
Celebrating Your Student
Flower Leis
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– May be pre-purchased through the Bookstore – Also sold on Commencement Day in various locations throughout campus
Tips • Lunch – Some programs will offer a reception before or after their ceremony, though fare will vary • Some are just light refreshments, while others are more substantial – On-campus options are available but will be very busy or have required reservations – If leaving campus, consider traffic in/out of parking structures. Give yourself enough time to get off-campus and to your reservation
Tips • Making Memories – For photos, get to campus early at least the day before Commencement Day to get desired shots throughout campus with and without caps and gowns • Students begin to organize their own group photo shoots in the two weeks leading up to Commencement – Return to campus at the end of the day when it is quieter
FAQ • Do I need to register for Commencement? – Students do not need to register for the Main Ceremony and most satellite ceremonies. Students should check the Commencement website for information about registration/tickets for their respective schools.
FAQ • Is there a rehearsal? – There is no rehearsal for the Main Ceremony. Students should arrive no later than 8 a.m. on Commencement Day to line up before they march. – Certain satellite ceremonies, like Dramatic Arts, may have rehearsals. The students will receive an email from their individual schools regarding any rehearsal opportunities.
FAQ • Do I have to attend the main ceremony? – While it is not required for students to attend the Main Ceremony, the majority of students do choose to listen to the Commencement speaker, the valedictorian, and President Folt. Students will not be called onstage individually, but families enjoy coming to this ceremony because it is a big, spirited celebration.
• What if I’m double majoring and the ceremonies are at the same time?
• Students with a double major have two options:
1) pick one degree and only walk across the stage at that satellite ceremony
2) reach out to each school’s commencement coordinator about walking in both ceremonies. Coordinators try their best to work with other schools to call names in the beginning of one and the end of the other. Family members should be cautioned that they will have to leave one and get to the other very quickly if their student chooses this option.
FAQ
and where do
• When
graduates get their diplomas? – Diplomas will be mailed to the graduate’s permanent address four to six weeks after final grades are posted. Hence, why students should be checking their address listing under MyUSC in the spring.
Still Have Questions?
Refer to: commencement.usc.edu Email: academicevents@usc.edu