University of Southern California Orientation Programs
2012/13
Student Handbook
Welcome 1 Welcome from the President 2 Exploring New Challenges by Vice President Michael Jackson 2 Getting Off to a Fast Start by Vice Provost Eugene Bickers Community Standards 3 Academic Integrity at USC 3 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Welcome Week 4 Before You Arrive on Campus 4 Move-In Day and Welcome Week Academic Advisement 5 Advisement and Advisors Orientation 6 Orientation Coordinators and Advisors Academic Resources 8 Resource Guide Information Sources 9 Catalogue, USC Student Affairs Website, myUSC, SCampus, Schedule of Classes Registration 10 Registration Steps
Campus Housing 11 Check In 11 Furnishings Provided 11 Items to Bring to Campus 11 Mail and Package Delivery 11 Customer Service Centers 11 Access System 12 Smoke-Free Policy 12 Wireless Access 12 Residential Housing Protection Campus Dining 13 Dining Options and Meal Plans Transportation 14 Parking Permits 14 Campus Cruiser Program 14 USC Bus Service Financial Matters 15 Estimated College Costs 15 Paying Tuition and Fees 16 Financial Aid 16 USC Credit Union 16 Banking Around Campus Student Organizations 17 Getting Involved
Published by the Division of Student Affairs, Orientation Programs and University Publications, 2012
Welcome
Learn About USC’s Vibrant Community
“With students from all 50 states, USC is home to more international students than any university in the nation.
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This diversity enriches your educational experience and prepares you to make your way in our globally interconnected world.” – C. L. Max Nikias, President
Dear USC Student, Welcome to New Student Orientation! We’re delighted to have you on our campuses, and I hope this orientation gives you a strong sense of USC and its vibrant community. You will soon discover that although USC is a major research university, it has the feel of a small college. You have tremendous opportunities to do research alongside faculty – an invaluable experience if you pursue graduate studies. We also encourage you to consider USC’s vast spectrum of minors, which now exceeds 150, and perhaps pursue one far removed from your own major. We hope you will make Visions and Voices a regular part of your time at USC, and embrace the exciting social life on our campuses and the spirit of our sporting events. With students from all 50 states, USC is home to more international students than any university in the nation. This diversity enriches your educational experience and prepares you to make your way in our globally interconnected world. During your time here, you should also venture beyond our campuses. The university stands in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world, and the de facto capital of the Pacific Rim. You will benefit tremendously from the city’s wealth of worldclass museums, performance venues and cultural offerings, as well as its innumerable opportunities for socializing, employment and volunteering. As you know, USC ranks among the most select universities in the nation, and you should take great pride in your acceptance. Our students form a very special community, bustling with talent, passion and curiosity. The bonds you form on our campuses are lifelong, and you will be amazed to learn how powerful our alumni network really is – even decades after you graduate. It all starts here! Fight On! C. L. Max Nikias President
Exploring New Challenges
Getting Off to a Fast Start
Dear New Students,
Dear USC Student,
Welcome to the University of Southern California (USC) and the challenges and opportunities for personal development that higher education offers. You have chosen to attend one of the most outstanding and internationally recognized universities in the world. USC students come from all 50 states and from more than 100 foreign countries. The student body comprises students from different races, religions, ethnicities, ages and economic backgrounds. This great “human mix” will give you an opportunity to learn about others and about yourself as you share in the common enterprise of taking advantage of the tremendous educational programs at USC. USC will challenge you. You will have a chance to study under the guidance of terrific faculty who will take a personal interest in your development. Your work in the classroom, the laboratories and in the university’s many student organizations and co-curricular activities will help you develop skills and abilities you never dreamed possible. You will also have opportunities to develop leadership abilities, explore career interests and learn about ways to work with others to help improve our society. While each of you has come to USC with expectations, the university also has expectations of you. I encourage you to embrace the following tenets: • Students at USC are expected to be serious scholars. • Students at USC are expected to conduct themselves with integrity inside and outside the classroom. • Students at USC are expected to take responsibility for their behavior and live by the “Principles of Community.” • Students at USC are expected to leave the university a better place than when they arrived.
The beginning of a new academic year is always an exciting time for those of us on the faculty, as we get the chance to meet incoming students from around the nation and the world. Perhaps you will bear with me if I share a few suggestions for getting off to a fast start. Number one: Get organized! The week is full of time to study, to write, to exercise, to talk to your professors and to go out with your friends. Yet it takes some practice to get the hang of managing your schedule well, and the best time to start with that is now. Be realistic about the amount of time you can devote to each activity, and don’t overextend yourself at the beginning. Number two: Get into the habit of reading your emails on a regular basis. Campus offices often use email to share information on new opportunities. It will definitely pay to stay well-informed. Number three: Be active, not passive, about your education. When something does not make sense in class, ask about it. Chances are five other people would like to ask the same question. Seek out your professors during their office hours. Let them know who you are, and get to know them as individuals, not just as instructors. Number four: Spend as much time listening to people who disagree with you as to people who agree. Universities facilitate the free and open exchange of ideas, and it’s crucial to be a tolerant and receptive listener. You may change your mind about some things; you may not. In any case, your point of view will be expanded, and you will be richer for the experience. Finally, number five: At every opportunity, explore new subjects both inside and outside the classroom. Right now you may have a complete career in mind, or you may really have no idea of what you want to do in life. In either case you are now at a university that offers a stunning variety of courses in humanities, sciences, arts and the professions. You will never have a greater opportunity to learn about new things than you have now and in the next four years. Your exploration should extend beyond the classroom, for USC is one of the most diverse universities in America, and we are located in the heart of the most diverse city in America. Welcome to our intellectual community. We are excited that you will be joining us as students, as colleagues in our academic endeavor and eventually as alumni who will be the face of USC in the future.
The USC community is eager to assist you in achieving your goals and realizing your aspirations. As you join us, you will find that the success of each USC student is integral to the mission of the university and is our highest priority. Sincerely, Michael L. Jackson Vice President for Student Affairs
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UNIVER S I T Y O F S O U T H E RN C A L IF OR N IA
Sincerely, Eugene Bickers Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs
Community Standards
Learning University Community Rights and Standards
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Successful students are aware of the expectations of them as members of the university community. Become familiar with
university standards by reviewing the “University Governance” section of SCampus, our student guidebook. It is available online at www.usc.edu/scampus.
Academic Integrity at USC USC, like all academic communities, stresses honesty and integrity in all academic endeavors. All students are expected to be aware of and abide by academic standards and behaviors. Those who fail to uphold the academic integrity standards not only suffer severe consequences to their grades and their student status at the university, but also cheat themselves and others out of learning, degrade the value of USC degrees and diminish the prestige of a USC education. What constitutes academic dishonesty at USC is spelled out in the “University Governance” section of the SCampus student guidebook (www.usc.edu/scampus). Academic dishonesty is any act that gains or is intended to gain an unfair academic advantage for a student or that circumvents an instructor’s course standards. This may include, but is not limited to, plagiarism (using someone else’s work in any academic assignment without properly citing the source and indicating quoted material), cheating (such as using crib notes during an exam, permitting another to copy work or submitting work not completed by the student), unauthorized collaboration (preparing academic assignments with another person without faculty authorization) or falsifying academic records (including falsified medical excuses or misrepresentation of official records). As outlined in SCampus, the university recommends a grade of “F” in a course for any found act of academic dishonesty. Information, including the academic integrity review process and academic dishonesty sanction guidelines, can be found in the “University Governance” section of SCampus. Additional information can be found at www.usc.edu/student-affairs/SJACS.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (The Buckley Amendment) The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, sometimes referred to as the Buckley Amendment) is a federal law that protects the privacy of education records for any student at the university. To comply with this law, USC must have written permission from the student in order to release any non-directory information from a student’s “education record.” Recognizing that many students wish to share this information with their parents and family members, USC has developed an online system that: • Allows students to grant their parents access to education and medical records in one step • Allows parents to view elements of the education records that are available in USC’s central student information system Students may log in to myUSC (my.usc.edu) and click on OASIS, USC’s Web-based student information system, and use the “Establish Guest Access” feature to grant parents permission to view education and medical records. See the following instructions for logging in to OASIS and granting access. Your authorization for access takes effect immediately and remains in effect until you revoke it (or until it expires, six years after authorization). You may use OASIS to revoke access at any time. Individuals whose “OASIS for Guests” accounts are revoked will be notified that they no longer have access. Important: OASIS allows you to grant access to all elements of your education records. If you wish to grant access to selected elements of your records (i.e., financial information but not grades), you will be directed to complete subject-specific forms for the appropriate offices. Once you grant online access, your parents/ family members may log in to “OASIS for Guests” to view such information as grades,
courses and progress to degree. Directions about obtaining access to records that are not available online are provided through “OASIS for Guests.” If you have questions or feedback regarding this process, please contact the Office of Academic Records and Registrar: ferpahelp@ usc.edu or (213) 740-6963. For more information regarding FERPA, visit USC’s FERPA Website: www.usc.edu/ferpa. Directions to Grant or Revoke Access to OASIS for Guests • Log in to myUSC (my.usc.edu) with your USC username and password. • Click on the OASIS link under Single Sign-On Quicklinks. • Once logged in, click the Establish Guest Access link on the OASIS main page. • Read the information on the Allowing Guest Access page. • Click the Proceed to Grant/Remove Guest Access button. • Click the Create a New Account button on the Current Guest Access page. • Complete the New Account form. • Click the Submit button on the New Account form. • Review the information on the Authorization to Release Records page. • Select the appropriate buttons for the records you wish to authorize. • Click the Submit this Authorization button. • Select the appropriate button to confirm or cancel your authorization. • Provide the following to your designated guest: a) your USC ID number; b) the Guest Login ID you defined; c) the Guest PIN you defined; and d) the URL to gain access: www.usc.edu/oasisguest. Note: If your guest forgets the Guest Login ID or Guest PIN you assigned, he or she must contact you. Only students may create, revoke and release Guest Login IDs and Guest PINs.
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Welcome Week
Move-In Day and Welcome Week
New Student Orientation is your introduction to USC. Continue your transition by talking to your parents about expectations for the coming year (our students have some suggestions) before you arrive on campus. The excitement of Move-in Day is followed by Welcome Week, which will jump-start your involvement in campus activities and the USC community.
Before You Arrive On Campus The months before move-in can be a hectic time. Students and parents often do not take the time to clearly discuss expectations for the coming year. We asked current students to tell us what they discussed with their parents before coming to USC. These are the topics they suggest: • budget (spending money, job, bill payment, checking accounts, credit cards) • communication (how often, via phone, texts, mail, email or instant messenger) • health coverage (insurance coverage, prescription plans) • car/no car (insurance coverage information, parking) • sorority and fraternity recruitment and membership • computer • grades and academic expectations • Move-In Day plans Move-In Day Move-In Day is the first day students can move into their USC Housing assignment. For the 2012–2013 academic year, MoveIn Day will be on Wednesday, August 22. Students, alumni, parents and staff will assist you and welcome you to the Trojan Family. Here are some important items you should check off your list on Move-In Day: • Check into university housing; you will need your USCard or a valid photo ID. • Meet your Resident Advisor (RA) and learn the schedule for your mandatory first floor meeting, as well as learn about upcoming events, especially Welcome Week activities designed to acclimate you to USC. • Get a USC ID at the USCard Office in Parking Structure X (PSX) if you have not already done so. You will need this card to gain entry to your residential building and the Lyon Recreation Center, register your library barcode and use the computer labs and printers on campus.
The USCard is also used for your meal plan and discretionary account. • Sign up for a fall semester meal plan (if you haven’t already as part of your USC Housing contract). • Stop by the University Bookstore for books and supplies. • Purchase a parking permit (if needed) at Transportation Services in PSX. • Speak with a financial aid and/or financial services representative (if needed). • Settle your student account at the Cashier’s Office. • Pick up your orientation materials if you did not attend a summer orientation session. • Pick up linen ordered during the summer from the URSC Linen Program. More information about Move-In Day will be sent in early August to everyone living in USC Housing. Move-In Day will be a highly anticipated experience and a day for creating Trojan memories. Welcome Week The orientation process continues with our annual Welcome Week, which starts on Move-In Day. Welcome Week activities focus on the multitude of academic, social and cultural communities you will be a part of while at USC. Each program offers opportunities for you to become involved in campus life and enriches your introduction to the new university environment. Annual activities include the New Student Convocation; Welcome Back Carnival, Rally and Concert; Micro-seminars; Comedy Show; and Dive-In Movie. Welcome Week concludes with a Student Involvement Fair on Wednesday, August 29. At the fair, you can learn more about various programs and organizations available for your continued involvement at USC. A calendar of events will be available in late July. You can sign up for Welcome Week activities beginning August 1.
Academic Advisement
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Advisement and Advisors
At the University of Southern California, we are strongly committed
to the belief that your education belongs to you. Academic advisors are here to assist you in making the most of your educational opportunities. As you choose from our wide array of majors and minors, take advantage of the expertise of our academic advisors.
Here at USC, undergraduate advisement is a terrific resource. There are a variety of academic policies, rules and regulations for every major and degree program. Our staff and faculty advisors are here to help guide every student’s academic career. The university-wide network of advisors is available to assist you in understanding and meeting your academic goals and curricular requirements. At orientation, you will meet with your academic advisor to discuss course selection and registration. If you cannot attend an orientation session, you must contact the office of Orientation Programs at (213) 740-7767 and review the information regarding your academic program and policies included in your orientation packet before contacting an academic advisor. To schedule an advising appointment, refer to the list below and call the number listed with your major. If you are undeclared or undecided about your major, the USC Dornsife College Advising Office will be your academic home. Their advisors will help you select courses for registration as well as help you explore possible majors. To ensure an excellent academic start, the university has instituted mandatory advisement for all incoming students. In other words, you must receive academic advisement before you can register for classes. Advisement for firstyear students serves as an introduction to USC’s academic opportunities. Advisement for transfer students is a critical factor in moving from one academic institution to another. Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences - Dornsife College Advising Office CAS 120 740-2534 - American Language Institute JEF 206 740-0090 - American Studies PSD 101 740-3800 - Anthropology GFS 220A 740-5806 - Archaeology PSD 101 740-3800 - Art History VKC 351 740-4552 - Biological Sciences PSD 101 740-3800
- Chemistry SGM 416 740-6716 - Classics GFS 220A 740-5806 - Comparative Literature CAS 120 740-2534 - Computer Science SAL 306 740-4779 - Earth Sciences ZHS 117 740-6109 - East Asian Languages and Cultures PSD 101 740-3800 - East Asian Area Studies CLH 101 740-2992 - Economics KAP 300 740-7525, 740-5403 - English THH 404H 740-3725 - Environmental Studies CAS 120 740-2534 - French PSD 101 740-3800 - Gender Studies THH 422 740-2792 - General Studies/Interdisciplinary Major CAS 200 740-2961 - Geography KAP 462E 740-8298 - Health and Humanity CAS 120 740-2534 - History SOS 153 740-1659 - International Relations VKC 301 740-8630 - Italian CAS 120 740-3800 - Judaic Studies HUC 749-3424 - Kinesiology PED 109 740-2480 - Linguistics GFS 214A 740-3891 - Mathematics KAP 470B 821-0449 - Neuroscience PSD 101 740-3800 - Philosophy PSD 101 740-3800 - Physics and Astronomy SGM 416 740-6716 - Political Science VKC 214 740-3621 - Psychology SGM 501 740-2203 - Religion GFS 200A 740-5806 - Slavic Languages and Literature THH 255 740-2735 - Sociology KAP 352 740-8851 - Spanish PSD 101 740-3800 - Thematic Option CAS 200 740-2961 - Undecided/Undeclared CAS 120 740-2534
Professional Schools Accounting, Leventhal School of ACC 101 740-4838 Architecture, School of HAR 210 740-2090, 821-0746 Business, Marshall School of BRI 104 740-0690 Cinematic Arts, School of - Cinematic Arts SCB 105 740-8358 - Writing for Screen and Television SCA 335 740-3303 Communication and Journalism, Annenberg School for ASC 140 740-0900 Dramatic Arts, School of DRC 104 740-1286 Engineering, Viterbi School of RTH 110 740-4530 Fine Arts, Roski School of WAH 116 (213) 821-1290 Gerontology, Davis School of GER 108 740-1729 Independent Health Professions - Occupational Therapy CHP 133 (323) 442-1865 Medicine, Keck School of - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention UVI Suite E210 740-1060 Music, Thornton School of LPB 200 740-4721 Public Policy, Price School of RGL 102 740-4723 Others - AFROTC PED 112 740-2670 - AROTC PED 110 740-4026 - Athletics HER B30 740-3801 - NROTC PED 101 740-2663, 740-1839 - Structured Curriculum Program STU 301 740-0776 - Writing Program JEF 150 740-1980
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Orientation
Orientation Coordinators and Advisors Orientation Coordinators Jessica Frey, Senior Major: Theatre Minor: Cinematic Arts Hometown: Hollister, CA Honors and Activities: National Orientation Directors Association Showcase Award, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, greek life, Panhellenic Executive Board, Theatre Students Association Hobbies and Interests: Acting, comedy, dancing, skateboarding, Disneyland, watching movies and TV, laughing, the beach Neelam Savla, Graduate Major: Political Science & Psychology Minor: Environmental Studies Hometown: Northridge, CA Honors and Activities: Trustee Scholar, Dornsife Dean’s List, USC tour guide, Center for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Fellow, Order of the Torch, Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society, Dornsife Ambassador Hobbies and Interests: Dancing, anything about USC, LA Lakers, travel, exploring LA
Orientation Advisors Kevin Barth, Sophomore Major: Computer Science & Business Administration Hometown: Chicago, IL Honors and Activities: Presidential Scholar, Spirit Leader, Campus Crusade for Christ, greek life Hobbies and Interests: Swimming, water polo, soccer (Manchester United and Real Madrid), Tim Tebow, intramural sports, stand-up comedy, snowboarding, Pokémon, Speed Racer, Sonic the Hedgehog John Canlas, Junior Major: Kinesiology Minor: Sports Media Studies Hometown: Glendale, CA Honors and Activities: Student athletic trainer assistant for football and basketball, greek life, Lyon Center official, University Residential Student Community Community Outreach Coordinator Hobbies and Interests: Playing and watching sports, comedy and action movies, new music, passing out while studying Melina Charis, Junior Major: English Minor: Psychology & Organizational Leadership and Management Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Honors and Activities: Associated Trustee & Presidential Scholars, greek life, Dornsife Ambassador, Thematic Option, Emerging Leader Program, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society
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Hobbies and Interests: Writing, exploring LA, theatre, cooking, movies, the beach, adventures Poly Chuong, Senior Major: Business Administration Hometown: San Diego, CA Honors and Activities: Trojan Marching Band, volunteer income tax assistance associate at Deloitte, USC Accounting Society Hobbies and Interests: Stand-up comedy, History and Discovery channels, motorcycling along the coast and on racetracks Adam Feisst, Sophomore Major: Business Administration & International Relations Minor: German Hometown: Eau Claire, WI Honors and Activities: Trustee Scholar, Thematic Option, Dean’s List, USC tour guide, Daily Trojan, building government, Dornsife Student Ambassador, Freshman Advocacy Board, Queer & Ally Student Assembly, German Club, Community Health Involvement Project, Global Health Club, OUTreach Club, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, Associated Trustee & Presidential Scholars, Explore USC host Hobbies and Interests: Foreign languages, travel, Europe, culture, longboarding, running, biking, swimming, friends, new foods, texting, video games, movies, exploring LA, Wisconsin, cheese curds, singing, dancing, coffee shops, Facebook Dani Haberman, Junior Major: Theatre Hometown: Canyon Country, CA Honors and Activities: Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, Merry Men, Residential Education, Slanderous Tongues Theatre Hobbies and Interests: Theatre, music, vocal jazz, American Sign Language, special FX and gore makeup, improv comedy, Disney, fantasy novels Tim Heidorn, Junior Major: Theatre Hometown: Las Vegas, NV Honors and Activities: School of Theatre Dean’s List, USC Admissions intern, Troy Camp, Colleges Against Cancer, Theatre Students Association Hobbies and Interests: Acting, reality shows, Big Brother, student films, reading for pleasure, Yahoo! News bulletins, eye contact in the elevator Teja Henry, Senior Major: Political Science Hometown: Riverside, CA Honors and Activities: Building government chair, women’s rugby, Resident Counselor, SCaller, National Association of College and University Residence Halls Recognition Chair 2013
U N I VER S I T Y O F S O U T H E RN C A L IF OR N IA UNIVER
Hobbies and Interests: Soccer, football, cultures and languages, travel, exploring Cole Jones, Junior Major: Sociology Hometown: Alvin, IL Honors and Activities: Dornsife Dean’s List, Recreational Sports Membership Services, Queer & Ally Student Assembly Executive Board, Second Chance Prom Event Coordinator Hobbies and Interests: Volleyball, Charmed, food (grilled cheese, pizza, Freebirds), music (Marina & the Diamonds, Britney Spears, Ellie Goulding), working out, laughing, Tumblr, slow lorises Laura Kasper, Senior Major: Cinematic Arts, Critical Studies Minor: Communication and the Entertainment Industry Hometown: Geneva, Switzerland Honors and Activities: Women’s Ultimate Frisbee, Alternative Spring Break, Trojan Vision, Ski & Snowboard Team, building government, Relay for Life, Dance Included, European Student Association Hobbies and Interests: Travel, mountain biking, cooking, TV, movies, reading Ujin Kim, Junior Major: Business Administration Minor: Cinematic Arts & International Relations Hometown: Corona, CA Honors and Activities: Delta Omicron Zeta leadership fraternity, resident advisor, Asia Pacific Arts online magazine, stylist for Marshall/ POSE Magazine, USC Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE), Art History Department, Residential Education, Neon Tommy, Dean’s List Hobbies and Interests: Freelance makeup, films, documentaries, TV, music, gender/ sexuality, reading, sleeping, Ayn Rand, museum hopping, globe trotting, food, flea markets, art, modern architecture, culture Vicky Meng, Junior Major: Accounting Hometown: Changchun, China Honors and Activities: Marshall Women’s Leadership Board, International Students’ Assembly, Career Advantage Program, Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society, Leventhal Dean’s List, PwC’s xTREME Games, KMPG’s International Case Competition, USC Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Trojan Investing Society, Emerging Leader Program Hobbies and Interests: Shopping, music, movies, piano, reading biographies, coffee, spicy food, friends and family Daniel Mondoza, Junior Major: Business Administration Minor: East Asian Languages and Cultures Hometown: Victorville, CA
Honors and Activities: Trojan Marching Band, Marshall Undergraduate Advising Hobbies and Interests: Basketball, linguistics, investing Corey Norris, Sophomore Major: Architecture Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD Honors and Activities: Trustee Scholar, Triathlon Team, Alpha Rho Chi architecture fraternity Hobbies and Interests: Sports, art/sculpture, travel, shopping, food, Downtown, YouTube, music, wrestling alligators Cricket Oles, Junior Major: Economics & International Relations Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT Honors and Activities: USC tour guide, Teaching International Relations Program, Dornsife Dean’s List, SCoutfitters Hobbies and Interests: Volunteering, running, hiking, reading, USC football Dylan Purdy, Junior Major: Psychology Minor: Forensics and Criminality Hometown: Crete, IL Honors and Activities: Khoir Practice A Cappella, Troy Camp, Joint Educational Project Hobbies and Interests: Music, singing, theatre, friends, the Bee Gees, sleeping, Wheel of Fortune Josh Romanu, Sophomore Major: Biological Sciences Hometown: Fullerton, CA Honors and Activities: Dean’s Scholar, Baccalaureate/M.D. program, greek life, USC Interaxon Hobbies and Interests: Soccer, surfing, water polo, adrenaline sports, friends, the outdoors, piano, relaxing, neurological anatomy, Chuck, spontaneous activities Maheen Sahoo, Junior Major: Philosophy, Politics and Law Minor: Communication Law and Media Policy Hometown: Bellevue, WA Honors and Activities: Undergraduate Student Government residential senator, Society 53, Dornsife Student Ambassador and Dean’s List, Daily Trojan sportswriter, USC Leadership Scholarship recipient Hobbies and Interests: Animal prints, puns/bad jokes, politics, news, Netflix, USC sports, purple, laughing Faatima Seedat, Senior Major: Neuroscience & Global Health Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Honors and Activities: Alternative Spring Break coordinator, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Southern California Homeless Initiative, Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, Teaching International Relations Program, Trojan Health Volunteers
07 Frey
Savla
Barth
Canlas
Charis
Chuong
Feisst
Haberman
Heidorn
Henry
Jones
Kasper
Kim
Meng
Mondoza
Norris
Oles
Purdy
Romanu
Sahoo
Seedat
Sherikian
Strickland
Tan
Traiman
Vasku
Veer
Hobbies and Interests: Reality TV, reading gossip magazines and Harry Potter, scrapbooking, travel, Taekwondo Aleek Sherikian, Junior Major: International Relations Hometown: Glendale, CA Honors and Activities: Multicultural greek life, intern for Hines & Hunt Entertainment and Schonbrun DeSimone Seplow Harris & Hoffman LLP Hobbies and Interests: Cycling, hiking, reading, baking, cooking, basketball, travel, the Laugh Factory, late night food truck hopping, new places in LA, watching Suits Kativa Strickland, Junior Major: Kinesiology Minor: Business Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA Honors and Activities: USC Presidential Scholar, greek life, Pre-Dental Honors Society, USC Bing Scholar, human resources assistant at USC Facilities Management Services, Women and Youth Supporting Each Other
Hobbies and Interests: Running, hiking, the beach, swimming, singing Choon Siong Tan, Junior Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Honors and Activities: Malaysian government scholarship, Malaysian Students’ Association, mentoring program Hobbies and Interests: Travel, foreign languages, yoga, snorkeling, learning Devra Traiman, Junior Major: Sociology Minor: Photography and Social Change & Human Rights Hometown: Scotch Plains, NJ Honors and Activities: Troy Camp, Joint Educational Project, Community Outreach through Distribution of the Arts, Peer Health Educator, Dornsife Ambassador, Delta Omicron Zeta leadership fraternity, Freshman Engagement Fellow at USC Hillel, Explore USC Host, Work-Study job, Dornsife Dean’s List
Hobbies and Interests: Photography, singing, Harry Potter, cooking, Lord of the Rings, dance, human rights, Mexican food, travel, coffee, education, Almond Honey Bunches of Oats, the beach, shoes, pasta, tomato-basil mozzarella, USC football Katrin Vasku, Senior Major: International Relations (Global Business) Hometown: Wiener Neustadt, Austria Honors and Activities: Ski & Snowboard Team, Figure Skating Club, Marshall International Exchange Program (Vienna), Dornsife Dean’s List, DEFL (Diplôme d’études en langue française) Hobbies and Interests: Acting/theatre, running, surfing, basketball, volleyball, singing, horseback riding, martial arts, piano, yoga, travel, extreme sports, hiking, drawing, film production, hip hop dance Anisha Veer, Junior Major: Business Administration & Psychology Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Yang
Honors and Activities: Marshall Dean’s List, CALPIRG, Marshall Women’s Leadership Board, Red Cross, Joint Educational Project, international exchange host, social psychology research assistant, ballroom and Latin dance team Hobbies and Interests: Eating, travel, exploring the world, yoga, hugs, art walks, Calvin and Hobbes, concerts, cooking, heartfelt movies, flash mobs, making puppies and kids laugh, learning, loving, living Steve Yang, Senior Major: Economics Minor: Music Recording Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA Honors and Activities: Phi Sigma Kappa, volunteer at soup kitchen Hobbies and Interests: Playing guitar, drums, bass; recording and producing music; songwriting; DJing; snowboarding
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Academic Resources
Find Answers to Your Academic Questions
This guide provides resources for a variety of academic issues. The publications and Websites described on the previous page are a great place to start learning about all that USC has to offer. We have an impressive array of student services and programs that offer everything from tutoring to career advice to registration help. Take advantage of them!
Academic Integrity - See SCampus
Credit by Examination - See academic department
Adding Classes - See Schedule of Classes Deadlines - See Schedule of Classes Drop/Add Forms - Registration, REG Lobby, (213) 740-8500
Degree Progress - See academic department - Degree Progress, JHH 010, (213) 740-7070
Advising Major Requirements - See departments Mandatory Restrictions - Dornsife College Advising Office, CAS 120, (213) 740-2534 Undeclared Majors - Dornsife College Advising Office, CAS 120, (213) 740-2534 Pre-Professional Services - Dornsife College Advising Office, CAS 120, (213) 740-2534 Careers/Jobs/Internships - Career Center STU 110, (213) 740-9111 Catalogue - www.usc.edu/catalogue Change of Address/Name - Transcript Verification Window, REG Lobby - my.usc.edu, click OASIS Change of Major To Obtain Form - Degree Progress, JHH 010, (213) 740-7070 - Dornsife College Advising Office, CAS 120, (213) 740-2534 To Obtain Signatures - New and old department To Return Form - Degree Progress, JHH 010, (213) 740-7070 Completed Course Summary - my.usc.edu, click OASIS
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UNIVER S I T Y O F S O U T H E RN C A L IF OR N IA
Disability Services - Disability Services and Programs, STU 301, (213) 740-0776 Dropping Classes Deadlines - See Schedule of Classes Drop/Add Forms - Registration, REG Lobby, (213) 740-8500 Enrollment Verification - Transcript Verification Window, REG Lobby - my.usc.edu, click OASIS Final Exam Schedule - See Schedule of Classes Freshman Seminars - Freshman Seminar Program, CAS 200, (213) 740-2961 - www.usc.edu/fsem Grades Change - Academic Review, JHH 113, (213) 740-7741 Grade Report - my.usc.edu, click OASIS Removal of Incompletes - Academic Records and Registrar, JHH 106, (213) 740-5586 Honor Societies - See SCampus - See USC Catalogue Learning Differences - USC Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity, STU 311, (213) 740-7884
Leave of Absence - See academic department - See USC Catalogue Major Declaring - Department office Requirements - Department advisor - See USC Catalogue Minor Declaring - Department office for the corresponding major Requirements - See USC Catalogue - Department advisor
Restrictions (Holds) Descriptions and Contact Information - See Schedule of Classes - my.usc.edu, click OASIS SCampus - www.usc.edu/scampus Schedule of Classes - www.usc.edu/soc STARs Report - my.usc.edu, click OASIS Structured Curriculum Program - Center for Academic Support, STU 301, (213) 740-0776
Pass/No Pass Forms - Registration, REG Lobby, (213) 740-8500
Textbooks - USC Bookstores, 3rd Floor, (213) 740-8398 - www.uscbookstore.com
Permit to Register - Registration, REG Lobby, (213) 740-8500 - my.usc.edu, click Web Registration
Transcripts - Transcript Verification Window, REG Lobby, (213) 740-7445 - www.usc.edu/dept/ARR/ transcripts
Placement Exams Testing Dates - Center for Testing and Assessment, STU 301, (213) 740-7166 Tests Required for Your Major - See your department/school
Transfer Credit Statement - Degree Progress, JHH 010, (213) 740-7070 Tuition Refund Insurance - www.usc.edu/webregistration Tutors - Center for Academic Support, STU 301, (213) 740-0776
Probation - Academic Review, TRO 101, Web Registration - www.usc.edu/webregistration (213) 740-7741 Withdrawal from Class Registration Appointments Deadlines - my.usc.edu, click Web - See Schedule of Classes Registration Registration Confirmation - Registration, REG Lobby, (213) 740-8500 - my.usc.edu, click Web Registration
Withdrawal from USC - Registration, REG Lobby, (213) 740-8500
Information Sources
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Discover What USC Has to Offer
The following is a list of handbooks and useful Websites that are available to help you get acquainted with what USC has to offer. Catalogue At 960 pages, the course Catalogue is your academic roadmap for USC. Organized by school, the Catalogue lists detailed descriptions and requirements for every major, minor and program offered at the university as well as course descriptions. It’s the book both current and prospective students refer to for information regarding everything from general education requirements to interdisciplinary programs. The Catalogue is published by the University Publications office and is updated annually. A copy is distributed to all entering students at their Orientation sessions. Catalogues are also available for purchase at the University Bookstore for $17 each. USC Student Affairs Website This Website is your online guide to the many programs and services provided by the Division of Student Affairs. Information on the Website includes student activities, academic support, career services, health services, residential education, international services, student publications and numerous other departments and programs. The site also includes the What’s Happening link to student programs and events, student profiles and videos. To find out more, visit www.usc.edu/student-affairs. MyUSC MyUSC is the university’s portal designed to give students, faculty and staff personalized access to wide-ranging campus resources in a single location on the Web. Through myUSC, you can customize your own home page based on personal preferences and interests. To access myUSC, click “popular links” on the USC home page or go to my.usc.edu and log in.
SCampus While the Catalogue details what USC offers academically, SCampus is the book that offers information about how to make your college experience more fulfilling and well-rounded. Planning Calendars, Student Services, Student Activities, University Governance and Explore L.A. are just a few of the sections in this student guidebook. The departmental telephone directory and maps section are particularly popular with students. The oldest publication for students at USC, SCampus is distributed during Orientation and is available online at www.usc.edu/scampus. You can also pick up a copy at the Undergraduate Student Government Office, Ronald Tutor Campus Center 224. Schedule of Classes Perhaps the most widely used publication on campus is the Schedule of Classes. Published online every semester, it details what classes are offered, what professor is teaching the class, when and where the class will be taught, as well as how to register for your classes once registration begins. It also includes the final examinations schedule, general education courses, distance education courses, course descriptions for each class, required textbook lists, and course syllabi and faculty bios for many classes. The Schedule of Classes is available online at www.usc.edu/soc.
Registration
Planning Your Schedule
Before you can register, you must complete the following steps. Obtain all registration materials • Pick up registration materials at Orientation Programs (www.usc.edu/ orientation), Student Union B-7.
These materials include: • USC Catalogue: Your academic contract with the university, the Catalogue contains academic major requirements and descriptions of every class offered at USC. • SCampus: A student guidebook with policies and procedures relating to university governance, descriptions of USC programs and services, maps and telephone directory. Meet with your academic advisor Obtain a Permit to Register • New students who attend orientation will receive a Permit to Register document. Students who do not attend orientation must pick up their permit at the Registration Building. Please bring your official letter of admission and valid ID (driver’s license or passport). • Continuing students may access their Permit to Register information on myUSC (my.usc.edu) or on OASIS (www.usc.edu/ OASIS) on the Permit to Register page. Clear all holds or restrictions • Your Permit to Register will list any restrictions on your account. Your advisor can tell you if your record contains holds that may prevent your registration and how to clear them. A complete list of holds appears in the Registration Procedures section of the Schedule of Classes (www. usc.edu/soc). Select courses from the Schedule of Classes • Refer to the online Schedule of Classes for course descriptions. • Remember to select backup classes that can fit into your schedule in case you encounter closed classes.
Obtain D clearance • Check for courses that require clearance. If you see a “D” next to the 5-digit class number, you must contact the department that offers the course and request a D clearance. Example: 23166D • Contact information for obtaining D clearances is listed below the department headings in the Schedule of Classes. Register for classes on Web Registration Follow the instructions below: 1. Log in to the USC Portal (my.usc.edu) using your email username and password. 2. Select the Web Registration link under Single Sign-on Quicklinks. 3. Select each course in which you wish to register by clicking the Add to MyCourseBin button in the middle of the screen. 4. Click the MyCourseBin link. 5. Click the Add This Course button. 6. Review the list of courses in which you are about to register. 7. Click the Submit button. Please read all system messages carefully to ensure you are properly registered for your courses.
To drop a class from your program: • In MyCourseBin, click the Unschedule link next to the course you wish to drop. • Click the Drop This Class button and proceed to drop the section. • Review the list of courses you are about to drop and click Submit. After completing your registration, you may print a copy of your registration confirmation from Web Registration.
Campus Housing
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Getting Ready for Move-In Day
Why live in university housing? For one thing, you’ll be close to
your classes, athletic events and libraries. For another, you’ll find that your fellow residents – a mix of students from Brooklyn, Bangkok or Boise – are facing the same challenges as you are. You’ll make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Check In (August 22) The following steps will make your move-in much easier: • Get your USC picture ID from the USCard Office in Parking Structure X. You will need this card to gain entry to your building. • Bring valid picture ID, such as your USC student ID, a driver’s license or passport. • Pick up your room, building and mailbox keys at the appropriate Customer Service Center for your building. You will receive further instructions from USC Housing. • Remember that keys can only be made available to you at a single location, so it is important to refer to the instructions sent from USC Housing for the appropriate times and locations. • Be sure to sign up with the USCard Office for any meal plan required by your housing assignment if you haven’t already done so. • Make any necessary payments at the USC Cashier’s Office, which is open during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Other Items Available at Check In Information will be available at check in on the following additional services, offered by separate companies: • Bottled water delivery • Laundry service • Renters’ insurance for personal property, fire and theft Furnishings Provided All university housing facilities are furnished. Every resident in university housing is provided with a bed, desk, desk chair, three dresser drawers and closet space. Apartments are also furnished with appropriate living and dining room furniture. Kitchen facilities vary. Some apartments have “full kitchens” with cabinet space, a sink, a full-size refrigerator and stove; some also come with dishwashers. “Kitchenettes,” found in most bachelor apartments, have a microwave and a minirefrigerator only. All residence hall rooms come with a microfridge – a small refrigerator and microwave combination.
Items to Bring to Campus Don’t forget to bring such items as towels, blankets, a bedspread or comforter, sheets (twin-sized, extra-long 36’’ x 80’’), pillow(s)/ pillowcases, an alarm clock, toiletries, hangers, decorations (such as posters, pictures or calendars), a fan and a cell phone. If you will have a kitchen, remember to bring silverware, dishes, glasses, cooking utensils, pots, pans and kitchen appliances, or wait to coordinate your kitchen needs with your roommate(s). If you are assigned to an apartment with a full kitchen you may wish to bring a small microwave. Shipping of Personal Belongings If you ship anything via U.S. Mail or a private express service, it must be prepaid and timed to arrive after you do. USC cannot provide storage space. You must have moved in to receive any shipments or they will be refused. Storage Space Although storage space is not available in university owned housing, there are private storage rental companies near campus that you can locate when you arrive. However, you will probably find that bringing so many belongings and needing to rent a storage space away from campus is an inconvenience. Please note that all university furniture must remain in its assigned apartment. Mail and Package Delivery The U.S. Post Office is responsible for mail delivery to most North University Park area housing buildings. Most University Park Campus buildings, however, have their mail delivered by Customer Service Centers (CSC). To ensure proper mail delivery, please refer to the CSC addresses on this page. You will receive your room or apartment number when you check in. Packages that do not fit into mailboxes are accepted by the CSCs and held for residents to pick up. You will receive a “package slip,” which must be presented along with your ID to claim your package. Please remember, we cannot accept packages before your check in.
Customer Service Centers (CSC) University Park Campus - Arts & Humanities Residential College (213) 740-8860 - International Residential College at Parkside (213) 740-1941 - New Residential College (213) 740-1492 - Fluor Tower (213) 740-2651 - Pardee Tower (213) 740-3626 North University Park - Cardinal Gardens (213) 743-5200 - Century Apartments (213) 821-8400 - Sierra Apartments (213) 743-5277 - Troy Hall East Apartments (213) 743-5288 Access System The Access Control System Network is an electronic entry-and-monitoring system that operates in almost all USC housing facilities. The Access Network’s closed circuit television and alarm system contribute to residents’ safety. If you are a resident of a university owned housing facility, your USCard will function as an electronic “key” to gain entry to your building or apartment complex. Your USCard will be programmed to grant access to your housing and parking facilities as well as the many buildings on campus that are access controlled after 5 p.m. Housekeeping and Maintenance Services The maintenance and cleanliness of university housing facilities is very important. USC Housing has custodial staff to maintain the public areas in each building, and a maintenance staff to handle repairs. To request a repair, you can place a work order by contacting your Housing Customer Service Center or calling the Housing Maintenance Office at (213) 740-4646. This office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Work orders can also be entered online at hsmtma.usc.edu.
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Housing Services
Laundry Facilities Most USC housing buildings have at least one on-site laundry room containing washers and dryers. These machines are owned and operated by a private company. Residents must provide their own detergent. The university recommends that students do not leave laundry unattended.
Vacuum Cleaners Each Customer Service Center offers vacuum cleaners for resident use. Residents may check out the vacuum cleaner by exchanging a valid ID (USC student ID or driver’s license). The limit for use is usually one hour, unless otherwise stated. Smoke-Free Policy USC has a smoke-free policy to meet the needs of residents who prefer to live in a smoke-free environment. All University Park Campus, North University Park and Health Sciences Campus housing facilities are smokefree environments, where smoking is not allowed even if a roommate gives consent and even if the resident is the sole occupant of the residence hall or apartment. All common areas, including apartment balconies of any housing facility, are also designated as non-smoking areas. Pets For legal, safety and health reasons, no pets other than fish (tank size of 10 gallons or less) are permitted. Violators are subject to disciplinary action, a fumigation fee and charges related to any necessary cleaning of the room or apartment. Internet and Cable Connections All university housing facilities are fully equipped with cable TV (requires a set with a digital tuner) and Ethernet connections (one per resident), and buildings have access to USC’s wireless network. However, due to structural requirements to meet earthquake codes, wired hook-ups in your room will always be the fastest and most efficient. Wireless Access USC’s wireless network is a private network, accessible to USC account holders and guests. There are two ways to connect to the USC wireless network: USC Wireless and USC Wireless Plus.
• USC Wireless: USC Wireless is an open network. You can connect without entering your username and password. Because USC Wireless is an open network, Information Technology Services (ITS) recommends that you use USC’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to protect your personal information when using this network. See usc.edu/ its/vpn for instructions. • USC Wireless Plus: USC Wireless Plus is a faster, encrypted network, available only to USC account holders. When connecting to USC Wireless Plus for the first time, you may need to configure your wireless device. For instructions, see usc.edu/its/wireless/plus. Go to usc.edu/its/mobile for information about how to connect your media-enabled mobile device to the USC wireless network and access your USC email. ITS recommends that you register laptops and other mobile devices at usc.edu/its/ connect/registration. For more information, visit usc.edu/its/wireless or contact the ITS Customer Support Center at (213) 740-5555 or consult@usc.edu. Residential Housing Protection Blue-light phones, located in garages, lobbies and other places throughout the campus area, are a direct link to the Department of Public Safety. In an emergency, push the button on the phone and a DPS dispatcher will answer. In addition to Public Safety officers, there is a full-time, radio-dispatched Residential Housing Protection/student officer staff. They patrol all university housing facilities from 8 p.m. to dawn and are additional “eyes and ears” for Public Safety. The Residential Housing Protection service is provided for the health, safety and well being of residents and their property. During semester and spring breaks, the Residential Housing Protection service is extended to 24 hours a day.
Campus Dining
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Choosing a Meal Plan
Dining Options and Meal Plans A variety of dining options are available throughout campus. These include USC Hospitality Residential Dining with Café ‘84, EVK and Parkside Restaurant; The Ronald Tutor Campus Center featuring a variety of quick service dining options, coffee and specialty beverages and convenience items; Trojan Grounds; and a variety of cafes located throughout campus such as the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the School of Cinematic Arts, the Law School Café, Literatea, The Shop Café in the Architecture building, Tutor Café and Popovich Café. Across from campus on Figueroa near the Galen Center, students can find dining and sports-viewing options at the Lab, a gastropub with a casual atmosphere featuring a variety of sandwiches and entrees; and Rosso Oro’s, a pizzeria that offers New York-style thin crust pizza and pastas, as well as music and shuffleboard. McKay’s, next to the Radisson, is a fine dining establishment that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All freshmen assigned to residence halls and apartments have required meal plans. When you confirm your housing contract, you will be automatically enrolled in the default plan for that building. If you want to change your meal plan to another available option, you must do so during the first two weeks of the meal plan period. These plans allow you to use your USCard to purchase food and beverages in USC Hospitality venues. Meal plan options are outlined here. Call the USCard Office at (213) 740-8709 or visit www.usc. edu/uscard. For additional information about meal plans or general questions about the services provided by USC Hospitality, please call (213) 740-6285 or visit hospitality.usc.edu.
2012-2013 Meal Plan Information Residence Hall / Apartment Meal Plans Cardinal Plan Provides: Unlimited meals in USC Hospitality Residential Dining venues**. Residence Locations: The minimum meal plan requirement for residents living in New and North Residential Colleges; University Residential College at Birnkrant; Marks Hall; Marks Tower; Pardee Tower; Trojan Hall; Fluor Tower; Webb Tower; and Arts & Humanities and Parkside International Residential Colleges.
Optional Meal Plans
Gold Plan Provides: Unlimited meals in USC Hospitality Residential Dining venues** and $500 Dining Dollars* per semester. Residence Locations: Available as an optional upgrade to all residents except those living in Honors House.
Community 50 Meal Plan Provides: 50 meals in USC Hospitality Residential Dining venues** and $100 Dining Dollars* per school year. Availability: Available to any USC student not enrolled in a required meal plan or as a supplement to any meal plan. This plan may be purchased or renewed at any time and may be used throughout the school year.
Trojan Plan Provides: A declining balance plan that resets at the end of each semester. This plan may be used in USC Hospitality Residential and Retail Dining venues located on the University Park Campus. There are no minimum or maximum spending limits. Residence Locations: Available as an optional upgrade to all residents except those living in Honors House.
Community 25 Meal Plan Provides: 25 meals in USC Hospitality Residential Dining venues** and $50 Dining Dollars* per school year. Availability: Available to any USC student not enrolled in a required mean plan or as a supplement to any meal plan. This plan may be purchased or renewed at any time and may be used throughout the school year.
*Dining Dollars may be used in any USC Hospitality Residential and Retail Dining venue located on the USC University Park Campus. **USC Hospitality Residential Dining venues include Café 84, EVK and Parkside Restaurant. Note: Information regarding meal plans and prices is accurate at the time of publication. All meal plan names and pricing are subject to post-publication changes.
Community Apartment Plan Provides: 50 meals in USC Hospitality Residential Dining venues** and $100 Dining Dollars* per semester. Residence Locations: All residents living in Century, Cardinal Gardens and Parkside Apartments.
STUDENT O R I ENTATI ON HANDBOOK
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Transportation
Getting Around Campus
Parking Permits If you bring a car to campus, you will want to purchase a parking permit. Parking permits for the fall, spring and summer terms are available for purchase online at www.usc.edu/ parking or at the USC Transportation office, located in Parking Structure X (PSX). Parking permits available for purchase are: on-campus residential, on-campus commuter, off-campus residential, carpool and Parking Center.
Call when you are ready to leave. A dispatcher will ask for your current location, your destination and the number of passengers. A campus cruiser will pick you up in approximately 15-20 minutes. You may request either a phone call or text message alerting you that your cruiser has arrived. For the University Park Campus, call (213) 740-4911, and for the Health Sciences Campus, call (323) 4422100.
Entering the Lottery During the parking lottery registration period, visit the USC Transportation Website, create and log in to your Parking Account, and select up to eight parking structure/lots by clicking on “Add or Edit Parking Waitlists.” Purchases can be made by check, cash or through your USC student fee bill account. Please check our Website for the most current prices. Permits can be mailed to you or picked up at the USC Transportation office. For more information and online permit registration/purchase, contact USC Transportation at (213) 740-3575 or visit www.usc.edu/parking.
USC Bus Service USC buses run during the fall, spring and summer terms. Their routes transport residents of off-campus and non-university housing back and forth to the University Park Campus. The buses also provide free transportation to the USC Health Sciences Campus, the USC Parking Center and Union Station.
Lottery Dates • Fall housing residents/commuters: May 1 June 30 • Fall term: July 22 at noon • Spring term: November 1 - December 7 • Summer term: April 1 - May 10 Permits are sold for the academic year (two semesters); you will be billed once in the fall and again in the spring. If you don’t need your spring permit, return it to the USC Transportation office to avoid charges. Campus Cruiser Program Campus Cruiser provides a safe ride home for all students, staff, faculty and visitors to any non-retail location within one mile of campus. Cruisers are available fall and spring semester 6 p.m. - 2:45 a.m., summer 6 p.m. - 12:45 a.m., and from Leavey Library from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. Cruisers do not operate during university holidays.
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U N I VE RS I T Y O F S O U T H E R N C A L IF OR N IA
LA Live Shuttle www.lalive.com/usc USC Transportation provides a free weekend shuttle to LA Live, downtown’s newest nightlife destination, which features a Regal Cinema and a variety of restaurants and clubs. The shuttle departs from the front of the Lab gastropub and the 901 Bar on Figueroa every 30 minutes. The shuttle runs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Yellow Cab (800) USC-TAXI www.usc.edu/uscard/yellowcab Students can use Yellow Cab within Los Angeles city limits 24 hours a day and pay with their USCards. Fares include tips and groups travel for one price. Pickup locations are Gate 3, Gate 5 and the Radisson Hotel. Ridesharing Program Ridesharing offers several time and money saving alternatives to commuting to USC. Vanpool: If your schedule coincides with traditional working hours, you may join a vanpool at one of more than 18 pickup locations. Carpool: You may carpool with one or more USC students, faculty or staff members and
qualify for reduced cost parking permits. For more information, visit transnet.usc.edu or the USC Transportation office. Zimride www.zimride.com/usc Zimride is an online social networking tool aimed at carpooling and vanpooling. Zimride is exclusive to USC students, faculty and staff and is fully integrated with Facebook. Simply join online for free, create a profile with your ride preferences and share the ride. Zipcar www.zipcar.com/usc Zipcar is a car-sharing service for USC students, faculty and staff older than 18 that offers pay-as-you-go access to low emission vehicles. You can rent a Zipcar for a day or hours. Insurance, gas and car maintenance are included. Zipcars are located on the University Park Campus and in the north campus area. To register, visit www.zipcar.com/usc. If you do not have a California driver’s license or are licensed outside the U.S., you must provide a five-year driving record with your application. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Enterprise Rent-A-Car, located in the USC Transportation office, offers the USC community special services, including rentals for students ages 18 to 20 and discounted rates for faculty, staff and students age 21 and over. Bicycle Policy Bicycle registration is required by California law and university regulation. You can register your bike at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Parking Structure A from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bicycles may be parked only in bicycle racks in areas specifically designated for this purpose. Lock your bike to these racks to deter theft. Do not park your bike in a doorway, on stairs or blocking any handicapped access. Violating bikes will be impounded. For more information, contact DPS at (213) 740-9565.
Financial Matters
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Managing Your Finances
Please read this section carefully for information about paying tuition and fees, student financial services, financial aid, USC Credit Union services, check cashing on campus, local banking and more.
Estimated College Costs (2012–2013) Full-time undergraduate living in university housing (estimated): Tuition (24-36 units)...........................$43,722 Lab Fees............................................ $5–$500 Room and Board................................ $12,440 Books and Supplies*............................. $1,050 Transportation....................................... $828 Personal Spending and Miscellaneous................................... $1,974 Mandatory Fees...................................... $678 First Semester Orientation Fee................. $150 *Used books, rentals and e-books from USC Bookstore will lower amount. Paying Tuition and Fees Your student account on USCe.pay (available by logging in to your myUSC portal page) will reflect your tuition charges, mandatory fees, optional fees and, if applicable, financial aid credits. It will list your current financial obligation to the university (“Account Balance”). Depending on when you registered and made any changes to your enrollment, your enrollment-related transactions may appear on two or more different monthly billing statements, all available on USCe.pay. The account balance will include this semester’s tuition and fees, any prior balances and any other miscellaneous charges, less any financial aid, payment plan credits and other credits and/or payments. Also listed will be your current balance due (“Billing Balance”) and the date by which this balance must be paid (“Payment Due Date”). If you have set up a monthly payment plan, this will also be available to you on USCe.pay. Once you have financial transactions on your student account, you can access your record on USCe.pay through myUSC (my.usc. edu). You can set up and control access to guest user accounts on OASIS or USCe.pay for your parents or others who may be helping you with your education. An OASIS guest account grants access to all education records available online. A USCe.pay guest account grants access only to your student account and payment plan.
You should check your account on USCe.pay any time you make a change to your enrollment. In addition, we email monthly billing notices to all students who have outstanding balances or activity on their student accounts during the month to their USC email addresses. You can have notices emailed to your guest users by providing their email addresses when you set up their accounts. USC does not mail billing statements for enrolled students. Although we accept payments from third parties, you are ultimately responsible for settling all debts to the university by the appropriate deadlines. Non-receipt of a bill does not relieve you of this obligation. You may use USCe.pay to print an online statement showing your tuition and fees. If any private parties (including family members) are assisting you in paying for your expenses and require a monthly billing statement showing tuition and fees before they will issue payment, it is your responsibility to register early enough to accommodate them. We recommend that you register a minimum of 40 days before the settlement deadline. To avoid late fees, you must register and have your tuition, fees, housing, dining and all other charges paid or deferred by the settlement deadline published in the Schedule of Classes each semester. If you fail to register and settle your account on time, you may be assessed late fees and/or finance charges until your bill is settled. Non-receipt of a bill does not relieve you of this settlement deadline. Using the Web Registration auto scheduler feature but failing to register for any courses before the tuition and fees payment deadline is not a valid reason to request a waiver of the late registration fee. Students whose checks are returned unpaid by the bank or whose credit card authorizations or electronic bank account payments are declined by the bank will be subject to the late fees described above until their accounts are paid in full. Elective insurance (Tuition Refund Plan) is available that provides coverage for tuition and mandatory fees (excluding health insurance)
for students who suffer serious illnesses or accidents that make it necessary for them to leave the university before the semester is completed. You must accept or decline the insurance when you register. If you accept the insurance, a charge equal to approximately .40 of 1 percent of your tuition and mandatory fees will be added to your student account. The Tuition Refund Plan insurance rate is determined by July 1 prior to the start of the new academic year. Students may opt to purchase or decline Tuition Refund Plan insurance up until the end of week three of the fall and spring semesters, or the week three equivalent in special sessions. Students who wish to change their Tuition Refund Plan insurance setting may do so on Web Registration by clicking the Tuition Refund Insurance button and following the prompts. The Tuition Refund Plan is offered through a private insurance carrier, Dewars, Inc. Further information and application brochures are available from the Cashier’s Office and Registration and Records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment) prohibits the disclosure of financial information to anyone other than you. Students who wish to give their parents or other individuals access to their student accounts must sign an authorization form which allows Student Financial Services personnel to release financial information. Paying Your Bill You will be notified via email sent to your USC email account (ends in @usc.edu) when your billing statement is available online each month. USC does not mail billing statements to enrolled students.You may pay your bill via the Internet (USCe.pay), by mail or in person at the Cashier’s Office. You can access USCe. pay by logging in to myUSC and selecting the USCe.pay service. USCe.pay allows you to manage your student account online. You can pay your tuition and fees by transferring funds from your savings or checking account, or STUDENT O R I ENTATI ON HANDBOOK
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Managing Your Finances
by charging to your American Express, VISA, MasterCard or Discover card. If you are paying by mail, please follow the instructions on your Registration Confirmation or monthly billing statement. Be sure to mail your payment early enough for the university to receive it by the settlement deadline or late fees and finance charges will accrue. For account balance information or questions regarding your account, call the Cashier’s Office at (213) 740-7471. Outside the Southern California area, call (800) 225-1222. Student Financial Services USC offers a monthly payment plan in fall and spring semesters that allows you to spread the cost of tuition and fees billed to your account (less any aid applied to your account) for each term over five months. A separate online application is required each term, and you must be registered for classes at the time of application. For more information, visit www.usc.edu/sfs and click on “Payment Plan.” The Office of Student Financial Services disburses and collects Perkins and other campusbased loans and administers the payment plan. Before you receive your Federal Perkins Loan, Health Profession Student Loan, Loan for Disadvantaged Students or any institutional loan, you must authorize USC to credit the funds to your student account by electronically signing a master promissory note. The university has partnered with ECSI, which currently services these loans, to help with this process. An email will be sent to your official USC email address (ends in @usc.edu) with instructions on how to accept and sign for these loans electronically. Note: You will need your FAFSA pin to complete the process for Federal Student Loans. If you have already signed a master promissory note, you will not be asked to electronically sign another promissory note except for Health Profession Student Loans, Loans for Disadvantaged Students and institutional student loans. Questions on traditional need-
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U N I VE RS I T Y O F S O U T H E R N C A L IF OR N IA
based financial aid or other alternative financing programs may be referred to the financial aid window in the lobby of John Hubbard Hall (JHH). More information and frequently asked questions are available at www.usc.edu/sfs. Financial Aid A college education is one of the most important investments you will ever make, and a degree from a highly competitive university such as USC is one of the few investment opportunities with an all but guaranteed return. By nearly every measure, an education from USC, with its top-ranked programs, world-class faculty, powerful alumni network, and vibrant Los Angeles campus, will place you in a family of achievers – confident, capable people who accomplish great things. USC administers one of the largest financial aid programs in the United States. We encourage you to take advantage of the financial resources USC has to offer. Several financing options exist to help you pay your USC expenses. If you have not yet applied for needbased financial aid and wish to do so, you must act quickly. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens may qualify for federal financial aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and the Federal District Parent PLUS Loan. Financial aid counselors are available by phone, email or in person. For more information, visit www.usc.edu/contactfao. In addition to scholarships and need-based financial aid, USC offers other financing options to cover your cost of attendance. You can pay from savings or current income, the USC Payment Plan or the USC Pre-payment Plan. For more information regarding USC payment plans, visit www.usc.edu/sfs.
services. You and your family are invited to join and take advantage of: free checking accounts and free bill pay; high yield savings accounts; money market accounts; CDs; MasterCard credit cards; and MasterMoney debit cards. Once you’re a member, you’re a member for life with access to products and services to help you achieve your dreams while at USC and long after graduation. Here’s a sample of the services we offer. • Totally free checking accounts: With no minimum balance or direct deposit requirements, our checking account is free of monthly service fees. • Free bill pay: It’s easier than ever to pay your bills on time without going to the post office. And if you do not live in the LA area, online bill pay makes us more convenient. • Free ACH funds transfer from any financial instituion: Our free ACH (automated clearinghouse) funds transfers allow you to quickly transfer funds from your existing financial institution into your parents’ or your own USC Credit Union account or vice versa. With a minimum transfer amount of $250, funds will be available as soon as the next business day. • Off campus access: Enjoy surcharge-free withdrawals at more than 28,000 co-op network ATMs in all 50 states and 7-Eleven stores. You can also make transactions at the 6,600 CU service centers across the U.S. • Mobile and Online access: Get account information, perform transactions and send electronic payments to virtually any person or business through our Mobile and Home Banking services. Or conduct transactions on campus at our ATMs, Student Union branch (STU) or Flower Street branch (CUB).
USC Credit Union The USC Credit Union is the only financial institution headquartered on campus dedicated to serving the Trojan Family. We offer every service banks do, but we’re a not-forprofit financial cooperative – owned by our members – so our profits do not go to stockholders. We give them back to you through better interest rates, and low or no fees on
Banking Around Campus There are several banking instiutions in the general campus vicinity. • USC Credit Union Student Union (STU), Suite 106 3601 Trousdale Parkway Los Angeles, CA 90089-0921 (213) 821-7100 www.USCcreditunion.org
Student Organizations
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Getting Involved
There are numerous benefits for getting involved in co-curricular
activities. It is important for you to plan your involvement and not just let it happen to you. Decide if you want to focus on academic student organizations tied to your major or if you want to get involved in a variety of different organizations. The choice is yours. Either way, involvement is the key to a great experience at USC.
• USC Credit Union Flower Street (CUB), 1st Floor 3720 South Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90089-2280 (877) 670-5860 www.USCcreditunion.org • Health Sciences Campus 1969 Zonal Ave., Suite 101B SRH 101B Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 442-1898 www.USCcreditunion.org On-campus ATMs are on the exterior wall of the Student Union across from Moreton Fig. For off-campus ATMs, visit www.USCcreditunion.org. • Bank of America 985 West Jefferson Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-8907 • Chase 3335 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 745-7928 • Wells Fargo Bank 141 West Adams Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 745-7208 Check Cashing USC’s check cashing policy allows up to $25 to be cashed per day in the Cashier’s Office. There is a $0.25 service charge. To qualify: • You must have a current USCard along with a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license or military ID. • You must be currently enrolled at USC. • Your financial account must be in good standing. A Multitude of Choices There are over 750 student organizations at USC and they fall within one (or a combination) of the following categories: academic interest, honor societies, recreational, religious, political, social, service, cultural, special interest or residential.
The Student Involvement Fair is held the first Wednesday of every fall and spring semester. This is an excellent opportunity for you to find out about a wide variety of student organizations. Some questions you might want to ask these organizations may include: • What is the name of your organization? • Is your organization a student affiliate of a larger organization? • How long has it been an organization at USC? • What is its purpose? • What are some of your organization’s successful projects and programs? • How often do you have meetings? • What expectations do you have for members? • What are the opportunities for leadership now and in the future? • What is the time commitment expected of members? If you miss the Student Involvement Fair, don’t worry! A list of all student organizations is available online at www.usc.edu/stuorgs. If you can’t figure out what the organization is about from the name of the group, visit its Website. It is important to research the various organizations. You can also talk with your friends, your Orientation Advisor, faculty members or Student Affairs staff, or stop by the Peer Leadership Consultant office, located in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center 330. Once you decide to get involved with a particular student organization, you can email the student organization, call the president, go to the meetings or put a note in their mailbox. If you want to start your own organization, it’s easy to do. The Peer Leadership Consultants can help you get involved. For more information, contact (213) 740-5341. Tickets to Athletic Events Students are admitted free to all athletic events except football. Athletic events are free on a first-come, first-served basis as long as students have their current USC ID cards in
possession. Once students are registered, they are sent an email allowing them to purchase a USC football season ticket online within a specific timeframe. The ticket is good for all home games and also allows students to participate in some away game lotteries such as UCLA, Cal and Stanford. Once a student purchases a football season ticket, it is electronically put on his or her USCard and scanned for entrance at Gate 28 at the Coliseum. Spring admits will be sent an email once the Ticket Office receives all their information from the Registrar’s Office. For more information, contact the USC Ticket Office at (213) 740-GOSC or visit uscticketoffice.com. Trojans Care for Trojans tc4t@usc.edu sait.usc.edu/ca/tc4t Trojans Care for Trojans, a Student Affairs initiative, offers connections to institutional support and resources for Trojans coping with personal difficulties. It encourages students to care for each other and the entire campus community and provides a private and anonymous service for students to express their concerns about fellow members of the Trojan Family. The interactive Website features educational videos, a list of campus and community resources and an anonymous request form. We Are Considerate. We Are USC. As part of an ongoing effort, USC has launched the “We Are Considerate. We Are USC.” campaign encouraging students, faculty and staff to think of “considerate” as the sixth trait of a Trojan. The current focus is bicycle safety on the University Park Campus. Bicyclists should follow guidelines, which include sharing campus pathways, walking bikes in designated high-traffic areas, parking bikes in racks, encouraging safe riding and focusing when biking on campus. All members of the community are asked to participate by pledging to be considerate during their time at USC.
STUDENT O R I ENTATI O N HANDBOOK
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editor: Cristy Lytal design: Rick Simner Design
Role and Mission of USC The central mission of the University of Southern California is the development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. The principal means by which our mission is accomplished are teaching, research, artistic creation, professional practice and selected forms of public service. Our first priority as faculty and staff is the education of our students, from freshmen to post-doctoral researchers, through a broad array of academic, professional, extracurricular and athletic programs of the first rank. The integration of liberal and professional learning is one of USC’s special strengths. We strive constantly for excellence in teaching knowledge and skills to our students, while at the same time helping them to acquire wisdom and insight, love of truth and beauty, moral discernment, understanding of self, and respect and appreciation for others. Research of the highest quality by our faculty and students is fundamental to our mission. USC is one of a very small number of premier academic institutions in which research and teaching are inextricably intertwined, and on which the nation depends for a steady stream of new knowledge, art and technology. Our faculty are not simply teachers of the works of others, but active contributors to what is taught, thought and practiced throughout the world. USC is pluralistic, welcoming outstanding men and women of every race, creed and background. We are a global institution in a global center, attracting more international
students over the years than any other American university. And we are private, unfettered by political control, strongly committed to academic freedom and proud of our entrepreneurial heritage. An extraordinary closeness and willingness to help one another are evident among USC students, alumni, faculty and staff; indeed, for those within its compass, the Trojan Family is a genuinely supportive community. Alumni, trustees, volunteers and friends of USC are essential to this family tradition, providing generous financial support, participating in university governance and assisting students at every turn. In our surrounding neighborhoods and around the globe, USC provides public leadership and public service in such diverse fields as health care, economic development, social welfare, scientific research, public policy and the arts. We also serve the public interest as the largest private employer in the city of Los Angeles, as well as the city’s largest export industry in the private sector. USC has played a major role in the development of Southern California for more than a century, and plays an increasingly important role in the development of the nation and the world. We expect to continue to play these roles for many centuries to come. Thus our planning, commitments and fiscal policies are directed toward building quality and excellence in the long term.
University of Southern California Orientation Programs Division of Student Affairs Student Union B-7 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0921 Tel (213) 740-7767