Residential Colleges

The University of Southern California transformed its housing for freshmen into residential colleges in 2012, bringing special cultural programming, academic opportunities and mentoring from faculty members to many more students. Along with this shift, the university unveiled official crests to represent each of these new colleges. Some echo the history of the university and its architecture, whereas others evoke the emerging themes of these new communities. All 14 crests are anchored in USC’s identity, echoing elements from the university’s official seal and embracing cardinal and gold as their dominant tones.

Birnkrant Dubbed “seven floors of open doors” for its social atmosphere, this college currently houses freshmen who are Trustee, Presidential and Mork Family scholars. The crest features a “B” for Birnkrant, the torch of knowledge, a book and an open door.

Cale Home to scholars interested in global exploration, this community encourages crosscultural interaction and critical dialogue regarding the everchanging international landscape. Its symbols, the book and the wreath, reflect the exchange of ideas and triumph of humanity.

Ilium A community for sophomore honors students, this college brings together scholars who share a commitment to rigorous intellectual and academic achievement. Its crest emphasizes the torch of knowledge, a classic symbol that has been part of the university’s graphic identity since its inception. Bohnett A community built around a core ideal of social action through entrepreneurship, this college embraces students seeking innovative solutions to social issues around the world. The torch of knowledge is framed by a chevron, a classic symbol of dutiful and benevolent service.

Cowlings This college has arts and cultures as its thematic focus, with an emphasis on the wealth of cultural experiences at USC and throughout Los Angeles. Residents are inspired to awaken their inner cultural explorer, reflected by the sun in its splendor contained within the crest.

Irani This college focuses on performance science; students living in this community explore their untapped potential in learning how to break down barriers inhibiting leadership, decisionmaking, resilience or creativity. The pillar reflects stability and strength of character, and the windows along the upper portion of the crest echo architectural details at USC Village.

McCarthy Honors Endowed by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation, this college provides a home for exceptional scholars. The crest’s design is inspired by McCarthy Quad, which was named in honor of Leavey Foundation Chair Kathleen Leavey McCarthy ’57.

New North This college is a hub of activity and combines two closely connected buildings. The crest’s interlocking angles, a classic heraldic shape, symbolize a collaborative environment.

Parkside International Global issues are a focus for this community, which includes many students from other nations. A display of flags on the crest represents the international traditions celebrated at the college.

South Home to residents with a passion for social change, this community is represented by a compass rose, signifying exploration. The college includes residents of Marks and Trojan halls and Pardee and Marks towers. Nemirovsky This college is home to students dedicated to sustainability and societal engagement. Its crest features the poppy, a symbol of growth and hope featured in the university seal, and pillars and a cornerstone, evoking the foundation of something lasting and monumental.

Parkside Arts and Humanities This creative community is home to students of music, art and literature. It’s known for its performance and practice spaces. The crest draws from the surrounding landscape of Mudd Hall and Hahn and Nazarian plazas.

Priam This community is a bastion of innovation, encouraging scholars to embrace their passions for technology, science and design. Residents seek solutions to global challenges through creativity and novelty, a spirit emphasized in the crest’s playful symbol.

West West comprises two neighboring towers, Webb and Fluor. The college’s crest shows two adjoining colors, with the sun setting to the west.