FAQ

Cap & Gown Information

Q: I am unable to come to campus. How do I order my cap and gown?
A: Orders can be taken via the USC Bookstore. Review the bookstore website for important deadlines.

Q: How do I get my hood?
A: Your hood is included with your regalia order by indicating which degree you’re receiving.

Q: Can I rent or purchase my hood by itself?
A: Yes, for additional information contact the USC Bookstore at 800.447.8620.

Q: Who wears tams?
A: PhD and EdD students may wear tams instead of mortar boards (caps) at the ceremony. Tams must be purchased; mortar boards are included with cap and gown rentals.

Q: How do we manage our hoods and gowns before and during the ceremony?
A: It’s recommended to hang your gown to avoid wrinkling. Your hood should be carried on your left arm until you are “hooded” by your chair.

Q: What color is my hood?
A: Master’s/EdD – Light Blue (make sure the USC Bookstore knows it’s an education degree)
PhD – Dark Blue

Q: Who is eligible for honor cords?
A: Undergraduate students only.

Q: If I have graduated from another USC school, can I wear my robe from that ceremony?
A: Yes.

Commencement Ceremonies

Q: Are the USC Rossier commencement ceremonies livestreamed?
A: Yes, ALL USC Rossier ceremonies will be livestreamed. A link will be posted on this site in May.

Q: What’s the difference between USC Main Commencement Ceremony, Rossier Doctoral Commencement Ceremony and Rossier Master’s Commencement Ceremony?
A: At the Main Ceremony, graduates from the entire University participate. The Rossier Doctoral Commencement Ceremony is only for the EdD and PhD students, at which that time they are hooded.  The Rossier Master’s Commencement Ceremony is only for the School of Education Master’s graduates. The Dean confers your degree at this ceremony.

Q: How long does the ceremony last?
A: The USC Rossier Ceremonies usually lasts two hours. Reception will follow. 

Q: What is the timeline for Commencement?
A: For the Main Commencement Ceremony, candidates are to assemble promptly at 7:30 a.m. and all guests are requested to be in their seats by 8:15 a.m. Procession begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and the ceremony concludes at 10:00 a.m. 

Q: Do I have to register for Commencement?
A: There is no universal registration for USC Main Commencement. The class of 2024 is welcome to participate and  includes any student with an anticipated graduation semester of Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024.  Registration is required for all USC Rossier ceremonies.

Students who graduated in Fall 2023 or who have an expected graduation date of Spring or Summer 2024 will be listed in the USC Main Commencement program. If you would like to check your your listing, you can review at USC Online Program.

Q: Do my guests need tickets to attend the Main Commencement Ceremony?
A: No.  All seating is provided on a first come, first served basis.

Q: If I graduated in Fall 2023, can I participate in Commencement May 2024?
A: Yes, as long as you have not previously participated in commencement ceremonies.

Master’s Commencement Ceremony

Q: How do I attend Commencement while I’m still student teaching?
A: You are able to walk in Commencement, but you will need to go back to the school to finish out your remaining weeks of student teaching.  However, if the school district is open longer than our classes, they stop on USC’s official last day of class.

Q: Are tickets required for guest(s) to attend the Rossier Master’s Commencement Ceremony?
A: Tickets are not required for the USC Rossier Ceremonies. 

Q: How do I attend commencement if I’m still in class and student teaching?
A: If you will be missing class for any reason (class conflicts, travel plans, etc.) you must let your Course Instructor and your Guiding Teacher know in advance. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to make up missed class time and fieldwork. Rossier faculty are aware that you may need to make special arrangements due to Commencement and are willing to make accommodations depending on your circumstances.

Doctoral Commencement Ceremony

Q: Who participates in the Rossier Doctoral Commencement Ceremony?
A: The Rossier Doctoral Ceremony is for both PhD and EdD students.

Q: Where is the School of Education’s Doctoral Commencement Ceremony being held?
A:  McCarthy Quad

Q: Who will hood me at the Doctoral Commencement Ceremony?
A: Doctoral students are hooded by their chair. If your chair is not present, another chair or an Associate Dean will step in. 

Q: Are tickets required for guest(s) to attend the Rossier Doctoral Commencement Ceremony?
A: Tickets are not required for ALL USC Rossier Ceremonies. 

RSVP & Tickets

Q: I am a graduate, do I need a ticket?
A: Yes, each registered graduate will receive a Grad Pass via Marching Order in April.

Q: What is a Grad Pass?
A: A Grad Pass is a document that contains a QR Code that will be used by the graduate when walking across the stage. ALL registered graduates will be provided with a Grad Pass electronically towards the end of April via the Marching Order platform.

Q: Do my guests need tickets to attend the Rossier Commencement Ceremonies?
A: Tickets are not required for the USC Rossier Ceremonies. 

Q: Can I bring a stroller into the tent?
A:  Strollers will not be permitted inside the tent.

Q: Can they stand outside the gate/tent? Will they be able to see from the street?
A: Guests will not be allowed to block any exits, aisles, or paths of the ceremony.

Commencement Book

Q: What information does the Commencement Book include?
A: The USC Main Commencement Book includes the graduate’s name and previously earned degrees. The format is as follows: graduate name, current degree program, and previously earned degree.

Q: Can you add/delete students’ names from the USC Main Commencement Book?
A: Students are added or removed from the USC Main Commencement Book based on whether or not they have finished their requirements within the specified time frame.

Q: If I have more than one major, will I be listed in only one section or in all sections?
A: Your name will be listed in all sections.

Q: What should I do if I legally changed my name and want it to appear in the Commencement Book?
A: A correction or change to your name as it appears on your academic records. To change or correct your student name, you must complete a Request for Change/Correction of Student Number/Name form. The request must be accompanied by a court order, valid driver’s license, certificate of naturalization, certificate of marriage or some other form of positive identification. A photo I.D. must also be presented.

Q: I only want my middle initial to appear in the Commencement Book instead of my full middle name.
A: Your name will appear as your University record indicates. To make  a change, you must complete a Request for Change/Correction of Student Number/Name form.

Diplomas

Q: When should I expect my diploma to arrive and will it arrive with a hard cover?
A: Diplomas are mailed 6-8 weeks after the conclusion of the final semester; they’re mailed in a cardboard envelope sent via 1st class mail.

Q: How much do I have to pay for the shipping of my diploma?
A: There is no cost for shipping; the diplomas are mailed to the permanent address on file.  More diploma information can be found here.

Miscellaneous Questions

Q: How many times a year does commencement take place?
A:  It occurs in the May of each academic year.

Q: How much time will it take to exit campus after Commencement?
A: Allow approximately an hour to get off campus.

Q: Are there any fees or costs associated with Commencement?
A: There are no fees for participating in commencement. You only need to rent your regalia. Class ring, announcements, etc. are optional.

Q: Is parking complimentary for guests?
A: Parking for all official commencement events is complimentary.

Q: What if it rains?
A: There is no rain-date for Commencement.  Fortunately, Southern California tends to be dry in May, though we recommend that you bring a poncho if rain is forecasted.
*Rossier Ceremonies are completely covered by a tent.

Q: Where do I order announcements?
A: Announcements are ordered at the USC Bookstore. 

Q: If one of my guests is in a wheelchair, will his/her seating be any different?
A: We have a section for wheelchairs. One additional guest will be able to sit with him/her in this section.

Q: Will wheelchairs be available for the main and Rossier commencements? Will handicapped parking be available?
A: Please go to the USC Main Commencement site for information about renting wheelchairs and parking information.