USC Campus Access Tickets and Campus Policies

USC is a smoke-free and animal free campus.

All USC Rossier Commencement Ceremonies will require tickets for graduates and their guests to enter campus for both USC Rossier Ceremonies.  Your graduates can access information on obtaining those tickets at the USC Commencement page 

Bags, backpacks, and other containers will be prohibited with the following exceptions:

• One bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and does not exceed 12” by 6” by 12”, or;
• A one-gallon clear plastic storage bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• In addition to one of the clear bags noted above, guests may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.

Other permissible items (subject to further inspection):

• Diaper bags (only when an infant is present)
• Strollers
• Medically necessary items after proper inspection
• Personal camera equipment (photo and video) is allowed. Please adhere to the clear bag policy when bringing equipment to campus

Items prohibited from bringing to commencement:

• Bags, Backpacks or Purses which do not meet Bag Policy guidelines. Hard or Soft Coolers, Baskets, Packages or Containers;
• Alcoholic Beverages, Bottles or Cans;
• Metal water bottles (Factory sealed bottles of water are allowed);
• Illegal Drugs and Weapons including Firearms, Knives, Explosives, Fireworks, Lighters and Laser Pointers;
• Selfie-Sticks and Tripods;
• Banners, Sticks, Poles, Inflatables, Frisbees, and Balls;
• Umbrellas and Folding or Beach Chairs;
• Noise making devices such as whistles, bullhorns, or air horns;
• Pets (Service Animals are allowed);

More details can be found at commencement.usc.edu/guests/faq-for-class-of-2025/#security

LIVE STREAM

All USC Rossier Commencement Ceremonies will be live streamed via USC Commencement Platform

ACCESSIBILITY (USC Rossier Ceremonies):

Close Captioning

• All USC Rossier Commencement Ceremonies will be close captioned. Use this link to access the live caption feed on your personal device. 

ADA-Accessbile Seating

• Wheelchair/Walker seating will be provided (no advance request needed). Seating is on a first come first serve basis. Only one person in addition to guest in wheelchair/walker will be allowed to sit in this area.
• Wheelchairs will NOT be provided. Please bring your own.

Scroll to the bottom of this page for parking information. 

Guests needing accommodations beyond the above listed in order to participate in this event, may contact rossier.events@usc.edu by May 1, 2025.

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USC ROSSIER COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

• Guests will be admitted into the ceremony venue 30 minutes before each ceremony, while the campus we will be open earlier.
• USC Rossier Commencement Receptions will take place immediate following the ceremony on the Pardee Way Lawn.

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Doctoral Commencement Ceremony

The Doctoral Commencement Ceremony for PhD and EdD candidates will take place Wednesday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. in McCarthy Quad. (This location is completely tented.)

Master’s Commencement Ceremony

The Master’s Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. at McCarthy Quad.  (This location is completely tented.)

 NOTE THE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:

• Guests will be admitted into the ceremony venue 30 minutes before each ceremony, while the campus we will be open earlier.
• Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• NO STROLLERS, BALLOONS OR UMBRELLAS ARE ALLOWED IN THE CEREMONY VENUE.
• There is a designated section for guests in wheelchairs/walkers. Only one other person can sit in this section with the guest in wheelchair/walker.

PARKING

Campus access points, transportation and parking information can be found at commencement.usc.edu/guests/transportation/

Please note, the closest parking structure to our ceremony location is the Royal, Shrine and Figueroa Parking Structures.

ADA-Accessible Vehicle Entrance: