McCarthy Quad

USC is a smoke-free and animal free campus.

Items prohibited during commencement:

  • 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);

LIVE STREAM

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

Doctoral Commencement Ceremony

The Doctoral Commencement Ceremony for PhD and EdD candidates will take place Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m. in McCarthy Quad. (This location is completely tented.)

USC Rossier Doctoral Commencement Ceremony Receptions will take place immediately following the ceremony on the Pardee Way Lawn for faculty, graduates and guests.

 NOTE THE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:

  • Guest tickets are NOT required for USC Rossier Ceremonies. 
  • Guests will be admitted into the ceremony venue 45 minutes before the 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.

ACCESSIBILITY (USC Rossier Ceremonies):

Close Captioning

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

ADA-Accessible 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. No reservation needed.
  • Wheelchairs will NOT be provided. Please bring your own.

Guests needing accommodations beyond the above listed in order to participate in this event, may contact rossier.events@usc.edu by April 30, 2026.

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 parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis across campus. Please review accessibility information at commencement.usc.edu/guests/accessibility-info/