USC commencement is back on campus for the first time since 2019. The ceremony reflects years of hard work, copious amounts of coffee and countless memories. This year, graduates will hear from world-renowned Olympic champion and USC alumna Allyson Felix, who will deliver the keynote address at the 139th commencement ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 13.
Adam Rosen, associate vice president of cultural relations & university events, is optimistic about the future of in-person USC commencements.
“Unless something dramatically changes, I think everybody is hoping nothing goes in that [fully-virtual] direction,” Rosen said. “We feel confident about doing everything in-person and in the traditional way.”
As the pandemic continues to hamper travel and for international students wanting to share the experience with their family and friends abroad, this year’s commencement ceremony will include a fully virtual experience.
“There will be a Zoom recording or a Zoom link for everybody, as well as a YouTube link,” Rosen said.
If you are graduating this year, here are some ways for you to prepare for the ceremony:
- Log into OASIS and check that all of your requirements are completed.
- Want to get your hands on a coveted class ring? Or are just curious about how to get started finishing? Mark your calendars for Grad Fest, happening virtual this year on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Soon-to-be graduates can ask questions related to the commencement ceremony.
- The annual Baccalaureate Ceremony is also back in person for the first time since 2019. Led by the USC Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, the celebration is filled with traditions from a wide range of religions and concludes with a blessing for all graduating students. Reservations for the Baccalaureate Dinner open in mid-February.
Here are all things regalia:
- Caps, gowns, stoles, sashes and other commencement regalia can be rented or purchased from the USC Bookstores’ website.
- Even if you’re renting your commencement day gear, you can still sport a look customized to your achievements. Stoles are available from the University Bookstore and can be customized with the USC logo, embroidered university year, fraternity/sorority crests, graduation and many other commemorative marks.
- Your years as a Trojan are ones to remember and what’s better than having your memories wrapped into one single place—the El Rodeo Yearbook. Pre-order your copy of the 2022 edition before the end of this month to save 25% off the cover price.
- Want snippets of your commencement journey to be featured on screens across campus? Share pictures with #USCgrad via Instagram or Twitter.
The ceremony will be held at Alumni Memorial Park. Please visit the USC commencement website for more information.