The Ronald Tutor Campus Center (RTCC) ballroom was transformed this week for Grad Fest, an event that offers students a chance to learn about their options for graduation regalia in person before making a final purchase.
Caitlin Sullivan, a senior studying electrical and computer engineering, came to the event specifically to order her regalia.
“I knew how to do it online, but I came here to see that [in person],” Sullivan said. “There’s a lot more people here to help out than I was expecting, which is nice.”
“I know more about all the stuff that’s available,” she said.
From graduation gowns and souvenir caps to customized sashes and USC rings, students found countless options to make their memories at the university tangible.
Sullivan said she would probably also order a class ring.
“I have one from my high school as well, so I feel like I should just continue the tradition,” she said. “And a class ring is small, but it’s very practical.”
“I already ordered a sash,” said Darrell Cave, a graduate student majoring in nursing.
Cave took several group photos with his friends in graduation regalia at the festival.
“You can personalize it, so you can promote your culture, promote what makes you [you], what got you to graduation,” he said.
Despite the number of options available for students to choose from, the price of merchandise can be restricting for many.
For academic regalia, the purchase price of a bachelor gown is $229 with a rental price of $89.99.
“[I]t’s really expensive, especially the frames and the medallions,” said Disha Goyal, a graduate student who studies computer science. “But the rental price is okay.”
The event also offered what it called ‘grad packs’ with multiple services included. For example, the price of the ‘classic medallion grad pack’ tops out at $452.99, depending on the degree, and includes a USC custom gown and hood rental with a souvenir, classic medallion diploma frame, USC envelope seals and more.
“I’m okay with the price because it’s such a monumental event,” said Jessica Fuentes, a graduate student majoring in single subject teaching. “[I]t only happens once, me and my family are willing to pay.”
Outside of the standard graduation regalia, the event also featured vendors selling kukui — or Hawaiian lei — necklaces and photoshoots to commemorate students’ achievements.
Those who spoke with Annenberg Media reflected on their time at the university and complex emotions as they approach this milestone.
“I felt like it flew by really fast,” Goyal said. “I feel like I just came here and I just started my degree and it’s already over.”
“Being an undergraduate only happens once and it’s usually one of the most sort of connected times you’ll ever be,” Sullivan said. “It’s really a taste of what life could be like ideally. And so I would say ‘treasure your time.’”
While Grad Fest may be over, students can still purchase gowns, rings, frames, and other graduation necessities at the USC bookstore, or online at uscbookstore.com/graduation.