Price Grad FAQs

When is the USC Main Commencement Ceremony?

The USC Main Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Where can I find information about the USC Main Ceremony?

Please visit the USC Main Ceremony website and the USC Commencement FAQs page for ongoing updates.

Do I need to pay to get into the USC Main Commencement Ceremony?

There are no fees for participating in or attending the ceremony. Graduates only need to rent their regalia via the USC Bookstore.

What information does the USC Commencement Program include?

The USC Main Commencement program includes the graduate’s name and previously earned degrees. The format is as follows: graduate name, current degree program, and previously earned degree. Information on how to make any updates to your information is available on the USC Commencement Program website.   

What should I do if I want to change my name for how it appears in the USC Commencement Program?

To correct any commencement program typos, please review the information at the USC Commencement Program website. All changes must be submitted no later than March 18 @ 5 PM. 

To officially update your name as it appears in your student record, please review the information on the USC Academic Records and Registrar website.

If I have more than one major, how will I be listed? Your name will be listed in all sections relevant to your majors.

When is the USC Price Commencement Ceremony?

The Price School Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025 at 4:30 pm in the Shrine Auditorium.

Do I need to pay to get into the Price Commencement Ceremony?

There are no fees for participating in or attending the ceremony. Graduates only need to rent their regalia via the USC Bookstore.

How long is the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony?

The event is estimated to be around two (2) hours long. However, due to the nature of live events and transitions between sessions, there may be slight timing adjustments on the day-of the event.

Will the Price Commencement ceremony be livestreamed?

For guests who cannot attend in person, the commencement ceremony will be live-broadcast online and available on-demand for future viewing on our Commencement website.

Do I need to register for the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony?

Graduate registration is required for the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony.

What students are allowed to participate in the 2025 Price Commencement ceremony?

The class of 2025 is welcome to participate and includes any student with an anticipated graduation semester of Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025.

What if I’m an eligible graduate, but I forgot to register?

No worries if you changed your mind. Please contact the Price Student Affairs Office by emailing [email protected] where someone will give you further information to obtain your grad card.

Is there a separate hooding ceremony for doctoral students?

No, doctoral students will be hooded at the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium.  

Who will hood me?

Doctoral students are hooded by their chairs. If your chair is not present, another faculty member or a Vice Dean will step in.

How will my name appear in the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony Digital Program?

The USC Price School will obtain student names from the USC Commencement Program. 

Do my guests need tickets to attend the USC Price School Commencement Ceremonies?

Each eligible graduate (regardless of whether or not you registered for your grad card) will receive 10 guest tickets and 1 participant ticket in their University ticket account in late April. It is the graduate’s responsibility to distribute their tickets from their USC ticket account to their guests. 

For the most up-to-date information regarding ticketing, please visit commencement.usc.edu/ticketing

What is the difference between a GRAD CARD and a Commencement Ticket?

The digital USC-issued Commencement ticket is required to enter the Shrine Auditorium and USC main campus, while the physical grad card is required for graduates to walk across the stage during the Price Commencement ceremony.

Who receives a Grad Card?

Only the graduate will have a physical grad card

What if I’m an out-of-town graduate and can’t pick up my grad card? 

Please email [email protected] for further instructions.

Who needs a digital Commencement ticket?

Everyone will need a digital USC-issued Commencement ticket

How do I ensure accommodation(s) for guests with disabilities? 

ADA seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who is allowed to sit in the ADA section?

To maintain accessibility for those who need it most, only the guest requiring ADA accommodations and one (1) companion may sit in the designated ADA seating area. All other members of the party must sit in the general seating section. We appreciate your cooperation in creating an inclusive and comfortable experience for all attendees.

How can my guests with ADA needs get to campus?

For more information regarding ADA accommodations, such as ADA parking reservations and wheelchair loans, please visit the USC Commencement Website.

When is the Price Pre-commencement reception?

Graduates and their guests are invited  to the pre-ceremony reception on Friday, May 16th @ 1:30 PM.

Where is the Price Pre-commencement reception?

The Price pre-commencement reception will be at the USC Village on McClintock Lawn (on the corner of McClintock and Jefferson). The address is 975 W Jefferson Blvd.

What will be at the Price pre-commencement reception?

There will be light refreshments and photo opportunities for graduates to commemorate this special occasion.

How long is the pre-commencement reception?

The Price pre-commencement reception will end promptly at 3:00 PM to give graduates and guests ample time to walk over to the Shrine Auditorium for the Commencement ceremony at 4:30 PM.

How do I order my cap and gown?

USC Cap and Gowns (Regalia) can be purchased or rented from the USC Bookstore both online and in person. Please review the bookstore’s website for order information and deadlines. 

Rent Regalia: For cap and gown (regalia) rental information, please visit the USC Bookstore website, Rent Regalia

Purchase Regalia: For cap and gown (regalia) purchase information, please visit the USC Bookstore website, Purchase Regalia

I’m a graduate student, how do I get my hood?

Your hood is included with your regalia order by indicating which degree you’re receiving.

I’m a graduate student graduating with two master’s degrees. Do I wear two hoods?

Yes, if you prefer. Please note, the USC Bookstore will charge students for the extra hood.

Can I rent or purchase my hood by itself?

Yes, for additional information contact the USC Bookstore at 213.740.8997.

Who wears tams?

A tam is a graduation cap used in place of the standard mortar board (cap with stiff square top). They are usually made of a velvet material with a soft top. Doctoral students may wear tams instead of a mortar board at the ceremony. Tams must be purchased; mortar boards are included with cap and gown rentals.

How do I manage my hood and gown before and during the ceremony?

It’s recommended to hang your gown at home to avoid wrinkling. For doctoral students, your hood should be carried on your left arm until you are “hooded.”

What color is my hood?

Please review the section: For Graduates for more information about hood colors.  

Who is eligible for honor cords?

Undergraduate students only. Please review the section: Undergraduate Honor Cords.

If I have graduated from another USC school, can I wear my robe from that ceremony? 

Yes.

When should I expect my diploma to arrive and will it arrive with a hardcover?

Diplomas are mailed 6-8 weeks after graduates complete their degree requirements. Diplomas are mailed in a cardboard envelope sent via 1st class mail. There is no cost for shipping; the diplomas are mailed to the permanent address on file.  More diploma information can be found on the Office of Academic Records and Registrar website.   

Is parking complimentary for my guests?

Complimentary parking will be available at certain USC Parking Structures on a first-come first-serve basis. Campus will have heavy traffic congestion, therefore public transportation or rideshare is highly recommended.

How much time will it take to exit campus after Commencement?

Allow approximately an hour to get off campus by car.

Is there a clear bag policy?

Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and must not exceed 12”x12”

What can I bring to campus that day?

The following items are not allowed and will be confiscated at the entrance, with no exceptions:

1. Airhorns
2. Non-Clear bags
3. Balloons
4. Posters, signs, and banners
5. Open water bottles*
6. Alcohol and other illicit substances**

*Unopened water bottles and empty reusable water bottles are permitted.
**There is zero tolerance for attending commencement under the influence of alcohol or other illicit substances. Such behavior is a serious violation of Community Expectations policy and will result in a report and potential sanctions, which could impact a student’s standing at the university and may delay or negatively affect the issuance of the student’s diploma.

What if me/my guests need ADA tickets?

ADA seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who is allowed to sit in the ADA section?

To maintain accessibility for those who need it most, only the guest requiring ADA accommodations and one (1) companion may sit in the designated ADA seating area. All other members of the party must sit in the general seating section. We appreciate your cooperation in creating an inclusive and comfortable experience for all attendees.

How can my guests with ADA needs get to campus?

For more information regarding ADA accommodations, such as ADA parking reservations and wheelchair loans, please visit the USC Commencement Website.

My question was not answered, who do I contact?

• For all academic-related matters, please contact your academic advisor or program administrator.
• For USC Price School Commencement Ceremony related questions, please email the Price Office of Student Affairs at [email protected].