FAQ for Convocation

General Information

When is New Student Convocation 2024?

Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Gates open at 7 a.m. and the processional and program begins at 8:30 a.m. The event is expected to last no longer than 2.5 hours.

What is New Student Convocation?

New Student Convocation is the official welcome to all new students and their parents, signifying their entrance into the Trojan Family. The event marks the students’ entrance into our academic community, formally bestowing the rights, privileges and expectations to the Class of 2028, incoming transfer students, graduate students and doctoral candidates who begin in fall of 2024.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

Yes, it will be streamed on the day of the event on our virtual platform.

Do students have to register for Convocation?

No, tickets will be sent to all incoming students automatically via their USC ticket account. Everyone who intends to participate in Convocation — students, family and friends — will need to have a ticket. Students will be responsible for transferring tickets to their guests once they receive their tickets. Tickets will appear in USC ticket accounts no later than one week in advance of Convocation.

How can I access campus as a guest?

Guests should be pre-registered by a USC student, faculty or staff member. If you do not have a guest registration QR code, you may check in with our campus welcome services staff at the tents near the entrances of campus. Please have a government-issued ID with your photo to show our staff. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the “How to access campus” web page, available here.

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Ticketing

How do I receive tickets for Convocation this year?

Incoming students will receive a detailed memo to inform them when their Convocation tickets are available to download. The memo will provide information on how to download their ticket and distribute their seven guest tickets for the Convocation ceremony. Incoming students will need to use their USC email account to access these tickets. Children under 2 years of age do not need a ticket to attend. Please refer to the detailed instructions linked here.

Will Convocation tickets be made available free of charge?

Yes, each incoming student will have up to seven guest tickets (one for themselves and up to seven tickets for their named guests) at no charge for the Convocation ceremony.

Do children need tickets?

Children under 2 years of age do not need a ticket to attend. All other guests must be ticketed. Please refer to the detailed instructions for incoming students to download and transfer tickets.

Who is eligible for Convocation tickets?

All incoming USC students — that includes undergraduate, graduate, PhD and transfer students.

Can parents or other guests request tickets directly?

No. Only incoming students, using their student ID, will be able to claim up to seven guest tickets. Incoming students will need to use their USC email account to access their tickets through USC Ticket Office, My Account. After claiming their mobile tickets, they must transfer the tickets to their named guests via email. All tickets transferred to family members and other guests will be linked back to the student who reserved them.

Is it possible to reserve more than seven tickets?

Incoming students may request additional tickets by completing the Additional Ticket Request Form. All requests for additional tickets will be reviewed, and we will do our best to accommodate these requests within reason and in consideration of space limitations.

Will guests have the option to print tickets?

No, all tickets are mobile, and printed tickets will not be accepted. Tickets should be downloaded to a mobile device prior to arriving to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Wi-Fi service may be limited or unavailable due to the large crowd.

When and where will I need to show my mobile ticket for entry?

All incoming students will be required to show a mobile ticket in order to enter the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Gates 8 and 23.

Do guests need to show ID (driver’s license, passport) along with their tickets?

Attendees (with the exception of children) should be prepared to present a valid form of identification (government ID, passport, etc.).

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Parking

Where should I park?

Parking at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, August 22 is complimentary in parking lots Blue, Yellow and Green, but all cars must exit after the New Student Convocation ceremony is over or by 11:30 a.m. Campus and campus-adjacent parking structures are also complimentary. You must enter campus structures before 10:00 a.m. to receive complimentary parking.

Please arrive early to allow ample time to park and walk to the Coliseum if parking on campus. Use of rideshare and public transportation options is highly encouraged.

Campus-adjacent parking options near the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum include the Figueroa St. Structure and the Flower St. Structure.

Please see the Transit and Parking Page for more details.

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Security

What personal items am I allowed to bring to Convocation?

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 the Coliseum.

What items am I prohibited from bringing to Convocation?

• Bags, backpacks or purses that 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
• Noisemaking devices such as whistles, bullhorns or air horns
• Pets (service animals are allowed)

Will I be allowed to bring bottles of water, food or other items?

Yes. Snack items and factory-sealed water bottles are allowed. Alcoholic beverages of any kind are not permitted.

What kind of security check will be performed?

Similar to security checks at Trojan football and basketball games, all persons and their belongings will be subject to metal detector screening and bag inspection prior to entering campus and the Coliseum.

Will you supply clear bags if I don’t have one?

Please plan to bring your own clear bag. We will make some available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will there be a place to store my bag?

No, we recommend storing your items in your car or elsewhere.

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Accessibility

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Regalia

Do students wear regalia for the Convocation ceremony?

Yes, regalia will be provided to each student at the event. Regalia pickup and student lineup will be located at the Coliseum peristyles. Regalia must be returned following the event.

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Health Protocols and Restrictions

Will there be any COVID-19 policies and restrictions in place when visiting USC’s campus for Convocation?

Currently there are no restrictions or limitations for visitors coming to campus. If you have any symptoms or are currently in an isolation/quarantine period due to a recent infection or exposure, you may not attend.

Please note that COVID-19 policies and protocols are subject to change. Information on protocol updates will be communicated to guests by email or by another appropriate mechanism.

Do I need to be vaccinated to come to campus and attend convocation?

No, please refer to USC’s COVID vaccination program policy.