General Information
Ticketing
Parking
Security
Accessibility
Regalia
Health Protocols
General Information
When is New Student Convocation 2026?
Friday, January 9, 2026, at the USC Galen Center. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. The event is expected to last no longer than 1.5 hours.
What is New Student Convocation?
New Student Convocation is the official welcome for 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 2029, incoming transfer students, graduate students and doctoral candidates who begin in spring of 2026.
Who is eligible to attend Convocation?
All incoming USC students — including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral (PhD), and transfer students.
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes. The event will be livestreamed on our virtual platform on the day of Convocation.
Do students and guests need to register for Convocation?
Yes. Registration details were sent via email. If you did not receive an invitation, you may register at:
www.usc.edu/esvp (Code: Welcomespring26)
Ticketing
Will I need a ticket to attend Convocation this year?
No, a ticket is not required to attend Convocation.
Parking
Where should I park?
Parking for New Student Convocation on Friday, January 9 is complimentary for students and their guests at the Figueroa Street Structure, located at 3533 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 9007 (enter off Figueroa Street, North of Exposition Blvd).
Important Parking Reminders:
- To qualify for complimentary parking you must either:
- Receive a parking permit from the parking attendant at the entrance booth by telling them you are attending New Student Convocation.
- Register for a one-day digital parking pass by following the instructions provided below.
- Keep in mind, overnight parking is not permitted.
- Enter the parking structure before 10:00 a.m. to qualify for complimentary parking.
- If you have any issues, please stop at the entrance booth for assistance from the parking attendant.
How to Register For Your One-Day Digital Parking Pass
- Registration Link/QR Code: https://www.offstreet.io/location/VYSCQVVD (please register no earlier than January 6th)
- Enter Pass Code: DID398
- Provide Your License Plate Number: Your license plate serves as your parking permit. No paper pass is required.
- Optional: Enter your email address to receive a confirmation receipt.
Once registered, you’re all set to park.
Security
What personal items am I allowed to bring to Convocation?
Please note: The Galen Center enforces a Clear Bag Policy. Be sure to review the full guidelines on their website before attending.
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):
- Personal camera equipment (photo and video) is allowed. Please adhere to the clear bag policy when bringing equipment to the USC Galen Center.
- Diaper bags (only when an infant is present)
- Strollers
- Medically necessary items after proper inspection
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 USC Galen Center.
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.
Accessibility
What accommodations are available for guests with disabilities?
Please check the USC Galen Centers’ Accessibility Information Page for more detailed information.
Regalia
Do students wear regalia for the Convocation ceremony?
Yes, regalia will be provided to each student at the event. Regalia pickup will be located in the South Lobby of the USC Galen Center on the morning of the Convocation. Regalia must be returned at the conclusion of the event.
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 campus visitors. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or are in isolation or quarantine due to a recent infection or exposure, you may not attend.
Please note that COVID-19 policies are subject to change. Any updates will be communicated to registered guests by email or another appropriate method.