USC Commencement: Friday, May 15 Special Media Access Instructions

Contact and RSVP: USC News at (213) 740-2215 or tanyaabr@usc.edu; RSVP must be received no later than 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14

The University of Southern California’s commencement ceremony will be held the morning of Friday, May 15, on the University Park Campus. Mellody Hobson, president of the Chicago-based money management firm Ariel Investments, will deliver the commencement address. Hobson, Pete Carroll, Kamala Harris, Leonard Schaeffer, Michael Tilson Thomas and Ada Yonath will receive honorary degrees.

More than 51,000 people, including graduates, their families and friends, will participate in the festivities on campus. There are strict access requirements in place for media organizations.

Media Access:

Space is limited. RSVP to (213) 740-2215 or tanyaabr@usc.edu no later than 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14, to reserve a seat or a spot on the riser.

Media Check-In Time:

No later than 7:45 a.m. on Friday, May 15.

NEW Media Check-In Location:

South of Doheny Library at Child’s Way, near the main stage. The ceremony occurs at the center of campus in Alumni Park. (Click the map above to enlarge, or see the campus map at https://web-app.usc.edu/maps/#upc/)

The main commencement ceremony will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Please bring appropriate rain gear (no umbrellas).

Event Start Time:
8:30 a.m. sharp (Media must be in place by 8 a.m. Late arrivals may not be admitted.)

Event End Time:
10:15 a.m.

Special Parking Arrangements:

News Vans

On-campus parking for broadcast vehicles is on West 34th Street. Enter at Entrance 6 (off Vermont Ave. at 36th Place), turn left on McClintock Ave., then right on W. 34th Street. A riser and mult box will be available. Once on the riser, media will be asked to remain in place for the duration of the event. For broadcast coordination on the day of the event, contact Carl Marziali at (213) 219-6347 or USC Media Relations at (213) 740-2215.

Print Journalists

Parking will be available for print reporters entering at Entrance 6 (off Vermont Ave. at 36th Place). Show media credential for access to Parking Structure A (PSA).

Click here for a list of satellite speakers, ceremony times and locations or go to commencement.usc.edu for more information.