Commencement: Person with Fight On! on their cap — USC celebrates commencement with more than 100 events. (USC Photo/David Sprague)

University

USC commencement 2025: What you need to know if you’ll be attending

COMMENCEMENT: Thousands are expected on the University Park Campus for USC’s 142nd commencement celebrations this week. You’ll want to plan accordingly.

May 12, 2025 By David Medzerian

The Trojan Family will be celebrating USC’s 142nd commencement this week with more than 100 events, including the main ceremony Thursday evening at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Thousands of graduates, family members and friends will be on hand, and everyone should allow plenty of time to go through airport-style security before all commencement events. The university recommends that attendees arrive at least two hours before their event.

A “clear bag” policy will be in place. Bags, backpacks and other containers will be prohibited with the following exceptions:

Each guest may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and does not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a 1-gallon clear plastic storage bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
Guests may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.

Tickets are required for graduates and their family members and guests.

For complete information, visit the USC commencement website.

USC 2025 commencement: helpful links

Here are some links to help you navigate the festivities.

Full schedule: More than 100 events are planned, including:

The main commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.
Doctoral candidate hooding ceremonies and other presentations.

Ticketing: Ticket reservation process for graduates, plus families and friends.