USC commencement 2026: What you need to know if you’ll be attending

The Trojan Family will be celebrating USC’s 143rd 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 get where you’re going.

To attend events at the Coliseum and the Shrine Auditorium, tickets are required for graduates, family members and guests. Commencement events at other locations do not require tickets.

Attendees at the Coliseum and Galen Center will pass through airport-style security, and 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.

For complete information, visit the USC commencement website.

USC 2026 commencement: Helpful links

Here are some links to help you navigate the festivities.

Full schedule — More than 100 events are planned: 

• The main commencement ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Coliseum.
• Undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.
• Doctoral candidate hooding ceremonies and other presentations.

Getting here — Updated map and arrival information for graduation, including:

• Ride share and public transport information.
• Pedestrian and car access, including parking.
• Commencement map.
• Closures and other campus access information.

Other links — Helpful information to navigate commencement, including:

• Important updates.
• Clear bag policy.
• Frequently asked questions.
• Ceremony locations, restrooms, wheelchair pickup, shuttle drop-off and more.