USC Commencement: Friday, May 12, Special Media Access Instructions

Contact and RSVP: USC News at (213) 740-2215 or ichaffee@usc.edu; RSVP must be received no later than 10 a.m., Thursday, May 11.

The University of Southern California’s commencement ceremony will be held the morning of Friday, May 12, on the University Park Campus. Comedy star and actor Will Ferrell will deliver the commencement address. Ferrell, Suzanne Dworak-Peck, David D. Ho, Gary Michelson, Helen Mirren and Mark Ridley-Thomas will receive honorary degrees.

More than 60,000 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 ichaffee@usc.edu no later than 10 a.m. Thursday, May 11, to reserve a seat or a spot on the riser.

Media Check-In Time:

No later than 7:45 a.m. on Friday, May 12. All media will be asked to show credentials.

Please allow for extra time in getting to campus. Heavy traffic delays are expected due to construction on Figueroa Street related to the Figueroa Corridor Streetscape project (MyFig).

Media Check-In Location:

South of Doheny Library at Childs Way, near the main stage. The ceremony occurs at the center of campus in Alumni Park. (You may view and print a campus map at https://web-app.usc.edu/maps/map.pdf)

The main commencement ceremony will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Please bring appropriate gear.

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: RSVP for details – (213) 740-2215 or ichaffee@usc.edu

News Vans
On-campus parking for broadcast vehicles is on West 34th Street. Enter at Entrance 6 (off Vermont Avenue at 36th Place), turn left on McClintock Avenue, then right on West 34th Street. Overflow parking may be available on W. 37th Place between Watt Way and McClintock Avenue (enter at Entrance 6, turn right at McClintock and left at West 37th).

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 Eddie North-Hager at (213) 220-1806 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, here for satellite ceremony locations and times, or visit commencement.usc.edu for more information.

#USCgrad