Price Grad FAQs

The Price School Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11am in the Shrine Auditorium. Per the university’s recent announcement, there will not be a main commencement ceremony. However, the University will be hosting many new activities and celebrations to make this commencement academically meaningful, memorable, and uniquely USC, including places to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff, the celebratory releasing of the doves, and performances by the Trojan Marching Band.

USC Price graduates and guests are invited to attend a reception immediately following the Price Commencement Ceremony on the first and second floors of Lewis Hall (RGL) and in the Franklin Courtyard. Lunch will be served. Tickets are required for entering campus for all Commencement events. 

There are no fees for participating in or attending the ceremony. Graduates only need to rent their regalia via the USC Bookstore.

For guests who cannot attend in person, the commencement ceremony will be live-broadcast online and available on-demand for future viewing.

For ongoing updates and activities hosted by USC, please visit the USC Main Ceremony website and the USC Commencement FAQs page.

For more information about the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony, please review the FAQs below and visit the informational pages linked below.

Click here For Graduate information

Click here For Guest information

Click here For Faculty information

USC Main Ceremony
USC Commencement Program
USC Price Commencement Ceremony and Digital Program
Cap and Gown
Diplomas
Traveling to Campus
Additional Questions

USC Main Ceremony

Where can I find information about the USC Main Ceremony?

• The University will no longer be hosting a Main Commencement Ceremony. Please visit the USC Main Ceremony website and the USC Commencement FAQs page for ongoing updates.

USC Commencement Program

What information does the USC Commencement Program include?

• The USC Main Commencement program includes the graduate’s name and previously earned degrees. The format is as follows: graduate name, current degree program, and previously earned degree. Information on how to make any updates to your information is available on the USC Commencement Program website.   

What should I do if I want to change my name for how it appears in the USC Commencement Program?

• To correct any commencement program typos, please review the information on the USC Commencement Program website @ by March 18, 2024.
  
• To officially update your name as it appears in your student record, please review the information on the USC Academic Records and Registrar website .

If I have more than one major, how will I be listed?

• Your name will be listed in all sections relevant to your majors.

USC Price School Commencement Ceremony and Digital Program

How long is the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony?

• The USC Price School Commencement Ceremony usually lasts two hours. For guests who cannot attend in-person, the ceremony will be live-streamed here.

Do I need to register for the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony?

• Graduate registration is required for the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony. The class of 2024 is welcome to participate and includes any student with an anticipated graduation semester of Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024.  Graduates will receive an invitation in their USC email accounts in February 2024.

Is there a separate hooding ceremony for doctoral students?

• No, doctoral students will be hooded at the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium.  

Who will hood me?

• Doctoral students are hooded by their chairs. If your chair is not present, another faculty member or a Vice Dean will step in.

How will my name appear in the USC Price School Commencement Ceremony Digital Program?

• The USC Price School will obtain student names from the USC Commencement Program. 

Do my guests need tickets to attend the USC Price School Commencement Ceremonies?

• Tickets will be required to access campus and all commencement events taking place on May 8-11, 2024. Graduating students will be able to reserve, free of charge, tickets for themselves and up to eight named guests. Tickets will not be transferable. There will be an appeal process if more tickets are needed.

How do I ensure accommodation(s) for guests with disabilities? 

• During registration, all graduates will be required to note any individuals with disabilities who need accommodations. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner. Due to space limitations, only one guest may accompany a guest in the ADA accommodation seating area. 

Cap and Gown

How do I order my cap and gown?

• USC Cap and Gowns (Regalia) can be purchased or rented from the USC Bookstore both online and in person. Please review the bookstore’s website for order information and deadlines. 

• Rent Regalia: For cap and gown (regalia) rental information, please visit the USC Bookstore website, Rent Regalia

• Purchase Regalia: For cap and gown (regalia) purchase information, please visit the USC Bookstore website, Purchase Regalia

I’m a graduate student, how do I get my hood?

• Your hood is included with your regalia order by indicating which degree you’re receiving.

I’m a graduate student graduating with two master’s degrees. Do I wear two hoods?

• Yes, if you prefer. Please note, the USC Bookstore will charge students for the extra hood.

Can I rent or purchase my hood by itself?

• Yes, for additional information contact the USC Bookstore at 213.740.8997.

Who wears tams?

• A tam is a graduation cap used in place of the standard mortarboard. They are usually made of a velvet material with a soft top. Doctoral students may wear tams instead of a mortar board (cap with stiff square top) at the ceremony.  Tams must be purchased; mortar boards are included with cap and gown rentals.

How do I manage my hood and gown before and during the ceremony?

• It’s recommended to hang your gown at home to avoid wrinkling. Your hood should be carried on your left arm until you are “hooded” by your chair.

What color is my hood?

• Please review the section: For Graduates for more information about hood colors.  

Who is eligible for honor cords?

• Undergraduate students only. Please review the section: Undergraduate Honor Cords.

If I have graduated from another USC school, can I wear my robe from that ceremony? 

• Yes.

Diplomas

When should I expect my diploma to arrive and will it arrive with a hardcover?

• Diplomas are mailed 6-8 weeks after graduates complete their degree requirements. Diplomas are mailed in a cardboard envelope sent via 1st class mail. There is no cost for shipping; the diplomas are mailed to the permanent address on file.  More diploma information can be found on the Office of Academic Records and Registrar website.   

Traveling to Campus

Is parking complimentary for my guests?

• Complimentary parking will be available at certain USC Parking Structures on a first-come first-serve basis. Campus will have heavy traffic congestion, therefore public transportation or rideshare is highly recommended.

How much time will it take to exit campus after Commencement?

• Allow approximately an hour to get off campus by car.

Additional Questions

My question was not answered, who do I contact?

• For all academic-related matters, please contact your academic advisor or program administrator.
  
• For USC Price School Commencement Ceremony related questions, please email the Price Office of Student Affairs at [email protected].