Graduate Student Orientation Program Information
The USC Graduate Student Orientation is on Monday, August 20, 2012. We recommend you register for the orientation session early. We strongly encourage online reservations. In order to reserve you spot at the Graduate Student Orientation, you must have submitted your Intent to Enroll form.
There is no cost to attend the USC Graduate Student Orientation. However, all new students are assessed a one-time Mandatory Orientation Fee in their first semester of enrollment in addition to tuition charges and other fees. For a breakdown of the Mandatory Orientation Fee charges, click here.
Casual attire is appropriate for Orientation. The weather in Los Angeles is generally warm during the day, but early mornings and evenings can be cool so we suggest bringing light clothing and a jacket. We also recommend bringing comfortable shoes since the program involves a lot of walking. Students should also bring a backpack or bag to carry materials. Check the schedule of your school/department orientation to determine appropriate attire for any special activities.
For a list of items to bring, click here.
Graduate Student Pre-Orientation Homework
Prior to coming to campus for Orientation, graduate students should complete their first USC homework assignment. This Pre-Orientation Homework will allow students to complete many transactional functions prior to their arrival. The Pre-Orientation Homework consists of:
You have access to the Pre-Orientation Homework immediately after making your orientation session reservation (Mid-Year Orientation students have access beginning November 1). In addition, if you request materials in lieu of attending an orientation session, you have access after requesting materials. You should complete the Pre-Orientation Homework 72 business hours prior to the session you are attending.
To access the Pre-Orientation Homework after making a reservation, click here.
For campus maps and directions to campus, click here.
For information on campus parking, including permit sales, click here.
Graduate students in the Leventhal School of Accounting, Marshall School of Business, Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Gould School of Law are not eligible to attend the university graduate student orientation. Students in these selected programs are charged a $5 Mandatory Orientation Fee to cover the cost of SCampus, the student handbook.
International Graduate Students
Graduate international students currently residing in the U.S. must attend International Student Orientation in lieu of the USC Graduate Student Orientation. Click here to register for Fall Graduate International Student Orientation only. Click here to register for Mid-Year/Spring Graduate International Student Orientation only.
To view a sample schedule for the USC Graduate Student Orientation, click here.
Graduate students unable to attend the USC Graduate Student Orientation may pick up their required new student materials at the Orientation Programs office located in the Student Union Building (STU), Suite B-7 anytime after August 1. Graduate students admitted for the Spring semester may pick up their materials anytime after January 1. Orientation Programs does not mail packets for graduate students.
To make a reservation for the USC Graduate Student Orientation session, click here.