Mid-Year/Spring Sessions

Overview

We strongly encourage you to begin your academic career by attending Orientation. Attending Orientation is the best way to acclimate to life at USC, become familiar with the campus, learn about student life and register for your first semester of course work. In addition, you will receive academic advisement, and meet current faculty, staff and students.

Some of the activities that take place at Orientation include:

• Opportunities to meet faculty and experience college-level discussions
• Introductions to our wide-ranging USC arts and cultural events
• Discussions with current students about various involvement opportunities on campus
• A chance to speak with representatives from TrojanHousing, TrojanHospitality and TrojanTransportation
• Group academic advisement and registration for classes
• A campus tour hosted by a student Orientation Advisor

You will register for your first-semester classes during your orientation session. The program streamlines the registration process by providing academic advisement and assistance with course selection. At the end of the orientation session, you will be able to print out your first-semester schedule of classes.

If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending an orientation session, you may request a materials packet. Click here to learn how to arrange for materials to be sent.

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Dates and Deadlines

We recommend that you register for your orientation session as soon as possible as many sessions fill before the stated deadline. We strongly encourage online reservations. If you are unable to use the online reservation system, please contact Orientation Programs at 213.740.7767.

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Session Availability

Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Many orientation sessions fill prior to the stated registration and refund deadline. When making the online reservation, you will be prompted to choose a session. Sessions that are no longer available are no longer listed. In order to provide a personalized experience for all students, we are not able to accept reservations after the session has filled. Once a session is filled, Orientation Programs maintains a waiting list. To be placed on the waiting list, please send an e-mail to orient@usc.edu with your name, your student ID number, guest names, requested session, and e-mail address. If there is a cancellation you will be contacted no less than two weeks prior to the session.

If you register online, you will receive immediate confirmation of your reservation request. Please review your confirmation letter for accuracy. If you register in person, by phone or through the mail, you may print out your online confirmation letter within three weeks of the request.

Note: Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements before receiving a session confirmation. Preexisting travel arrangements are not considered grounds for an exception to the reservation policies.

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International Students

Undergraduate
All undergraduate international students admitted for the spring semester must attend a Mid-Year Orientation session. International students may choose to attend either session, however we recommend attending the MYO2 on January 7. International students complete Passport Verification at Orientation and register for their first-semester classes at USC. 

Graduate
All graduate international students admitted for the spring 2009 semester must attend a mandatory Graduate International Student Orientation on January 8-9. For more information on graduate international orientation, click here.

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What to Wear

Casual attire is appropriate for Orientation. The weather in Los Angeles is generally cool during the day and can sometimes be overcast. Early mornings and evenings can be cool so we suggest layered 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 and an umbrella in the event of inclement weather.

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Parking

Parking is included in the program charge for the session. You must secure a parking pass once you arrive on campus. Access parking via Gate 3, located at the intersection of Figueroa and McCarthy Way. Please inform the parking attendant that you are participating in Orientation, and you will be given a pass for the duration of the program. 

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Making a Reservation

To make a reservation for an orientation session, click here.

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