Commencement
Spring 2022 Commencement
DSW Hooding Ceremony (Class of 2020, 2021, 2022)
May 11, 2022 - 1:00 pm - Epstein Family Plaza (E-Quad)
Guest Seating opens: 12:00 pm
Graduate line-up: 12:30 pm
Ceremony End: 2:30 pm
PhD Hooding Ceremony (Class of 2020, 2021, 2022)
May 12, 2022 - 10:00 am - Montgomery Ross Fisher Building, Room 340
Guest Seating opens: 9:15 am
Graduate line-up: 9:30 am
Ceremony End: 11:30 am
MSW and MSN Ceremony (Class of 2022)
May 13, 2022 - 2:30 pm - Alumni Memorial Park
Guest Seating opens: 1:30 pm
Graduate line-up: 2:00 pm
Ceremony End: 4:30 pm
Social Work and USC ceremonies locations map
University Ceremony
7:30 am Graduate line-up, Childs Way
8:30 am Ceremony, Alumni Memorial Park
10:30 am End
Visit commencement.usc.edu for all other information regarding attending the university ceremony.
REMINDER: USC Social Work graduates will only walk across the stage and have their names called at the school’s ceremonies. All graduates are welcome to attend the university ceremony at 8.30am, but graduates are not individually recognized at this ceremony.
COVID-19 Protocol
Updated April 20
All attendees must conduct a self-health screening prior to attending any commencement ceremonies. If you have any symptoms or are in an isolation/quarantine period due to a recent infection or exposure when your program's ceremony takes place, you may not attend.
Currently there are no restrictions or limitations for visitors coming to campus. All COVID policies are subject to change. Any updates to COVID protocol will be communicated to graduates via email.
While masks are not required for this event, we ask that attendees, vaccinated or unvaccinated, consider wearing them for their own protection and the protection of others when not actively consuming food or beverage.
The situation with the pandemic is very fluid. If Los Angeles County moves back into more restrictive tiers, the State and County guidelines could prohibit gatherings of any size. USC will follow the guidance of LA county health officials.
Parking
Parking is free on May 11, 12 and 13 at any of the parking structures on campus. Free parking is not available at USC Village. The university has no control over gate or road closures. Be prepared to try multiple entrances and parking structures. Space will be extremely limited and structures often fill up early in the morning. An alternative is the Grand Avenue Parking Structure on the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Grand Avenue. Public transportation and rideshare services are highly recommended.
Disability Information
If you have a guest with special needs, please contact us a swevents@usc.edu. Also visit our disability information page and the university’s disability information page.
Cap & Gown Rental
Regalia, or what is known informally as cap and gown, can be rented at the USC Bookstore. The deadline to place an order and have your regalia shipped to your home is April 15. After April 15, regalia rentals will only be available for in-person collection at the USC Bookstore. In-person collection will be available from May 5 at 8.30 am to May 13 at 9 am. Please visit the bookstore regalia rental page for exact date and time schedule for in-person collection.
Graduates may wear military dress uniform instead of a cap and gown. Both are considered ceremonial dress and appropriate for commencement ceremonies.
Weather Advisory
Alumni Memorial Park and Epstein Family Plaza are outdoor locations. There is some shade provided by trees, but graduates and guests should come prepared that they may be seated in partial or direct sunlight for up to 2 hours. Wear light clothing, bring sunblock and stay hydrated. Water is available for purchase throughout campus, but it is also recommended that guests bring their own.
Photography
GradImages will take photos of every graduate. Image proofs are emailed within 24-48 hours of the ceremony. You can also register with GradImages early to receive a 20% discount on any photographs you order after commencement.
Live Stream
All social work ceremonies will be live streamed on the school’s YouTube channel and on the university’s 6Connex platform. 6Connex requires each user to register by inputting an email address. The recordings will remain available on both platforms for later viewing.