About USC
Student Life
The Student Affairs Division has as its fundamental purpose the provision of services and resources to students that will assist them in their total development: physical, social, emotional, cultural, moral and intellectual. As such, the division complements and serves the educational, research and service objectives of faculty and students by designing programs that are an extension of the academic experience. Consistent with this charge, the division has adopted the following statement that informs and guides its policies and actions regarding the USC community.
Principles of Community
The University of Southern California’s Division of Student Affairs bears a central responsibility for providing students services and resources that will assist in all aspects of their development. We further seek to foster a scholarly community in which an individual’s participation in academic dialogue will be considered on its merits — and not denigrated or disregarded based on personal characteristics or group identity. Consistent with this charge, the division has adopted the following statement of guiding principles:
USC is a multicultural community of scholars from diverse racial, ethnic and class backgrounds, national origins, religious and political beliefs, physical abilities and sexual orientations. This diversity enriches all of our activities and everyday interactions, and we strive to learn from each other in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect. As a scholarly community, we aspire to create an environment in which racism, sexism, ageism, xenophobia and homophobia do not go unchallenged.
All who work, live, study and teach in the USC community are here by choice. As part of that choice, we share a commitment to these principles as an integral part of USC’s mission.
Student Affairs Academic Support
As the university admits a student body increasingly qualified and motivated academically, Student Affairs is providing increased levels of support for the coordination of honors programs, development of residential hall study space, tutorial support, linkage of career guidance with academic advising, and involvement of faculty in student residence halls and all campus community activities. Such programs are described in the sections that follow. The thematic nature of the individual programs is captured by the guiding principle of “academic community.”
Career Center
The USC Career Center provides information and counseling to help students explore career options including internships, full-time employment and networking opportunities. The Career Center offers assistance in resume writing, interviewing techniques and sponsors such programs as the Career Fair, Internship Week, Career Fest, numerous “diversity in the workplace” events, the Global Fellows and Dream Dollars programs and the connectSC Career Network. In addition, the center offers comprehensive career assessments. The Career Center is located on the first floor of the Student Union Building, Room 110, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (213) 740-9111 or visit careers.usc.edu.
Job Opportunities
Through connectSC, the Career Center lists internships and job postings for USC students and alumni. The listings include part- and full-time positions, on- and off-campus opportunities, as well as Work Study positions. Students can also use connectSC to participate in on-campus recruiting. Students interested in obtaining a job or internship should access the online job listing service, available 24 hours a day, by visiting the Career Center Website and registering for connectSC at careers.usc.edu.
Disability Services and Programs (DSP)
Disability Services and Programs (DSP) is dedicated to maintaining an environment that ensures all students with documented disabilities at USC equal access to its educational programs, activities and facilities. Accommodations are designed to level the playing field for students with disabilities, while maintaining the integrity and standards of each of our academic programs.
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, but some examples of typical accommodations include: assistance in providing note-takers, sign language interpreters, readers, scribes, advocacy with faculty, exam proctoring, assistance with architectural barriers, accessible seating at USC sporting events, alternative text formats, adaptive technology, referrals to community resources, support groups and other support services for individual needs that are unique to a student’s disability.
The office is located in Student Union Building, Room 301, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can call (213) 740-0776, email ability@usc.edu or visit online at usc.edu/disability.
Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity
The USC Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity (KCLC) is for students who learn “differently” and wish to receive academic support. Students who have disability-related learning challenges are encouraged to use the KCLC. At the KCLC, students are paired with academic coaches, have access to assistive technology, can study in a quiet environment and receive guidance in their optimal way of learning.
The KCLC is located in Student Union 311 and can be reached at (213) 740-7884 (voice), (213) 740-7952 (fax), kortschakcenter@usc.edu or online at kortschakcenter.usc.edu.
Support Centered Program (SCP)
The Support Centered Program (SCP) provides holistic support and guidance to first-year students during their transition to USC and assists upper-year students who request additional support. SCP provides guidance on course selection, major choice, academic skills and personal concerns. Additional information can be found at usc.edu/scp.
Undergraduate Success Program
As a major support to scholars of the Neighborhood Academic Initiative program (NAI), the Undergraduate Success Program (USP) encourages academic and personal success at USC. USP provides orientation to the Center for Academic Support, individualized and group academic consultation, mentoring opportunities and a general referral system to university programs and services. More information about USP can be found at sait.usc.edu/academicsupport/centerprograms.
Cultural Centers
USC is strongly committed to enhancing the quality of life for all students attending the university. Multifaceted resources and support are available to build on the cultural diversity present in our student body. These efforts are coordinated through the cultural centers within the Division of Student Affairs. Their focus provides opportunities for cross-cultural learning experiences for all students and a broad range of support services and educational programs for students of color. The cultural centers provide academic and personal support and identity and leadership development programs to support our diverse students.
El Centro Chicano
A department within Student Affairs, El Centro Chicano (El Centro) serves as a resource center for all Latina/o and USC students. Founded in 1972, the center fosters a community of critically thinking, socially conscious Chicana/o and Latina/o leaders, providing personal, social and academic support through graduation and beyond. El Centro Chicano also provides social and cultural programming, student advocacy, assistance for Latina/o student groups, transitional/beyond USC programming and community outreach that fosters and promotes the academic and personal success of Latina/o students. In addition, they educate the campus about Latina/o issues and the ethnic diversity represented within the community (i.e., Central and South America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico) by serving as a resource to the entire USC family.
The Latino Resource Handbook, handed out to all new Latina/o students, and the weekly El Centro E-newsletter, inform students about opportunities such as scholarships, internships, cultural events and student organizations that will help improve their university experience. El Centro serves as headquarters for approximately 21 Chicano/Latino student organizations as well as the Latino Parent Association. All students, including undergraduate commuter, transfer/spring admit and graduate students, are welcome to use the student lounge/study room and kitchenette/computer lab.
Programs and services offered include the Latino New Student Symposium, Latino Floor (special interest housing program for first-year students), Leadership Development & Skill Building Series, Project ReMiX: Exploring the Mixed Race Generation, L.A. Power Trips, Latino Speaker Series, Latino Student Empowerment Conference, Black and Latino Overnight Experience, Latino Honor Society, La Posada: Celebrating Latin American Holiday Traditions and Giving Back, Latino Parent Association and the Chicano/Latino Graduate Celebration. Programs and services consider gender, class, religion/spirituality, bi/monolingual, continuing generations, sexual orientation, disabilities and biracial/ethnic identities.
For more information, contact (213) 740‑1480, visit usc.edu/elcentro or look them up on Facebook and Twitter: @USC_ElCentro.
Asian Pacific American Student Services
The Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS) department is a multifaceted unit focused on the education, engagement and empowerment of students.
APASS has a two-fold mission: facilitating Asian Pacific American participation, dialogue, community-building and empowerment, while at the same time serving as a source of cross-cultural educational programming for the entire campus.
APASS programs include orientation, leadership development, service-learning and community immersion, career and peer mentoring, cross-cultural and educational programs, academic collaborations, and individual and collective advocacy.
APASS is located in the Student Union Building, Room 410, (213) 740-4999. For more information, email apass@usc.edu or visit usc.edu/apass.
Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs
The mission of the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) is to create an afro-centric, holistic learning environment for academic, social and professional development, as well as to provide civic engagement opportunities for all members of the USC community.
CBCSA meets its goal by targeting five major areas of focus: cultural and community development, leadership, professional development, retention and social enrichment. All CBCSA services and programs are initiated in accordance with the Division of Student Affairs’ five strategic initiatives.
CBCSA, the Black Student Assembly and almost 50 black student organizations partner to offer a variety of informative academic and personal development programs, social activities and cultural events. These programs and events promote academic excellence and encourage unity among students, staff, faculty and the surrounding USC community. CBCSA provides many opportunities for students to become leaders both on and off campus. It continues to make a difference by exploring the diverse spectrum of our cultural community and encouraging students to do the same.
CBCSA is located in the Student Union Building, Room 415, (213) 740-8257. For more information, email cbcsa@usc.edu or visit usc.edu/cbcsa.
International Services
The Office of International Services (OIS), located in the Student Union Building, Room 300, assists more than 8,000 non-immigrant students and scholars in achieving their educational, professional and personal objectives. OIS recognizes the many benefits of international educational exchange, and promotes these benefits both within the university and throughout the local community. On campus, OIS aims to provide opportunities for interaction among international and domestic students, scholars, faculty and staff through programs and activities with an international and intercultural focus.
These programs include:
- LA Today — several outings each semester to places in Los Angeles not included on the typical tourist path
- English Language Program — English language instruction, field trips and social activities for spouses and scholars of the USC international community
- Thanksgiving Match-up — host families invite international students into their homes to celebrate Thanksgiving and help students learn more about American culture in general
- International Graduation Reception — a reception and awards ceremony for all graduating international students
- International Education Week Events — a series of events held around campus to celebrate the U.S. Department of State’s International Education Week
- International Scholar Reception — a reception for new and continuing visiting scholars to welcome them to USC and introduce them to scholar colleagues, faculty and staff
- International Scholar Meet and Greets — a monthly gathering of new and continuing scholars that offers the opportunity to learn about USC and the L.A. area and connect with colleagues
For more information about any of OIS’ services or programs, refer to the Website usc.edu/ois.
Parking and Transportation
Parking
USC Transportation is committed to creating the best USC experience for all students, faculty, staff and campus guests by offering affordable and convenient parking and transportation options to the campus community. USC Transportation maintains more than 8,000 on-campus parking spaces and approximately 1,300 off-campus spaces at the University Park Campus. In addition, there are approximately 1,600 parking spaces available at the Health Sciences Campus. If driving to and from campus is not an option, USC Transportation offers numerous alternate rideshare programs, most of which are subsidized by the university. Alternate rideshare programs offered include vanpools, carpools and carpool matching through Zimride, car sharing via Zipcar rentals, and mass transit ticket sales. USC Transportation also hosts a full-service Enterprise Rental Car kiosk inside its sales office for short- and long-term rentals (including students 18 years and older). Intercampus transportation, including free transportation to and from Union Station, is also available, along with a safe-ride-home program offered through the Campus Cruiser program during off hours and on weekends.
For more information on rates, parking options, locations, and a full list of partnerships, contact: USC Transportation Office, 620 W. 35th Street (PSX), usc.edu/parking, UPC phone number: (213) 740-3575, HSC phone number: (323) 442-1201, toll-free: (888) SC4-TRAN.
Recreational Sports
Recreational Sports (aka Rec Sports) welcomes the university community to participate in its extensive services and sports programs. The department provides students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests with numerous opportunities for sports and recreational activities. Rec Sports educates individuals in the meaningful use of leisure time through its various programs and services.
Recreational Facilities
The University Park Campus offers recreational facility choices including: the Lyon University Center, Utengsu Aquatics Center, Cromwell Field, Loker Track Stadium, Marks Tennis Stadium, student tennis and sport court complex, Watt Way basketball courts and the Physical Education Building, which houses an indoor swimming pool, multi-use gymnasium, martial arts room and aerobic/dance studios.
The Lyon University Center, the largest recreational facility on campus, includes the Utengsu Aquatics Center; group exercise fitness studio; the newly renovated second-floor fitness area and the Robinson Exercise Room; Klug Family Fitness Center (weight room); gymnasium space for basketball, volleyball and badminton; racquetball and squash courts; climbing wall; and a cardiovascular center equipped with audiovisual equipment. The equipment includes stationary bicycles, stair climbers, elliptical machines, rowing machines and cross training equipment. There is no membership fee for currently registered students. However, before they can use the facility, all students must complete the USC Recreation Facility Waiver available online at usc.edu/recsports/forms. Memberships are also available for students enrolled in classes during the summer.
The HSC Fitness Center is a highlight on the Health Sciences Campus. Located in the 2001 Soto Street Building, the 10,000-square-foot HSC Fitness Center houses a variety of cardiovascular and strength training equipment, free weights, two group exercise rooms, full locker rooms and rental and day-use lockers.
Adjacent to the HSC Fitness Center, a lighted basketball court and multipurpose area (with amphitheatre) are available for drop-in, intramural programs and reservations. The HSC Fitness Center is one of the newest additions to the university’s enhancement of the quality of campus life.
Programs
Recreational Sports directs more than 100 sporting programs that attract 9,800 students, staff and faculty participants and 900 club sport members. Intramural Sports offers a wide array of activities including flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, racquet sports and softball. More than 58 club sports are hosted by the department, including teams such as badminton, lacrosse, soccer, golf, ice hockey, cricket, dance, ultimate Frisbee, crew, surfing and water skiing.
Services
Fitness programs offer USC Workout (group exercise classes), private pilates and private yoga lessons, martial arts, personal training, Masters Swim, and massage therapy. Locker rental and towel service are available for a fee. Guests, alumni and emeriti faculty are welcome to become USC Recreational Sports members and participate in programs offered. The Pro Shop at both the Lyon Center and HSC Fitness Center provide limited equipment rental and sales of sports items. Outdoor Adventure Rental (OAR) is a service that provides outdoor equipment such as tents, lanterns and sleeping bags for a rental fee.
For information regarding student employment and volunteer opportunities, services, programs, guest policies, summer youth sports programs and facility reservations, call (213) 740-5127 or visit the Recreational Sports Website at usc.edu/recsports.
Residential Choices
USC provides attractive residential opportunities that complement the academic mission of the university. The university believes that the living experiences in residential colleges and university apartments offer a desirable and important part of the total educational experience. Living on campus provides the opportunity for students, faculty and staff to come together within an academic residential community. Our communities combine a high degree of informal contact with a strong desire to explore the world of ideas within an intellectually stimulating environment. USC students typically take advantage of these programs and live in USC Housing for at least a portion of the time during which they are enrolled.
USC Housing
USC offers applicants a variety of living alternatives. USC houses more than 6,500 students in nearly 50 university-owned housing facilities. Freshmen live primarily on campus in one of our residential colleges. They are housed in either traditional residence halls or suites, although some apartments are available for freshmen. Residential colleges add the additional element of faculty-in-residence, who contribute to the educational environment in housing. All rooms in USC Housing are furnished and are designed to accommodate two students each. In those residential colleges that exist in traditional residence halls, bathrooms are usually communal and dining services are in close proximity. Three residential colleges exist in large suite-style buildings that bring five to eight students together in double and single occupancy rooms around shared facilities, such as bathrooms and, in some cases, small common areas. Upperclassmen and graduates reside in apartment buildings on or near campus. Apartment-style living requires more independence. The apartment units are furnished, with most having standard kitchens, bathroom facilities and living areas. Units are designed to house two, three, four or five students per apartment, depending on the number and size of bedrooms. A limited number of furnished apartments for students with families is also available.
New students may apply for housing once they have been admitted to the university and are urged to take advantage of the simple and convenient online application available at housing.usc.edu. Those who wish to submit a paper application will find a form on the Website that can be printed out, completed and mailed in. Applicants may request roommates on their applications; those using the online application system may take advantage of a roommate matching feature, which sorts potential roommates based on living preferences and offers them the chance to exchange email prior to formally requesting each other. Housing assignments occur based on application date, so students are encouraged to apply early.
First-year students who apply by the freshman housing application deadline are assured of receiving university housing during their first two years at USC. Freshmen who apply after the deadline will be housed as space permits, but everything possible is done to provide them with university housing. There is also typically enough housing to meet the needs of most juniors and seniors, but space limitations prevent guaranteeing the entire class housing during those years.
Once students are in university housing, they may continue in housing by participating in the USC Housing Renewal (UHR) process each spring. This process varies considerably from how one applies for housing as a recently admitted freshman, so it is important to follow the process and meet deadlines. Incoming fall 2014 freshmen who participate in the renewal process are guaranteed housing for their sophomore year. Selection of student housing assignments will be based on a lottery process.
Housing assignments for incoming non-freshman students for the fall semester are made throughout the summer. Assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to space availability.
Housing Services Office
USC Housing Services is responsible for processing the housing applications for students for the academic year and summer sessions. The Housing Services Office makes assignments, issues housing contracts and reassignments, and handles all billing.
Questions may be directed to USC Housing, Parking Structure X, (213) 740-2546 or (800) 872-4632; fax (213) 740-8488, email housing@usc.edu. Or visit the housing Website at housing.usc.edu.
Housing Customer Centers
USC Housing operates 11 customer service centers (CSCs) located on-site in various residential buildings on and off campus. Each CSC is responsible for serving designated housing facilities and assists residents with check-in and check-out, maintenance, and package pick up.
Residential Education
Residential Education supervises the overall student experience through live-in staff and faculty in the USC housing system. All special-interest housing and programs that support faculty-student interaction, including residential colleges, are coordinated by this office.
Residential Colleges
USC established its first comprehensive residential college in 1987 and expanded to offer such accommodations to all first-year students in fall 2012. This included all on-campus facilities and one off-campus apartment building functioning as residential colleges. The university’s stated goal is to provide the residential college experience to all incoming freshmen.
North Residential College and New Residential College provide faculty interaction and close proximity to classrooms. Home to the cinema special interest floors, New and North house mostly freshmen.
The International Residential College at Parkside provides a venue where undergraduate students and live-in USC faculty and visiting professors come together to promote stimulating cultural and intellectual exchanges among individuals from many countries residing alongside American students. This prepares students for a future that has taken on more and more the sense of a global community.
The Arts and Humanities Residential College at Parkside, which opened in fall 2007, connects students to the cultural offerings of USC and Los Angeles and features special interest floors that focus on the arts and creative endeavors of all types including architecture, creative writing, dance, drama and music.
The University Residential College at Birnkrant opened in fall 2011. Each year, invitations to this program are offered to USC’s trustee and presidential scholars, as well as Mork Family and Stamps Leadership scholarship holders. Diverse programming, cultural opportunities and faculty-led trips are a regular part of the Birnkrant experience.
The South Area Residential College consists of Marks Tower, Pardee Tower, and Marks and Trojan halls. This residential college connects students to the larger USC community through its centralized campus location. Students in this residential college enjoy academic and co-curricular activities that prepare them for the future.
The West Area Residential College consists of Webb and Fluor towers. This residential college connects students to multiple special-interest opportunities. El Sol y La Luna Latino and Somerville Place cultural communities are both housed in Fluor and give their residents the opportunity to experience a smaller community within the larger USC setting.
Special Interest Housing
Other residential faculty programs include Annenberg House, Honors House, Hillview, Founders and Sierra apartments, which bring together highly motivated upperclassmen and interested faculty to increase faculty-student interaction.
Programs that bring together students with a special common interest include: SChalom (Jewish religion and culture), Great Outdoors Floor, Law Program (first-year law students only), Occupational Therapy Program (majors only), Chemistry (first-year Ph.D. students only), and the Muslim, Latina/o, Somerville Place, Business, Women in Science and Engineering, Rainbow (LGBT), Music, Arts and Architecture, Dance and Drama, Creative Writing, and Cinema floors. Information on these special-interest housing programs is available in the Living at USC brochure, which students receive with their acceptance packet. The information can also be found on the housing Website at housing.usc.edu/index.php/special-interest-communities. Call Residential Education at (213) 740-2080 for details about these programs.
A supplemental application is required for acceptance into many of these programs. Supplemental applications are available online at sait.usc.edu/ResEd/about_special_communities.asp.
Contact
Residential Education is located in the Student Union, Suite 200. Call (213) 740-2080 or visit the Website at sait.usc.edu/ResEd.
Fraternities and Sororities
Fraternities and sororities also offer a residential experience for student members. USC fraternity and sorority chapter houses are primarily located on or near 28th Street, “The Row.” The cost to members living in one of these houses is comparable to the cost of living in the residence halls. Those members not living in the fraternity or sorority chapter house pay dues that provide them with most membership privileges other than housing. Housing in most fraternities and sororities is limited; students who plan to participate in Rush (membership recruitment) should not plan on immediate occupancy in the house. Please note: Joining a fraternity or sorority is not sufficient reason to be released from a university housing contract. Further information regarding housing and activities in fraternities or sororities may be obtained from the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Development, Student Union Building, Room 200, (213) 740-2080, usc.edu/student-affairs/greeklife.
Family Housing
Married students and students with children who would like university housing should apply to the Housing Services Office, Parking Structure X, (213) 740-2546. Family housing is located north of campus and has furnished one-bedroom and a very limited number of two-bedroom apartments.
Child Care
Students with families can apply to enroll their children in the Anna Bing Arnold Child Care Centers. The program operates in two sites on the Health Sciences and University Park campuses. Programs for infants, toddlers and pre-school children are offered at both sites. The focus is on personal and social growth, developing motor coordination and positive self-image and providing a good first school experience. Full- and part-time enrollment is available and a monthly fee is charged.
Student Athlete Academic Services
The SAAS program was established to provide student athletes with the academic support necessary for them to achieve their goal of a USC degree. By providing services through the Athletic Department such as general counseling, advisement and problem solving along with orientation, registration assistance, grade monitoring, study table and tutoring, SAAS helps student athletes fulfill the university’s academic expectations for them and also helps each of them to achieve their own personal academic goals.
Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards
Procedural and advisory matters, as well as the integrity of the student conduct system, are the responsibility of the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards.
The Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards reviews student conduct and academic integrity matters. Additional information about the student conduct system can be found on the Website at usc.edu/student-affairs/SJACS.
Student Health and Counseling Centers
At USC every effort is made to help students achieve and maintain good physical, mental and social health. The USC Engemann Student Health Center offers direct medical care and psychological counseling, as well as prevention programs to assist students in assuming responsibility for their personal well-being. For more information, contact the center at (213) 740-9355 or consult the center’s Website usc.edu/engemann.
The Engemann Student Health Center is located at 1031 West 34th Street. During the fall semester, the center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday (urgent care only) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Note that hours of operation are subject to change. All changes will be posted one week in advance. You may also call (213) 740-9355 for current hours.
Eligibility for Services
All domestic students carrying 6 units or more during the fall and spring semesters are automatically assessed the student health fee. Students with less than 6 units may choose to purchase the health fee and receive services at the health center on their campus. All international students and Health Sciences students are automatically assessed the student health fee regardless of the number of units taken. Students enrolled in the USC student health insurance plan are required to pay the student health fee. Most services are covered by the student health fee. However, there may be moderate charges for selected services such as laboratory tests, prescriptions, orthopedic appliances, copies of X‑rays and medical records. These will be explained at the time of the visit. Students may use the services of the USC Engemann Student Health Center throughout the semester, as well as during breaks between academic sessions, as long as they are continuing students and are registered for the following semester.
During the summer months, students may use the services of the Engemann Student Health Center if they are continuing students and pay the summer fee.
Note: Students enrolled in classes on the University Park Campus will receive their health care service at the Engemann Student Health Center. Students enrolled in classes on the Health Sciences Campus will receive their health care service at the Eric Cohen Student Health Center on the Health Sciences Campus.
Primary Care
For the treatment of most acute illnesses and injuries, a primary care appointment can be scheduled Monday through Friday. Students can schedule appointments online at usc.edu/myshr or by calling (213) 740-9355.
Specialty Care
Dermatology, allergy, nutrition, internal medicine, orthopedics, acupuncture, chiropractic services and physical therapy appointments are made by a referral from a primary care practitioner only. Routine gynecology appointments may be made without a referral.
Urgent and Emergency Services
For students who have an illness or injury, which requires urgent medical attention, the USC Engemann Student Health Center Acute Care Clinic is open during regular clinic hours. If a student’s medical condition requires attention during the hours the health center is closed, they may call (213) 740-9355 and follow the recorded instructions to speak with a registered nurse. In the event of a life-threatening medical emergency, on or near the USC campus, call the USC Department of Public Safety at (213) 740-4321. For off-campus emergencies, contact emergency services by dialing 911.
Ancillary Services
A clinical laboratory and a digital radiology unit support the practitioners’ services. Students must pay any charges incurred for diagnostic tests and occasionally may be referred to outside facilities.
Prescriptions may be filled, for a charge, at the campus pharmacy located in the Student Union Building on the University Park Campus.
Office for Wellness and Health Promotion (OWHP)
The mission of the Office for Wellness and Health Promotion (OWHP) is to support USC’s University Park Campus with health promotion that advances wellness, student learning and the unique USC student experience. OWHP assesses student health behaviors, collaborates with campus partners and delivers best practice prevention initiatives.
Participation in OWHP initiatives can help an individual develop personal skills, create supportive campus communities and influence campus policies while developing a health-promoting environment. OWHP offers skills-based workshops with student groups on campus, including student organizations, athletic teams, greek organizations and residence halls. On- and off-campus resources and referrals are also available. Issues addressed include stress management, healthy relationships, alcohol and other drug use, nutrition, sexual health, sleep and sexual assault prevention. Current data on student health status and wellness-related behaviors are also available.
Drop by OWHP in the USC Engemann Student Health Center (ESH), room 203, for a place to study, read, pick up safer sex supplies and other free wellness resources, check out books, or just sit and relax. Anonymous HIV testing is also available.
For more information, call (213) 740-4777 or visit usc.edu/owhp.
Immunizations
The USC Engemann Student Health Center strongly recommends that all incoming freshmen receive the meningococcal meningitis vaccination before coming to campus, or as soon as possible after arrival.
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious illness that can lead to brain damage, disability and death. College freshmen, particularly those who live in residence halls, have a modestly increased risk of getting this disease. Presently, two vaccines are available in the United States that provide protection against four of the five most common strains. For more information, refer to usc.edu/engemann.
Student Counseling Services
Counseling services are available on the University Park Campus on the third floor of the USC Engemann Student Health Center.
Services are provided to help enhance students’ skills and attitudes in adapting to college life, creatively handling stresses and challenges, relating to new and different people and making their USC experience satisfying and productive. Eligible students may be seen in a group, as a couple or individually, and all personal information discussed in counseling is kept confidential.
The professional staff of the Counseling Center is an ethnically and educationally diverse group which includes psychologists, social workers and staff psychiatrists. They are highly trained and experienced in helping students successfully cope with a variety of issues and concerns that are common during their college experience. Additionally, advanced graduate interns in clinical and counseling psychology and social work trainees provide a variety of services to students.
Further information is available by calling (213) 740-7711 or by visiting the Student Counseling Services’ Website at usc.edu/scs. For evening or weekend emergencies, please call (213) 740-7711 and follow the recorded directions for after-hour assistance.
Student Involvement
USC offers broad and diverse opportunities for student involvement and leadership development, ranging from formal and highly organized elective offices to very informal sharing of common interests and enthusiasms. For more information, visit the Website at sait.usc.edu/studentlife.
Undergraduate Student Government
The campus-wide Undergraduate Student Government consists of legislative, programming, judicial and executive branches, whose collective purpose is to provide comprehensive representation that fosters maximum student participation. It exists to represent the interests of the students to the administration on campus issues through an extensive programming and committee structure.
Opportunities for involvement and leadership can be found in several committees such as campus affairs, community affairs, diversity affairs and academic affairs, to name a few. Offices are located in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, Room 224, or visit the Website at usg.usc.edu.
Program Board
Major student events and activities at USC are sponsored by the Program Board, which represents a diverse group of student interests and organizations. The assemblies and programming committees are student-run groups that promote diversity and entertainment through progressive and innovative event programming. The student programming fee allows Program Board to plan a multitude of social, political and educational events for the USC community. These events include concerts, speakers, cultural events and various other activities. Offices are located in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, Room 224, or visit the Website at uscprogramboard.com.
Recreation Club Council
The Recreation Club Council (RCC) is a collective organization of more than 50 club teams recognized by the Office of Campus Activities and Recreational Sports. The RCC provides organizational development, leadership opportunities, program coordination and administrative support by offering sport opportunities not necessarily met through existing academic, recreational, intramural or varsity programming. Club lists and additional RCC information is available online at usc.edu/recsports.
Graduate Student Government
The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is recognized as the official voice of the graduate student body. Representatives to the senate are elected by their peers according to academic departments and meet regularly to address the issues and concerns of the graduate student population. GSG allocates graduate student programming fee monies to academic-based student organizations as well as to students traveling to present at professional conferences. GSG appoints graduate and professional students to university committees, and maintains three funding boards to encourage cross-disciplinary programs, social and recreational activities and community service.
An executive committee oversees the daily operations of the senate and offers graduate students an opportunity to become involved in the university community outside their academic discipline. Offices are located in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, Room 224, or visit the Website at gsg.usc.edu.
Student Organizations
More than 800 clubs and organizations exist with new ones added each year. Participation affords new experiences, new friendships and the opportunity to pursue an interest to higher levels of understanding and accomplishment. These organizations address a wide range of political, academic, religious, social, service and recreational interests. For more information, visit usc.edu/stuorgs.
Honor Societies
Most departments and schools have an academic organization oriented toward a specific discipline. Honor societies have a selective membership process that is usually based on one or more of the following requirements: area of study, grade point average, university involvement, leadership and community service.
Spectrum
USC Spectrum, a program of the Division of Student Affairs, presents an annual season of the finest in arts and entertainment by nationally and internationally known attractions for the education and enjoyment of the USC community and its neighbors in Los Angeles.
Over the past 15 years, renowned performers including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Wayne Shorter, Rufus Wainwright, Andrew Bird and Esperanza Spalding, as well as distinguished guests Deepak Chopra, Tom Brokaw, Ted Turner, Sherman Alexie, David Gergen and many more have appeared at USC, presented by USC Spectrum.
Visit usc.edu/spectrum for a list of current events and programs.
Facilities
Student programs at USC are accommodated by a number of indoor and outdoor facilities including Bovard Auditorium, Ground Zero Performance Café, academic classrooms, Hahn Plaza, Alumni Park, Founders Park, Associates Park, E.F. Hutton Park, McCarthy Quad, and the Tutor Campus Center featuring meeting rooms, a multipurpose ballroom and Tommy’s Place.
Immediately adjoining the campus is Exposition Park with its extensive complex of museums, gardens and athletic facilities. Each represents an important educational and recreational adjunct to the campus itself. The Los Angeles Coliseum is home to Trojan football, as is the Sports Arena to basketball. The grounds of Exposition Park are used by students for picnics, games and other informal events. For more information visit usc.edu/scheduling.
USC Volunteer Center
The Volunteer Center organizes several community service projects, identifies volunteer opportunities for USC students, faculty and staff, and houses an extensive database of over 100 entries of service agencies that provide volunteer opportunities to the USC family. Programs include Jumpstart, Friends and Neighbors Service Days, Alternative Break programs during winter and spring breaks, mentoring opportunities and more. For more information, visit usc.edu/volunteer or email volctr@usc.edu.
Student Media Organizations
A number of on-campus media facilities are operated by students, allowing them to develop their journalistic talents and air their opinions while providing a service to the campus community.
Campus Newspaper
The Daily Trojan is the official student campus newspaper. Its coverage includes campus news, editorials, sports, features about campus activities and events, an entertainment section, and letters to the editor. Published Monday through Friday, the paper is distributed free in kiosks located in various parts of the campus and in the Student Publications Office, Student Union Building, Room 400, (213) 740-2707.
USC Yearbook
El Rodeo, USC’s yearbook, highlights events of the year. Students may pre-order copies of El Rodeo during the fall semester by visiting uscelrodeo.com. The yearbook is distributed in the late spring. The El Rodeo office is located in the Student Union Building, Room 400, (213) 740-2707.
Radio Station
KXSC Radio is the official campus student radio station broadcasting live at 1560 AM. KXSC is also available live via the Internet and can be accessed at kxsc.org. Located in the basement of the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, the station broadcasts music, sports and talk shows seven days a week. Students may work in sales, engineering, public relations, programming, concerts and event planning, among other interdisciplinary fields. Call (213) 740-1483 for music requests and additional information.
Trojan Marching Band
At 300 members strong, the Trojan Marching Band is the largest student spirit group on campus and a highly visible ambassador representing USC in the local community, the nation and the world. The band’s history dates back to 1880. Since that time, the band has developed into one of the most innovative marching bands in the country.
Nicknamed The Spirit of Troy, the band presents a new, energetic halftime show at every home football game and sends a portion of the band to each away football game — with the full band traveling annually to the Bay Area and biennially to South Bend, Indiana for the game against Notre Dame.
The Spirit of Troy is busy year-round supporting the USC athletic teams as well as appearing in movies, on television and at special events throughout the world. In 2003, the band was the first marching band from the United States to appear at the internationally televised Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong. The band has performed at Super Bowls, the World Series, the World Cup and the Olympics.
The band is also frequently referred to as “Hollywood’s Band” because of its many appearances on the silver and small screens. The Spirit of Troy has appeared in such feature films as Forrest Gump and The Naked Gun and has performed at three Academy Awards telecasts, two Grammy Awards, and on Glee, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars and The Tonight Show.
The Trojan Marching Band is the only collegiate marching band to possess two platinum albums for its collaboration with the rock group Fleetwood Mac on the hit single “Tusk.” In 2010 the band performed at the Coachella music festival with the metal group Coheed and Cambria. The Spirit of Troy has traveled to 17 countries on six continents for such events as the 50th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy and World Expositions in Australia, Spain, Portugal, Japan and China. For more information about the Trojan Marching Band, visit its Website at uscband.com.