Student Life
The Student Affairs Division has as its fundamental purpose the provision of services and resources to students which 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 which are an extension of the academic experience. Consistent with this charge, the division has adopted the following statement which informs and guides its policies and actions regarding the USC community.
Principles of Community
USC is a multicultural community of people from diverse racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds, national origins, religious and political beliefs, physical abilities and sexual orientations. Our activities, programs, classes, workshops/lectures and everyday interactions are enriched by our acceptance of one another, and we strive to learn from each other in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect.
We want to make explicit our expectations regarding the behavior of each member of our community. As adults, we are responsible for our behavior and are fully accountable for our actions. We each must take responsibility for our awareness of racism, sexism, ageism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of oppression.
Bigotry will not go unchallenged within this community. No one has the right to denigrate another human being on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, nation origin, etc. We will not tolerate verbal or written abuse, threats, harassment, intimidation or violence against person or property. In this context, we do not accept alcohol or substance abuse as an excuse, reason or for such abuse, harassment, intimidation or violence. Ignorance or "it was just a joke" is also not an excuse for such behavior.
All who work, live, study and teach in the USC community are here by choice, and as part of that choice should be committed to these principles which are an integral part of USC's focus, goals and mission.
Non-Discrimination Policy
University of Southern California does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, religion, national origin, gender, age, Vietnam veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. The University of Southern California seeks compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which respectively prohibit discrimination. Inquiries regarding these issues may be directed to the director of the Affirmative Action Office, Figueroa Building, Room 109, (213) 740-5086. Students desirous of filing a complaint should contact the Office of the Vice President, Student Affairs, Student Union 201, (213) 740-2421.
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, improvement of 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 which follow. The thematic nature of the individual programs is captured by the guiding principle of "academic community."
Residential Choices
USC provides attractive residence opportunities which complement its educational objectives. The university believes that the living experiences in residence halls and university apartments offer a desirable and important part of the total educational experience. University housing provides the setting for students, faculty and staff to come together and create an academic residential community. The goal is to combine a high degree of informal contact and a strong desire to explore the world of ideas to develop an intellectually stimulating environment. USC recommends that students consider the advantages of these programs and live on campus in one of these facilities for at least a portion of the time in which they are enrolled. Fraternities and sororities also offer an opportunity for residential experience to student members.
Recognizing that the commuter life style is the more practical choice for some students, the university has developed a program of commuter services which includes activities and advocacy services.
USC Housing and Residence Halls
USC's academic residential community reflects a conscious attempt on the part of the university to bring students, faculty and staff together in a setting where friendships and intellectual life can flourish at many levels of contact. USC houses 5,500 students in university-owned single and family housing facilities. The residence hall style of living is available on a semester payment plan. The rooms are furnished and are designed to accommodate one, two or three students each. In residence halls, bathrooms are usually communal and many halls include on-site university dining services. The apartment style of living offers an independent environment. The apartment units are furnished, with most having standard kitchens, bathroom facilities and living areas. Most units are designed to house two or four students per apartment, depending on the number and size of bedrooms. Furnished apartments for students with families are also available.
The goal of the university is to offer all applicants housing in a variety of living alternatives. Freshmen who apply by the freshman housing application deadline are guaranteed to receive university housing during their first year at USC. Freshmen who apply after the deadline are not guaranteed housing, but everything possible is done to try to get them into freshman housing. Once a student is in university housing, he or she is guaranteed housing for four years. Housing assignments are made during the priority period each spring for the following year. Assignments are generally made on a first come, first served basis within the following categories: (1) freshman, (2) sophomore through senior, (3) graduate. Students only compete for housing within their respective category.
Housing assignments for incoming students for the fall semester are made throughout the summer. Spring semester assignments are made in November and December.
The Housing Services Office
The Housing Services Office is responsible for processing the housing applications for students for the academic year and summer sessions. The Housing Services Office also issues housing contracts, assignments, reassignments and releases from contracts.
Applications for student housing for new students are mailed with the admissions acceptance letter. Questions may be directed to the Housing Services Office, Parking Structure C, (213) 740-2546.
The Residential and Greek Life Office
Residential and Greek Life supervises the university programs and live-in staff in the housing system. Special interest housing and faculty-student programs, including residential colleges, are coordinated by this office, located in the Student Union Building, Room 200, (213) 740-2080.
Special Interest Housing
In the tradition of European residential colleges, USC established its first comprehensive residential college in 1987. Undergraduates and graduate students as well as faculty members live in Birnkrant Residential College, relocated from the Embassy building in downtown Los Angeles to a campus address. Being a part of the community of students, scholars and faculty at Birnkrant Residential College is available to sophomores through graduate students.
A new residential college has been established on campus, with 1993-1994 having been its developmental year. The programming incorporates cultural activities and faculty-hosted special guests. North Residential College is especially attractive to students with an interest in communication arts and sciences, urban and environmental problems, multicultural interaction, international affairs and cinema. Students of all undergraduate class levels are eligible for residency.
Marks and Trojan Deans' Halls provide a rich intellectual environment for incoming freshman honors students. Pacific, Kerckhoff, Honors House and Parkside bring together highly motivated students and interested faculty to increase faculty-student interaction. The House of Public Life organizes a community of students interested in politics and public service for weekly dinner speakers.
The university offers special housing programs to stimulate intellectual and cultural development outside of the classroom. The Non-Resident Faculty Fellows program assigns faculty members to most housing units. The faculty members eat meals with the students and become involved with the life of the living unit.
Other programs bring together students with a special common interest. These include Self-Directed House, Law House (law students only), and the Latino, African-American and cinema interest floors. Information on these special interest housing programs is available in information booklets which students receive with their acceptance packet. Call Residential Life, (213) 740-2080, for further information.
Fraternities and Sororities
The majority of USC fraternities and sororities have houses 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 houses pay a fee which provides them with most privileges other than room. Housing in most fraternities and sororities is limited; students who plan to participate in Rush (membership recruitment which occurs after the start of classes) should make alternate arrangements to be assured of having housing. Further information regarding housing and activities in fraternities or sororities may be obtained from the Greek Life Office, Student Union Building, Room 200, (213) 740-2080.
Family Student Housing
Married students or students with children wishing university housing should apply to the Housing Services Office, Parking Structure C, (213) 740-2546. The family student housing located north of campus has furnished one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments for couples and families with one or two children.
Child Care
Students with families can apply to enroll their children in the Anna Bing Arnold Child Care Center. The program operates in three sites located on the University Park and Health Sciences campuses. There are programs for infants, toddlers, pre-school and after school care. 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.
Parking and Transportation
Parking
The university maintains more than 8,192 on-campus parking spaces and some 2,035 off-campus spaces. Specific information on available parking facilities, permit types and requirements, ridesharing and university van pools, and parking rules and regulations is available in the Parking Operations Office, Parking Structure A.
Ridesharing: Commuting and Vacation Travel
A service is maintained for persons offering or needing rides within the continental United States. Located in the Topping Student Center, the ride board uses a map divided into zones for ease of use. Students who would like to participate in a carpool to get to school during the week should call the Los Angeles Commuter Computer at (213) 380-RIDE.
Student Activities
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.
Student Senate
The Senate is the undergraduate campus-wide student government consisting of legislative, programming, judicial and executive branches, whose collective purpose is to provide comprehensive representation which fosters maximum student participation.
The legislative arm is composed of constituency-elected representatives who address the needs and interests of their peers. Opportunities for involvement and leadership can also be found in the five research-action units: student affairs, academic affairs, financial affairs, security and community affairs. Offices are located in the Student Union Building, Room 106.
Major student events and activities at USC are sponsored by the Program Board, consisting of the following events committees: concerts, speakers, coffeehouse, performing arts, special events and discretionary funding.
The Program Board also contains assemblies representing the Asian-Pacific, Black, Latino, international, and gay/lesbian/bisexual communities at USC as well as Trojan Pride, the "spirit" assembly and the academic honors assembly. The Recreation Assembly provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of recreation and club sport activities.
Council of Graduate and Professional Students
The Council of Graduate and Professional Students (COGPS) is recognized as the official voice of the graduate student body. Representatives to the council are elected by their peers according to academic departments and meet regularly to address the issues and concerns of the graduate student population. In addition, COGPS allocates graduate student programming fee monies to academic-based student organizations as well as to students traveling to present papers at professional conferences, appoints graduate and professional students to university committees, and maintains a joint program account to encourage cross-disciplinary programs.
An executive committee, consisting of a chair, external liaison, internal liaison, elections and recruitment chair, programming chair, finance chair and four at-large representatives, oversees the daily operations of the council and offers graduate students an opportunity to become involved in the university community outside their academic discipline. The COGPS office is located in the Student Union Building, Room 106. Graduate and professional students wishing to become involved should call (213) 740-5649 for more information.
Campus Organizations
Nearly 300 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.
Honor Societies
Most departments and schools have an academic organization oriented toward a specific discipline. Honor societies have a selective membership process which is usually based on one or more of the following requirements: area of study, grade point average, university involvement, leadership and community service. A comprehensive list of academic honor societies is included in SCampus.
Office of Student Activities
Located in the Topping Student Center, the Office of Student Activities staff advises students and student organizations; university departments, faculty and staff; and off-campus groups using university facilities in planning, implementing and publicizing programs such as concerts, lectures, theme weeks, dances and special events. It also coordinates a number of leadership development programs and maintains a leadership resource center. The office maintains and schedules a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities, provides mail boxes to student organizations and rents equipment such as portable stages, lighting and amplified sound equipment.
Facilities
Student programs at USC are accommodated by a number of indoor and outdoor facilities including Bovard Auditorium, the Topping Student Center and Patio, Annenberg Lobby and Auditorium, Hahn Plaza, Crocker Plaza, Alumni Park, Founders Park, Associates Park, E.F. Hutton Park, Senior Park, Fagg Park, Norris and Bing theatres.
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.
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, letters to the editor, and the daily calendar, a listing of campus meetings and events. 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 404, (213) 740-2707.
USC Yearbook
El Rodeo, USC's yearbook, highlights events of the year. It is usually purchased as part of the Student Activity Card (season ticket) and distributed in the late spring. The El Rodeo office is located in the Student Union Building, Room 413, (213) 740-5639.
Radio Station
KSCRadio is the official campus radio station. At 104.7 FM, KSCR is the student source for music, news, sports and information. Located on the first floor of Marks Hall, the station broadcasts seven days a week. Students may work in sales, engineering, public relations and programming. Call 740-KSCR (740-5727) for music requests and additional information.
The Trojan Marching Band
The Trojan Marching Band, over 250 members strong, is a major student spirit group on the USC campus and travels more than any other band in the nation.
The Trojan Band supports virtually every athletic team on campus, with a special group of bandsmen performing at all women's athletic competitions. The band has also performed for television specials and commercials and with guest artists from all fields of entertainment. The "Spirit of Troy" has also been featured in concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and has been invited to appear in international performance engagements.
Intramurals and Recreation
The Intramurals-Recreation Department provides a wide variety of activities to all members of the USC community. The multifaceted program affords individuals and teams numerous opportunities for participation and competition regardless of skill level or natural ability. Through its many activities, the program seeks to educate individuals in the meaningful use of their leisure time. More than 9,000 students participate each year in one or more of its offerings.
Intramurals
Intramural competition is held each semester in more than 100 sports within five different programs. The All-University Sports Program, the Women's Intramural Sports Program, the Coed Sports Program, the Inter-Fraternity Sports Program and the Inter-Sorority Sports Program provide competition at all levels of accomplishment in games ranging from the traditional (basketball, swimming, soccer, etc.) to the contemporary (over-the-line softball, inner tube water polo, etc.).
Recreation Interest Clubs
Students seeking to share with others their enthusiasm for a recreational interest may do so through membership in organized clubs. Such diverse interests as amateur radio, fantasy war games, cycling, marksmanship, comic books, sky diving and a number of martial arts are represented by more than 40 recreation clubs. The intramurals-recreation staff is always available to help organize new clubs when sufficient interest develops.
Club Sport Teams
In addition to the better-known intercollegiate sports, such as football and basketball, students compete at the club sport level with teams from other colleges and universities in the following sports: bowling, frisbee, handball (team), hockey (ice), horseback riding, lacrosse, polo (horse), rugby football, soccer, softball (women's), skiing, surfing, and water skiing.
Leisure Classes
Non-credit classes are offered for students wishing to learn particular skills that will enhance the quality of their leisure activities. Offered in a pressure-free environment, classes are designed not only to impart skills, but also to provide social interaction and reduce the stress of campus life. Examples of these classes, many of which are offered at several levels of expertise, include aerobics, backpacking, cross-country skiing, diving, folk dancing, jazz, massage, swim stroke mechanics, weight training and yoga.
Free Recreation
This program is designed for individuals who wish to remain active and stay in shape, but who have only a limited amount of time in which to participate and who do not desire organized activities. The amount of free recreation offered depends upon the availability of facilities, staff and equipment. The schedule varies according to the sports in season. Lockers and equipment are available for a small fee.
Facilities
Among other legacies of the 1984 Olympic Games, USC acquired a new swimming and diving complex. An important enhancement of the university's recreation offerings is the impressive General William Lyon University Center, a state-of-the-art recreation and exercise facility.
Student Conduct
The Division of Student Affairs continually reviews student policies and regulations to reflect changes in basic university practice and policy as adopted by the Board of Trustees and to ensure appropriate recommendations as warranted by a changing student environment. Included are regulations pertaining to the student conduct system, administered by the vice president in coordination with the Office for Student Conduct.
The Office for Student Conduct reviews all student conduct and academic integrity matters. A complete description of the student conduct system is printed in SCampus, USC's student guidebook.
Ethnic Student Programs
USC is strongly committed to enhancing the quality of life for all students attending the university. Unusual efforts have been made to build on the cultural diversity present in our student body. These efforts are coordinated through departments within the Division of Student Affairs. This focus provides opportunities for cross-cultural experiences for all students and a chance to identify a broad range of support services to these specific ethnic minority groups.
Chicano/Latino Student Services
El Centro Chicano was established in 1973 as a creative joint venture between the Chicano community and USC. El Centro provides a hospitable and positive environment for the Chicano/Latino student. It gives students the opportunity to become involved in social, cultural and personal development activities that are geared to promote their full participation in campus life.
Some of El Centro's retention programs include: faculty/student luncheons, Proyecto Mexico, the Latino floors in university housing, the Motivation Institute, the Chicano-Latino graduate celebration, Latino Parents Association and Toastmasters.
In addition, El Centro supports and advises the Chicano/Latino student organizations. These are: M.E.Ch.A., Latino Business Students Association, Hispanic Pre-Law Association, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Latinos for Health Careers, Minority Students in the Media Association, Policy Alternatives in Latin America, and Push United for Mexican American Students (PUMAS).
The office is located on the third floor of the United University Church and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The telephone number for information and services is (213) 743-5374.
Asian Pacific American Student Services
The Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS) department opened in 1982 to assist students in their academic, cultural and personal development during their years at USC. The department links students (over 22 percent of the total undergraduate population) to various opportunities both in and out of the university and to Asian Pacific American alumni and the Asian Pacific American communities.
APASS' mission is to enable students to complete their academic studies more successfully; to participate fully in university life through activities and programs; to develop leadership, communication and interpersonal skills; and to become knowledgeable about and involved with the Asian Pacific American community and identity.
APASS programs include leadership development, orientation, community resources and information, alumni mentoring, cultural and educational programs, academic collaborations, and individual and collective advocacy.
APASS also administers the Asian Pacific American Support Group (APASG) which offers alumni and friends the opportunity to contribute to the education and future of Asian Pacific Americans at USC. The mission of the APASG is to promote the advancement of Asian Pacific American students at USC in all aspects of their development. The APASG collaborates with APASS on mentoring, community relations, and supports the APASG Scholarship Endowment fund which awards over $30,000 annually.
Asian Pacific American Student Services is located in the Student Union Building, Room 410, (213) 740-4999. The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Department for Black Students
The Department for Black Students supports academic and scholarly expression by providing forums for exploration of ideas, as well as programs and activities for the development and enrichment of both graduate and undergraduate students. The department takes a multifaceted approach to leadership, retention, scholarship and student initiatives.
Department programs include the USC-Howard University exchange, a protege mentor program for incoming students, faculty/student brown bag lecture series, information referral, problem solving, community interns, Thurgood Marshall Student Leadership Council, and national Panhellenic organizations.
The Department for Black Students is located in the Student Union Building, Room 415, (213) 740-8257. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Students with Disabilities
Since 1973, USC has been committed to serving the needs of students with disabilities. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) was created to provide a supportive environment to enable students with permanent and temporary disabilities to develop their maximal academic and personal potential. The office encourages students to work toward an independent lifestyle and in turn become self-sufficient and successful members of the USC community. OSD promotes the mainstreaming of students in all aspects of campus life.
Services provided to students include: counseling; auxiliary aids; registration; assistance in locating tutors, note takers, readers, interpreters; orientation; referral information and other individual assistance as needed. Disabled students have access to physical fitness weight equipment in the Lyon Center.
Information regarding services and accessibility to campus buildings and facilities is available upon request. The staff will be happy to assist prospective students in determining how USC can meet their individual needs.
The office is located in the Student Union Building, Room 202, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (213) 740-2500 (voice) and (213) 740-2503 (TDD only).
Students with learning disabilities should refer to the Learning Support Services, Learning Disabilities Assistance section.
International Students and Scholars
The Office for International Students and Scholars located in the Student Union Building, Room 300, is concerned with assisting non-immigrant students in adjusting to, and fully participating in, the USC campus community. The office provides orientation for new students; counseling on personal, academic and financial matters; advisement on immigration matters; programs for international social and cultural exchange; advisement for student nationality clubs; assistance with registration for classes; information about international employment opportunities; and operates the international speakers program.
A unique service offered by the office is the international peer advocate program. These experienced USC student counselors are trained to assist new and continuing international students in adjusting to the campus. The peer advocates are involved at orientation and registration for new students and are available on a year-round basis to assist with the problems brought to them. They also organize a variety of special enrichment opportunities during the academic year.
Learning Support Services: The Learning Center
The Learning Center is the location of the central resource and referral agency for learning enrichment at USC. The Department of Academic Services (DAS) and the Department of Learning Services (DLS) work with USC faculty, staff and students to complement and enhance optimal use of the educational resources of the university. The goals of DAS and DLS are to facilitate independent learning, critical thinking, integrative understanding and responsible action. The Learning Center is located on the third floor of the Student Union Building, Room 301, (213) 740-0776. The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Tutoring and Learning Assistance
A competent and highly-trained staff of tutors for high demand areas such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, economics and business and learning assistants, who work with learning strategies for all subjects, is available to USC students at no charge. USC students may receive a maximum of two tutorials per week in each subject. Appointments must be made in person, in advance.
Learning Enrichment Workshops
Workshops are offered in goal setting, time management, study skills and learning strategies, concentration and memory, writing skills, examination strategies and reduction of test anxiety, rapid reading and note taking.
Computer Learning Lab
The Computer Learning Lab is designed to enable students to use computer-aided instructional materials that encourage self-direction, self-pacing and self-evaluation. The focus is on computer assisted instruction for learning enrichment. This unique service combines tutorial and learning assistance resources with state-of-the-art technology.
Learning Disabilities Assistance
The Department of Learning Services focuses on mainstreaming and self-advocacy to enable students with learning disabilities to achieve and maintain a full level of autonomy on the campus and in the community. Assistance is given in preadmission and academic counseling, educational therapy, content area tutoring, learning skills and strategies instruction, special exam administration, liaison to textbook taping services and long term government loans of adaptive cassette players, and advocacy for academic accommodations when appropriate.
The DLS Office is located in The Learning Center, Student Union Building, Room 301, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (213) 740-0776.
Supplemental Instruction
The Department of Academic Services offers Supplemental Instruction (SI), a national program for students enrolled in traditionally difficult courses. SI provides an opportunity to discuss important course concepts and develop strategies for study in selected courses. At each SI session, students are guided through course material by an SI leader, a competent student who has successfully completed the course and has been through an intensive instructional course in effective learning and study strategies. SI is free and attendance at sessions is voluntary.
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 twice a year, study table and tutors, 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.
Job Opportunities, Volunteerism and Career Planning
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center provides information and counseling to help students decide on a major, explore career options and choose potential employers. The center offers assistance in resume writing, interviewing, career decision-making, and job hunting and sponsors such programs as the career fair and the Trojan Network. In addition, it offers a comprehensive career testing program and teaches a two-unit course, EDCO 245 Career Planning Theories and Application. The center also offers new and traditional placement services: full-and part-time job listings, an electronic resume data base matching system, on-campus recruitment program and an alumni referral system. The Career Development Center is located on the first floor of the Student Union Building, Room 100, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call (213) 740-JOBS (5627).
Student Volunteer Center
USC's Student Volunteer Center (SVC) provides a variety of student volunteer opportunities in the immediate community through an extensive centralized data base of volunteer opportunities. Students wishing to volunteer may visit the SVC in Topping Student Center 101A, (213) 740-9116, to explore public service opportunities by using library binders or USCgopher for information on organizations on and off campus. Examples of SVC activities include coordinating Alternative Spring Break, a community service class, and the Volunteer Corps.
Job Opportunities
Both the Career Development Center and the USC Personnel Office post current part-time job openings available on campus. Many of the jobs listed in the Career Center are work-study positions which are a part of a student's financial aid package. In addition, job openings in the USC libraries, food services, offices and bookstore are posted. Students interested in obtaining a campus job should contact the Career Development Center and the Personnel Office.
Travel Service
The USC Travel Service, located on the first floor of the Student Union Building, Room 101, is a full-service computerized travel agency that provides a complete range of travel services to students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni, family and friends.
USC Travel Service views international travel as an intrinsic part of a student's education, and is involved in developing student travel rates and products as well as working with USC's Overseas Study Programs.
USC Travel also offers a wide range of leisure and business travel products catering to faculty and staff, and specializes in finding the most economical air fares for all clients.
Student Health and Counseling Services
USC Student Health and Counseling Services is a full-service health center licensed by the state of California and staffed with dedicated, licensed professionals. Services include clinical care designed to meet most health care needs and referral services for professional medical care that the Student Health and Counseling Centers may not be able to provide. Supplemental health insurance will help to cover the cost of health care which cannot be obtained at the Student Health and Counseling Centers. For more information, call (213) 740-5344.
The University Park Student Health Center is located at 849 West 34th Street. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In addition to Sundays and holidays, the health center is closed on Saturdays and evenings (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) during holiday weeks and university recess periods.
Eligibility for Services
All students taking six or more units during fall or spring semester pay the Student Health and Counseling Services fee and are eligible for services. Students with less than six units and spouses of students may choose to pay the fee and receive services. Students enrolled in the supplemental health insurance plan are required to pay the Student Health and Counseling Services fee. Most services are available at no additional charge. Moderate fees are charged for selected services such as lab tests, prescriptions, orthopaedic appliances, copies of X-rays and copies of medical records. Students may use the services of the Student Health and Counseling Centers 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 Student Health and Counseling Centers if they are continuing students and pay the summer fee.
Note: Students enrolled at the University Park Campus receive care there; students enrolled at the Health Sciences Campus receive care at that campus.
Health Center
For the treatment of most acute illnesses and injuries, a primary care appointment can be scheduled Monday through Friday, for the current week only. Students can call (213) 740-2778 or come to the Health Center and make an appointment to see the practitioner of their choice.
Specialty Services
Specialty care appointments are booked on a referral basis. Students must first be evaluated by a practitioner through the primary care appointment system to receive a referral. Areas of specialization include: gynecology, orthopaedics, internal medicine, dermatology and allergy. Only routine gynecological appointments may be made without a referral by calling (213) 740-8303.
Urgent and Emergency Services
If you have an illness or injury which requires urgent medical attention, the Student Health Center Acute Care Clinic is open during regular clinic hours. If a student's medical condition requires attention during the hours the Student Health Center is closed, he or she may contact the USC Department of Public Safety at (213) 740-6000, which will place the student in contact with the physician on-call.
In case of a life threatening medical emergency, students should dial 9-1-1 for emergency medical services. USC's Department of Public Safety may also be contacted at (213) 740-4321.
Ancillary Services
The practitioners' services are supported by a clinical laboratory and a radiology unit. Students must pay any charges incurred for diagnostic tests and must occasionally be referred to outside facilities. Prescriptions may be obtained at the Student Health Center for a nominal charge. Short-term physical therapy services are provided at no additional charge.
Health Promotion and Prevention Services
One of the aims of the Health Center is to increase students' health awareness and encourage them to maintain or create a healthy lifestyle. By participating in programs Health Promotion and Prevention Services offers, students can get involved in the maintenance of their health and benefit from the many resources available to them.
Alcohol and drug education programs are a multifaceted effort to provide educational programs, referral and information about alcohol and other drugs to the campus community. The focus is on informed choice, positive peer influence and early intervention. The Drug Education Course (DEC) provides basic information to students experiencing trouble. For more information, call (213) 740-WELL.
Health advocates are specially trained students who provide and present outreach programs. Completion of PPMT 463 or PPMT 464 is a requirement for the designation. Each health advocate acts as a resource person and plans programs for other students on a variety of health and lifestyle topics. For information about becoming a health advocate call (213) 740-WELL.
Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV can be prevented. Outreach programs and workshops focus on stopping transmission. An anonymous HIV antibody testing program with pre- and post-test counseling is available for a small fee.
To schedule a healthy lifestyle workshop presentation in residence halls, greek houses or student organizations, call (213) 740-WELL. A trained student paraprofessional or health education staff member can talk with groups about a wide variety of health and lifestyle topics such as low risk drinking, stress, choosing contraception, nutrition and HIV disease.
Counseling Services
Counseling services are available on the University Park Campus at the Counseling Center in the YWCA Building.
Services are provided to help enhance students' skills and attitudes in adapting to college life, creatively handle stresses and challenges, relate to new and different people and make 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 a staff psychiatrist. 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.
To make an appointment or for further information, call (213) 740-7711. For evening or weekend emergencies, contact the USC Department of Public Safety at (213) 740-4321.
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Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
univpub@stuaff.usc.edu