USC Welcome Experience features weeks of special events for new Trojans
Kicking off this week, the schedule — with everything from ceremonies and seminars to concerts and a spirit rally — continues well into September. Check out the events, because you won’t want to miss out.
Fall 2020 is certainly shaping up to be a semester like no other. But USC itself is a place like no other, so new and returning Trojans can look forward to a unique USC Welcome Experience. In the works are several weeks of ceremonies, seminars, concerts and more designed to ensure that students make the most of their USC experience — even if that experience involves a lot more online activities than usual.
The big kickoff is the new student convocation on Aug. 6, a ceremony steeped in tradition in which President Carol L. Folt, Provost Charles Zukoski and USC deans welcome the newest Trojans as they begin their USC academic journey.
But that’s just the start. Here are some highlights of what’s in the works — with more events being added every day.
Thursday, Aug. 6
NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION: President Carol L. Folt invites you to a celebration welcoming all incoming students on behalf of the USC community. Visit the event website for more information on the virtual ceremony, which will start at 9 a.m Thursday, Aug. 6.
Share your welcome experience and show your Trojan spirit by tagging #WelcomeToUSC or #OfficialTrojan on social media.
Spanish and Mandarin translation, as well as closed captioning, will be available.
Sunday, Aug. 9
SPARK! 15TH ANNUAL VISIONS AND VOICES KICKOFF: This high-energy event full of performances and inspiration is always a highlight among pre-semester activities. Performers include Jessa Calderon, Rudy Francisco, Phranc, Yosimar Reyes, Micaela Taylor, Jakevis Thomason, Urban Assault and Kristina Wong. It’s usually restricted to USC students, but this year’s online event is open to everyone, The livestream begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9; register in advance.
Tuesday, Aug. 11
USC DORNSIFE NEW STUDENT FALL KICKOFF: The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is home to most of the university’s undergraduate students. At this event, you’ll learn new tips on how to do well academically, how to get involved and meet people when you’re not on campus, and more. The online event at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, is open to all new USC Dornsife freshmen and transfer students.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AND DESI AMERICAN (APIDA) STUDENT WELCOME: Asian Pacific American Student Services welcomes the new incoming class. Learn more about our programs, services and resources, meet new incoming APIDA students and find out how to get involved this school year. The online event is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, with additional dates through Friday, Aug. 14.
Thursday, Aug. 13
TRIVIA GAME: Be sure to make time for fun! The Campus Activities Trivia Game will be held online starting at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13.
Friday, Aug. 14
QuSC: NEW LGBTQ+ STUDENT ORIENTATION: All incoming LGBTQ+ students, both undergraduate and graduate, are welcome to attend the official LGBTQ+ student orientation. The online event is from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 14.
BLACK AND LATINX NEW STUDENT SYMPOSIUM: This event welcomes Black and Latinx students to USC. Get connected to staff, faculty and campus resources through various impactful workshops and panels. The online event, presented by the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs and La CASA, the Latinx/Chicanx Center for Advocacy and Student Affairs, is from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.
TROJAN SPIRIT AND TRADITIONS: Join the Trojan Marching Band, Spirit Leaders and Song Girls as they guide you through the history of USC’s spirit-filled traditions. Watch the Trojan Marching Band perform classics such as “Tusk” and “Conquest” and learn new songs to kick your Trojan spirit into full gear. The online event — with guest appearances by Traveler, Tommy Trojan and more — is from 4-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
INVOLVEMENT FAIR: Learn about all of the recognized student organizations (there are hundreds of them). The online event is noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, with additional dates through Aug. 27.
Check back for updates, and visit the full USC Welcome Experience schedule of events for a comprehensive listing of all events.
