USC commencement 2023: What you need to know if you’ll be attending

Friday, May 12, marks USC’s 140th commencement. Here are some things you need to know about USC commencement 2023.

The ceremomies: When and where

• The main ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 12, in Alumni Memorial Park. Tickets are not required. The main ceremony will be livestreamed.
• Individual school ceremonies follow throughout the day, with the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and some Keck School of Medicine of USC ceremonies taking place on Saturday, May 13.

Check the weather — and stay hydrated

• Be prepared for hot weather (the forecast looks like the day will be partly cloudy with temperatures in the 70s).
• Be sure to stay hydrated: More than 200 water refill stations are located around the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.
• Don’t forget the sunscreen: Some outdoor ceremony venues are not covered.
• Commencement ceremonies will occur rain or shine — it does occasionally rain in Los Angeles (remember the 2015 commencement). If it does rain, umbrellas are discouraged during ceremonies.

Getting to USC by car

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  With 60,000-70,000 people expected to attend, getting to the ceremony is always a challenge — as is finding a place to park. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time.

• Parking is free for guests attending commencement-related activities in all USC-owned structures at the University Park and Health Sciences campuses on Wednesday, May 10; Thursday, May 11; Friday, May 12; and Saturday, May 13. You must receive a parking permit from the parking attendant at the entrance booth. Overnight parking is not permitted.
• Parking is extremely limited on the USC campuses, and due to the large crowds, parking usually fills up by 7 a.m. USC Transportation will direct you to the next gate or to the off-campus facilities if the structures are full. The Grand Avenue Parking Structure, on the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Grand Avenue, is recommended for all degree candidates, their families and guests.
• There is no commencement parking at the USC Village. The USC Village structure is for retail use only, and retail guests will be subject to current parking rates and fees.

Getting to USC by public transportation

• Consider taking public transit to the event. The Metro E (Expo) Line has three stops next to the University Park Campus. Several bus lines also service the campuses.
• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s trip planner can help you find the best route.

For complete information, visit the USC commencement website.