USC staff
Stories by USC staff:

COVID-19: Out-of-state guests may attend commencement if fully vaccinated
Graduates are limited to two guests due to social distancing requirements, and must register by April 15 to participate.

5 faculty members named University Professors and Distinguished Professors
The selective awards recognize significant accomplishments by leading scholars in their fields.

President Folt releases statement of support for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community
“We must stand up to bigotry and discrimination, in all their forms,” she writes. “We must stand against misogyny and xenophobia, wherever and whenever they appear.”

USC to hold in-person commencement celebrations in May for classes of 2020 and 2021
A series of ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students is being planned at the Coliseum from May 14-25.

USC kicks off Black History Month with universitywide celebration
The online event features students, faculty, staff and community members with the theme “Black History in the Making.”
Partnership at USC School of Dramatic Arts focuses on arts and social justice
The school’s Institute for Theatre & Social Change will team with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative to recruit and train middle school students interested in drama.

Pioneering professors’ innovations make the most of remote learning
President Carol L. Folt sits down with Emily Nix, whose teaching hack generated more than 100,000 social media views, and Jack Feinberg, who revolutionized the way lab experiments are carried out.

A holiday video message to Trojans worldwide from President Folt
President Carol L. Folt joins USC students and the Trojan Marching Band to send a warm “season’s greetings” to the entire Trojan Family.

6 USC researchers named 2020 AAAS fellows
The USC professors join 40 previously selected faculty members as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

USC faculty members named University Professors and Distinguished Professors
The very selective awards recognize significant accomplishments by leading scholars in their fields.

USC joins lawsuit opposing H-1B visa changes
Two proposed rules would restrict career opportunities for H-1B visa holders and make it more difficult for them to retain critical jobs they already hold, with serious consequences for international scholars.

USC’s Bay Area station KDFC names new broadcast home and kicks off fundraising campaign
The new space will be named the Batishwa Miner Broadcast Center in honor of the mother of the late listener and supporter Gloria Miner.

Robotic arms extend the reach of UV disinfection
Engineers at USC have come up with a new way to eliminate coronavirus in tiny, hard-to-reach spaces: robots with UV wands. The project could help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Effie Turnbull Sanders named VP of civic engagement and economic partnerships
The community leader brings more than two decades of experience advancing the rights of underserved Los Angeles communities.

President Folt responds to international student visa policy change
The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday agreed to rescind its directive that would have required international students to take in-person classes to maintain their visa status.

USC removes controversial building name, takes other actions
USC President Carol L. Folt announces six immediate actions, including the removal of the name “von KleinSmid” from the Center for International and Public Affairs, the establishment of a Community Advisory Board for the Department of Public Safety and more.

In State of the University address, president sees plenty of reasons for optimism
USC President Carol L. Folt shares triumphs of students, faculty and staff during this challenging time, along with her plans for how the university will move forward in the weeks and months ahead.

Will Ferrell sends words of encouragement to USC students, staff and faculty
The USC alumnus checks in on his fellow Trojans — and hints at a surprise to come.

Los Angeles Philharmonic, KUSC and KDFC team to present At Home with Gustavo
The special on-air and online series — which has been created in response to COVID-19 — features selections curated by the noted conductor plus personal reflections on the music that keeps us together, even when we’re apart.
USC Thornton welcomes return of Piatigorsky International Cello Festival
Beginning on March 13, the renowned festival will bring the world’s leading cellists back to USC.
Mike Scarpace, 74, earned All Pac-8 honors as a USC blocker
After a stint in the NFL, he went on to coaching positions at schools including UCLA, Glendale Community College and Long Beach Poly High.

Mike Bohn named USC director of athletics
The veteran administrator, who is joining USC from the University of Cincinnati, is known for his integrity and student-centered focus.

USC Board of Trustees approves series of governance reforms
Changes include reducing the size of the board to 35 within the next few years.

How do animals sense sour tastes? New study solves this flavor mystery
New USC-led research has found that a protein called OTOP1 serves as a sour-taste receptor.