Last updated: April 8, 2020 at 6:39 pm
FAQS: Commencement 2020
Given the current challenges we’re all facing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to postpone all USC in-person commencement 2020 activities. We’re still ironing out the details, but we plan to hold a virtual conferring of student degrees in May. We also will have an in-person, on-campus celebration that will take place when travel and large group events once again become safe.
Firm plans for the on-campus event will not be possible until more is known about the advance of the pandemic, but we are certain that our original planned date of May 15, 2020 is no longer feasible. We announced this decision in a letter to the USC community on March 20, so you could cancel your travel plans. We will continue to communicate with you in the coming weeks, and we will keep you posted on our decisions.
We look forward to honoring our students, their achievements, and contributions and to celebrating with everyone’s friends and families. Commencement at USC is always very special, bringing 65,000 to 80,000 people of all ages from around the world—Trojans together—to celebrate in joyful ceremonies and events across the university. We are determined to find a way to celebrate together in this same spirit—but to do so safely.
Below are answers to the frequently asked questions we have received. For more information on commencement, please visit commencement.usc.edu. If you have any additional questions, please send an email to acevents@usc.edu.
Ceremony Information
No. They have been postponed to take place in-person on a later date.
Firm plans for the on-campus event will not be solidified until more is known about the advance of the pandemic. We will continue to be in communication about this in the coming weeks.
All updates will be posted on the commencement website as soon as they are available, and parents will receive an email from the Office of the President with details once the date is set.
All 2020 commencement activities are postponed, including the main ceremony, baccalaureate and honorary degrees dinners, all 32 satellite ceremonies, Ph.D. hooding ceremonies, award ceremonies, induction ceremonies, cultural celebrations, and receptions.
Yes. Degrees will be virtually conferred on May 15 by the president and provost.
We are still in the process of working through the details of how this will be hosted and what the program will include. What we can tell you is it will be online and inclusive for all 2020 graduates. More information will be shared as soon as it is available.
No. All 2020 graduates will be eligible.
No. Once the commencement activities have been rescheduled, all schools will send out new registrations to confirm attendance.
Yes. Diplomas will be mailed to your permanent address approximately six weeks after you graduate on May 15, 2020.
Diploma covers will be handed out at the rescheduled school ceremonies. Each school will have a process for students that are unable to attend the rescheduled ceremonies. We will update with additional information as soon as it is available.
Regalia
The bookstore can assist with returns. For more information, please visit the Herff Jones return website.
In accordance with the order issued by Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles, campus access is currently closed to those not providing an essential function. When campus reopens, you are welcome to return and take photos.
Honor cords are given out only to undergraduate students who have a minimum 3.5 GPA. You will be contacted by your school’s commencement coordinator or academic advisor during the spring semester if you are eligible to receive one. They are free of charge.
Honor cords are provided by your individual school and will be mailed to your permanent address.
Diplomas & Program
Yes. If you have worked with Degree Progress to confirm that your requirements are complete, you will be listed in the program.
The commencement printed program will be handed out at the rescheduled main ceremony and information booths.
Student Publications is making arrangements to have yearbooks mailed directly to purchasers’ home addresses. Shipment dates are pending, but looking to be around the end of the spring semester. Student Publications will be in contact directly with purchasers.
International Students
Once the date for the postponed commencement activities has been set, international students will have three options:
- Students can return to the United States prior to the program end date on the Form I-20 and attend their graduation during the 60-day grace period.
- Students who intend to continue their study in the United States can return with a pending change of educational level or transfer Form I-20.
- Students can return to the United States on another visa classification (i.e.,B-2 visitor visa).
USC will provide a letter of invitation describing the new commencement details, for the purpose of students and family members applying for B-2 visitors visas to visit the United States for USC commencement. The letter will be available via a link on the commencement website one week after the rescheduled date is announced.
International students who apply for B-2 visas to attend commencement should also bring a copy of their latest I-20 form to the visa interview, even if the I-20 is expired, since this is evidence of previous F-1 status during enrollment at USC.
For questions about visas for international students and family members entering the United States for commencement, contact USC's Office of International Services (ois@usc.edu).