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University of Southern California Orientation Programs2012/13Student Handbook

WelcomeLearn About USC’s Vibrant Community01“With students from all 50 states, USC is home to moreinternational students than any university in the nation.This diversity enriches your educational experience and preparesyou to make your way in our globally interconnected world.”– C. L. Max Nikias, PresidentDear USC Student,Welcome to New Student Orientation! We’re delighted to have you onour campuses, and I hope this orientation gives you a strong sense ofUSC and its vibrant community. You will soon discover that althoughUSC is a major research university, it has the feel of a small college. Youhave tremendous opportunities to do research alongside faculty – aninvaluable experience if you pursue graduate studies.We also encourage you to consider USC’s vast spectrum of minors,which now exceeds 150, and perhaps pursue one far removed from yourown major. We hope you will make Visions and Voices a regular part ofyour time at USC, and embrace the exciting social life on our campusesand the spirit of our sporting events. With students from all 50 states,USC is home to more international students than any university in thenation. This diversity enriches your educational experience and preparesyou to make your way in our globally interconnected world.During your time here, you should also venture beyond our campuses.The university stands in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the most diverseand dynamic cities in the world, and the de facto capital of the PacificRim. You will benefit tremendously from the city’s wealth of worldclassmuseums, performance venues and cultural offerings, aswell as its innumerable opportunities for socializing, employment andvolunteering.As you know, USC ranks among the most select universitiesin the nation, and you should take great pride in your acceptance.Our students form a very special community, bustlingwith talent, passion and curiosity. The bonds you form on ourcampuses are lifelong, and you will be amazed to learn howpowerful our alumni network really is – even decades afteryou graduate. It all starts here!Fight On!C. L. Max NikiasPresident

Community StandardsLearning University Community Rights and Standards03Successful students are aware of the expectations of them asmembers of the university community. Become familiar withuniversity standards by reviewing the “University Governance”section of SCampus, our student guidebook. It is available onlineat www.usc.edu/scampus.Academic Integrity at USCUSC, like all academic communities, stresseshonesty and integrity in all academic endeavors.All students are expected to be aware ofand abide by academic standards and behaviors.Those who fail to uphold the academicintegrity standards not only suffer severe consequencesto their grades and their studentstatus at the university, but also cheat themselvesand others out of learning, degradethe value of USC degrees and diminish theprestige of a USC education.What constitutes academic dishonestyat USC is spelled out in the “UniversityGovernance” section of the SCampus studentguidebook (www.usc.edu/scampus). Academicdishonesty is any act that gains or is intendedto gain an unfair academic advantage for astudent or that circumvents an instructor’scourse standards.This may include, but is not limited to,plagiarism (using someone else’s work in anyacademic assignment without properly citingthe source and indicating quoted material),cheating (such as using crib notes during anexam, permitting another to copy work orsubmitting work not completed by the student),unauthorized collaboration (preparingacademic assignments with another personwithout faculty authorization) or falsifyingacademic records (including falsified medicalexcuses or misrepresentation of officialrecords). As outlined in SCampus, the universityrecommends a grade of “F” in a coursefor any found act of academic dishonesty.Information, including the academic integrityreview process and academic dishonestysanction guidelines, can be found in the“University Governance” section of SCampus.Additional information can be found atwww.usc.edu/student-affairs/SJACS.Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act(The Buckley Amendment)The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act(FERPA, sometimes referred to as the BuckleyAmendment) is a federal law that protectsthe privacy of education records for anystudent at the university. To comply withthis law, USC must have written permissionfrom the student in order to release anynon-directory information from a student’s“education record.”Recognizing that many students wishto share this information with their parentsand family members, USC has developedan online system that:• Allows students to grant their parentsaccess to education and medical recordsin one step• Allows parents to view elements of theeducation records that are available inUSC’s central student information systemStudents may log in to myUSC (my.usc.edu)and click on OASIS, USC’s Web-based studentinformation system, and use the “EstablishGuest Access” feature to grant parentspermission to view education and medicalrecords. See the following instructions for loggingin to OASIS and granting access.Your authorization for access takes effectimmediately and remains in effect until yourevoke it (or until it expires, six years afterauthorization). You may use OASIS to revokeaccess at any time. Individuals whose “OASISfor Guests” accounts are revoked will be notifiedthat they no longer have access.Important: OASIS allows you to grantaccess to all elements of your educationrecords. If you wish to grant access toselected elements of your records (i.e.,financial information but not grades), youwill be directed to complete subject-specificforms for the appropriate offices.Once you grant online access, your parents/family members may log in to “OASIS forGuests” to view such information as grades,courses and progress to degree. Directionsabout obtaining access to records that arenot available online are provided through“OASIS for Guests.”If you have questions or feedback regardingthis process, please contact the Office ofAcademic Records and Registrar: ferpahelp@usc.edu or (213) 740-6963. For more informationregarding FERPA, visit USC’s FERPAWebsite: www.usc.edu/ferpa.Directions to Grant or Revoke Accessto OASIS for Guests• Log in to myUSC (my.usc.edu) with your USC usernameand password.• Click on the OASIS link under Single Sign-OnQuicklinks.• Once logged in, click the Establish Guest Accesslink on the OASIS main page.• Read the information on the Allowing Guest Accesspage.• Click the Proceed to Grant/Remove Guest Accessbutton.• Click the Create a New Account button on theCurrent Guest Access page.• Complete the New Account form.• Click the Submit button on the New Account form.• Review the information on the Authorization toRelease Records page.• Select the appropriate buttons for the records youwish to authorize.• Click the Submit this Authorization button.• Select the appropriate button to confirm or cancelyour authorization.• Provide the following to your designated guest: a)your USC ID number; b) the Guest Login ID youdefined; c) the Guest PIN you defined; and d) theURL to gain access: www.usc.edu/oasisguest.Note: If your guest forgets the Guest Login ID or Guest PINyou assigned, he or she must contact you. Only studentsmay create, revoke and release Guest Login IDs and GuestPINs.STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK 3

Welcome WeekMove-In Day and Welcome WeekNew Student Orientation is your introduction to USC. Continueyour transition by talking to your parents about expectations for thecoming year (our students have some suggestions) before you arriveon campus. The excitement of Move-in Day is followed by WelcomeWeek, which will jump-start your involvement in campus activitiesand the USC community.Before You Arrive On CampusThe months before move-in can be a hectictime. Students and parents often do not takethe time to clearly discuss expectations forthe coming year. We asked current studentsto tell us what they discussed with theirparents before coming to USC. These arethe topics they suggest:• budget (spending money, job, billpayment, checking accounts, credit cards)• communication (how often, via phone,texts, mail, email or instant messenger)• health coverage (insurance coverage,prescription plans)• car/no car (insurance coverageinformation, parking)• sorority and fraternity recruitment andmembership• computer• grades and academic expectations• Move-In Day plansMove-In DayMove-In Day is the first day students canmove into their USC Housing assignment.For the 2012–2013 academic year, Move-In Day will be on Wednesday, August 22.Students, alumni, parents and staff willassist you and welcome you to the TrojanFamily.Here are some important items youshould check off your list on Move-In Day:• Check into university housing; you willneed your USCard or a valid photo ID.• Meet your Resident Advisor (RA) andlearn the schedule for your mandatoryfirst floor meeting, as well as learn aboutupcoming events, especially Welcome Weekactivities designed to acclimate you to USC.• Get a USC ID at the USCard Office inParking Structure X (PSX) if you have notalready done so. You will need this cardto gain entry to your residential buildingand the Lyon Recreation Center, registeryour library barcode and use thecomputer labs and printers on campus.The USCard is also used for your meal planand discretionary account.• Sign up for a fall semester meal plan (ifyou haven’t already as part of your USCHousing contract).• Stop by the University Bookstore forbooks and supplies.• Purchase a parking permit (if needed) atTransportation Services in PSX.• Speak with a financial aid and/or financialservices representative (if needed).• Settle your student account at theCashier’s Office.• Pick up your orientation materials if you didnot attend a summer orientation session.• Pick up linen ordered during the summerfrom the URSC Linen Program.More information about Move-In Day willbe sent in early August to everyone livingin USC Housing.Move-In Day will be a highly anticipatedexperience and a day for creating Trojanmemories.Welcome WeekThe orientation process continues withour annual Welcome Week, which starts onMove-In Day. Welcome Week activities focuson the multitude of academic, social and culturalcommunities you will be a part of whileat USC. Each program offers opportunities foryou to become involved in campus life andenriches your introduction to the new universityenvironment.Annual activities include the New StudentConvocation; Welcome Back Carnival, Rallyand Concert; Micro-seminars; ComedyShow; and Dive-In Movie. Welcome Weekconcludes with a Student Involvement Fairon Wednesday, August 29. At the fair, youcan learn more about various programs andorganizations available for your continuedinvolvement at USC. A calendar of events willbe available in late July. You can sign up forWelcome Week activities beginning August 1.

OrientationOrientation Coordinators and AdvisorsOrientation CoordinatorsJessica Frey, SeniorMajor: TheatreMinor: Cinematic ArtsHometown: Hollister, CAHonors and Activities: NationalOrientation Directors Association ShowcaseAward, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society,greek life, Panhellenic Executive Board,Theatre Students AssociationHobbies and Interests: Acting, comedy,dancing, skateboarding, Disneyland, watchingmovies and TV, laughing, the beachNeelam Savla, GraduateMajor: Political Science & PsychologyMinor: Environmental StudiesHometown: Northridge, CAHonors and Activities: Trustee Scholar,Dornsife Dean’s List, USC tour guide,Center for Excellence in TeachingUndergraduate Fellow, Order of the Torch,Mortar Board National Senior HonorSociety, Dornsife AmbassadorHobbies and Interests: Dancing, anythingabout USC, LA Lakers, travel, exploring LAOrientation AdvisorsKevin Barth, SophomoreMajor: Computer Science & BusinessAdministrationHometown: Chicago, ILHonors and Activities: PresidentialScholar, Spirit Leader, Campus Crusade forChrist, greek lifeHobbies and Interests: Swimming, waterpolo, soccer (Manchester United and RealMadrid), Tim Tebow, intramural sports,stand-up comedy, snowboarding, Pokémon,Speed Racer, Sonic the HedgehogJohn Canlas, JuniorMajor: KinesiologyMinor: Sports Media StudiesHometown: Glendale, CAHonors and Activities: Student athletictrainer assistant for football and basketball,greek life, Lyon Center official, UniversityResidential Student Community CommunityOutreach CoordinatorHobbies and Interests: Playing and watchingsports, comedy and action movies, newmusic, passing out while studyingMelina Charis, JuniorMajor: EnglishMinor: Psychology & OrganizationalLeadership and ManagementHometown: Los Angeles, CAHonors and Activities: Associated Trustee& Presidential Scholars, greek life, DornsifeAmbassador, Thematic Option, EmergingLeader Program, Alpha Lambda Delta honorsociety6 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAHobbies and Interests: Writing, exploringLA, theatre, cooking, movies, the beach,adventuresPoly Chuong, SeniorMajor: Business AdministrationHometown: San Diego, CAHonors and Activities: Trojan MarchingBand, volunteer income tax assistance associateat Deloitte, USC Accounting SocietyHobbies and Interests: Stand-up comedy,History and Discovery channels, motorcyclingalong the coast and on racetracksAdam Feisst, SophomoreMajor: Business Administration &International RelationsMinor: GermanHometown: Eau Claire, WIHonors and Activities: Trustee Scholar,Thematic Option, Dean’s List, USC tourguide, Daily Trojan, building government,Dornsife Student Ambassador, FreshmanAdvocacy Board, Queer & Ally StudentAssembly, German Club, Community HealthInvolvement Project, Global Health Club,OUTreach Club, Alpha Lambda Delta honorsociety, Associated Trustee & PresidentialScholars, Explore USC hostHobbies and Interests: Foreign languages,travel, Europe, culture, longboarding, running,biking, swimming, friends, new foods,texting, video games, movies, exploring LA,Wisconsin, cheese curds, singing, dancing,coffee shops, FacebookDani Haberman, JuniorMajor: TheatreHometown: Canyon Country, CAHonors and Activities: Alpha LambdaDelta honor society, Merry Men, ResidentialEducation, Slanderous Tongues TheatreHobbies and Interests: Theatre, music,vocal jazz, American Sign Language, specialFX and gore makeup, improv comedy,Disney, fantasy novelsTim Heidorn, JuniorMajor: TheatreHometown: Las Vegas, NVHonors and Activities: School of TheatreDean’s List, USC Admissions intern, TroyCamp, Colleges Against Cancer, TheatreStudents AssociationHobbies and Interests: Acting, realityshows, Big Brother, student films, readingfor pleasure, Yahoo! News bulletins, eyecontact in the elevatorTeja Henry, SeniorMajor: Political ScienceHometown: Riverside, CAHonors and Activities: Building governmentchair, women’s rugby, ResidentCounselor, SCaller, National Associationof College and University Residence HallsRecognition Chair 2013Hobbies and Interests: Soccer, football,cultures and languages, travel, exploringCole Jones, JuniorMajor: SociologyHometown: Alvin, ILHonors and Activities: Dornsife Dean’sList, Recreational Sports MembershipServices, Queer & Ally Student AssemblyExecutive Board, Second Chance PromEvent CoordinatorHobbies and Interests: Volleyball,Charmed, food (grilled cheese, pizza,Freebirds), music (Marina & the Diamonds,Britney Spears, Ellie Goulding), working out,laughing, Tumblr, slow lorisesLaura Kasper, SeniorMajor: Cinematic Arts, Critical StudiesMinor: Communication and theEntertainment IndustryHometown: Geneva, SwitzerlandHonors and Activities: Women’s UltimateFrisbee, Alternative Spring Break, TrojanVision, Ski & Snowboard Team, buildinggovernment, Relay for Life, Dance Included,European Student AssociationHobbies and Interests: Travel, mountainbiking, cooking, TV, movies, readingUjin Kim, JuniorMajor: Business AdministrationMinor: Cinematic Arts & InternationalRelationsHometown: Corona, CAHonors and Activities: Delta OmicronZeta leadership fraternity, resident advisor,Asia Pacific Arts online magazine, stylist forMarshall/ POSE Magazine, USC Center forRisk and Economic Analysis of TerrorismEvents (CREATE), Art History Department,Residential Education, Neon Tommy, Dean’sListHobbies and Interests: Freelance makeup,films, documentaries, TV, music, gender/sexuality, reading, sleeping, Ayn Rand,museum hopping, globe trotting, food, fleamarkets, art, modern architecture, cultureVicky Meng, JuniorMajor: AccountingHometown: Changchun, ChinaHonors and Activities: Marshall Women’sLeadership Board, International Students’Assembly, Career Advantage Program,Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society,Leventhal Dean’s List, PwC’s xTREMEGames, KMPG’s International CaseCompetition, USC Volunteer IncomeTax Assistance, Trojan Investing Society,Emerging Leader ProgramHobbies and Interests: Shopping, music,movies, piano, reading biographies, coffee,spicy food, friends and familyDaniel Mondoza, JuniorMajor: Business AdministrationMinor: East Asian Languages and CulturesHometown: Victorville, CAHonors and Activities: Trojan MarchingBand, Marshall Undergraduate AdvisingHobbies and Interests: Basketball, linguistics,investingCorey Norris, SophomoreMajor: ArchitectureHometown: Gaithersburg, MDHonors and Activities: Trustee Scholar,Triathlon Team, Alpha Rho Chi architecturefraternityHobbies and Interests: Sports, art/sculpture,travel, shopping, food, Downtown,YouTube, music, wrestling alligatorsCricket Oles, JuniorMajor: Economics & International RelationsHometown: Salt Lake City, UTHonors and Activities: USC tour guide,Teaching International Relations Program,Dornsife Dean’s List, SCoutfittersHobbies and Interests: Volunteering, running,hiking, reading, USC footballDylan Purdy, JuniorMajor: PsychologyMinor: Forensics and CriminalityHometown: Crete, ILHonors and Activities: Khoir Practice ACappella, Troy Camp, Joint EducationalProjectHobbies and Interests: Music, singing,theatre, friends, the Bee Gees, sleeping,Wheel of FortuneJosh Romanu, SophomoreMajor: Biological SciencesHometown: Fullerton, CAHonors and Activities: Dean’s Scholar,Baccalaureate/M.D. program, greek life,USC InteraxonHobbies and Interests: Soccer, surfing,water polo, adrenaline sports, friends, theoutdoors, piano, relaxing, neurologicalanatomy, Chuck, spontaneous activitiesMaheen Sahoo, JuniorMajor: Philosophy, Politics and LawMinor: Communication Law and MediaPolicyHometown: Bellevue, WAHonors and Activities: UndergraduateStudent Government residential senator,Society 53, Dornsife Student Ambassadorand Dean’s List, Daily Trojan sportswriter,USC Leadership Scholarship recipientHobbies and Interests: Animal prints,puns/bad jokes, politics, news, Netflix, USCsports, purple, laughingFaatima Seedat, SeniorMajor: Neuroscience & Global HealthHometown: Phoenix, AZHonors and Activities: Alternative SpringBreak coordinator, Alpha Phi Omega servicefraternity, Southern California HomelessInitiative, Phi Sigma Biological SciencesHonor Society, Teaching InternationalRelations Program, Trojan Health Volunteers

07Frey Savla BarthCanlasCharisChuongFeisstHabermanHeidornHenryJonesKasperKimMengMondoza Norris Oles PurdyRomanu SahooSeedatSherikian Strickland Tan TraimanVasku Veer YangHobbies and Interests: Reality TV, readinggossip magazines and Harry Potter, scrapbooking,travel, TaekwondoAleek Sherikian, JuniorMajor: International RelationsHometown: Glendale, CAHonors and Activities: Multicultural greeklife, intern for Hines & Hunt Entertainmentand Schonbrun DeSimone Seplow Harris &Hoffman LLPHobbies and Interests: Cycling, hiking,reading, baking, cooking, basketball, travel,the Laugh Factory, late night food truckhopping, new places in LA, watching SuitsKativa Strickland, JuniorMajor: KinesiologyMinor: BusinessHometown: Laguna Beach, CAHonors and Activities: USC PresidentialScholar, greek life, Pre-Dental HonorsSociety, USC Bing Scholar, human resourcesassistant at USC Facilities ManagementServices, Women and Youth SupportingEach OtherHobbies and Interests: Running, hiking,the beach, swimming, singingChoon Siong Tan, JuniorMajor: Mechanical EngineeringHometown: Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaHonors and Activities: Malaysian governmentscholarship, Malaysian Students’Association, mentoring programHobbies and Interests: Travel, foreign languages,yoga, snorkeling, learningHobbies and Interests: Photography,singing, Harry Potter, cooking, Lord of theRings, dance, human rights, Mexican food,travel, coffee, education, Almond HoneyBunches of Oats, the beach, shoes, pasta,tomato-basil mozzarella, USC footballKatrin Vasku, SeniorMajor: International Relations (GlobalBusiness)Hometown: Wiener Neustadt, AustriaHonors and Activities: Ski & SnowboardTeam, Figure Skating Club, MarshallInternational Exchange Program (Vienna),Dornsife Dean’s List, DEFL (Diplômed’études en langue française)Hobbies and Interests: Acting/theatre,running, surfing, basketball, volleyball, singing,horseback riding, martial arts, piano,yoga, travel, extreme sports, hiking, drawing,film production, hip hop danceHonors and Activities: Marshall Dean’sList, CALPIRG, Marshall Women’sLeadership Board, Red Cross, JointEducational Project, international exchangehost, social psychology research assistant,ballroom and Latin dance teamHobbies and Interests: Eating, travel,exploring the world, yoga, hugs, art walks,Calvin and Hobbes, concerts, cooking,heartfelt movies, flash mobs, making puppiesand kids laugh, learning, loving, livingDevra Traiman, JuniorSteve Yang, SeniorMajor: SociologyMajor: EconomicsMinor: Photography and Social Change &Minor: Music RecordingHuman RightsHometown: Yorba Linda, CAHometown: Scotch Plains, NJHonors and Activities: Phi Sigma Kappa,Honors and Activities: Troy Camp, Jointvolunteer at soup kitchenEducational Project, Community OutreachHobbies and Interests: Playing guitar,through Distribution of the Arts, Peerdrums, bass; recording and producingHealth Educator, Dornsife Ambassador,music; songwriting; DJing; snowboardingDelta Omicron Zeta leadership fraternity,Freshman Engagement Fellow at USC Hillel, Anisha Veer, JuniorExplore USC Host, Work-Study job, Dornsife Major: Business Administration &Dean’s List PsychologySTUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK 7Hometown: Hyderabad, India

Academic ResourcesFind Answers to Your Academic QuestionsThis guide provides resources for a variety of academic issues.The publications and Websites described on the previous page area great place to start learning about all that USC has to offer. Wehave an impressive array of student services and programs that offereverything from tutoring to career advice to registration help.Take advantage of them!Academic Integrity- See SCampusAdding Classes- See Schedule of ClassesDeadlines- See Schedule of ClassesDrop/Add Forms- Registration, REG Lobby,(213) 740-8500AdvisingMajor Requirements- See departmentsMandatory Restrictions- Dornsife College Advising Office,CAS 120, (213) 740-2534Undeclared Majors- Dornsife College Advising Office,CAS 120, (213) 740-2534Pre-Professional Services- Dornsife College Advising Office,CAS 120, (213) 740-2534Careers/Jobs/Internships- Career CenterSTU 110, (213) 740-9111Catalogue- www.usc.edu/catalogueChange of Address/Name- Transcript Verification Window,REG Lobby- my.usc.edu, click OASISChange of MajorTo Obtain Form- Degree Progress, JHH 010,(213) 740-7070- Dornsife College Advising Office,CAS 120, (213) 740-2534To Obtain Signatures- New and old departmentTo Return Form- Degree Progress, JHH 010,(213) 740-7070Completed Course Summary- my.usc.edu, click OASIS8 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIACredit by Examination- See academic departmentDegree Progress- See academic department- Degree Progress, JHH 010,(213) 740-7070Disability Services- Disability Services and Programs,STU 301, (213) 740-0776Dropping ClassesDeadlines- See Schedule of ClassesDrop/Add Forms- Registration, REG Lobby,(213) 740-8500Enrollment Verification- Transcript Verification Window,REG Lobby- my.usc.edu, click OASISFinal Exam Schedule- See Schedule of ClassesFreshman Seminars- Freshman Seminar Program,CAS 200, (213) 740-2961- www.usc.edu/fsemGradesChange- Academic Review, JHH 113,(213) 740-7741Grade Report- my.usc.edu, click OASISRemoval of Incompletes- Academic Records andRegistrar, JHH 106,(213) 740-5586Honor Societies- See SCampus- See USC CatalogueLearning Differences- USC Kortschak Center forLearning and Creativity,STU 311, (213) 740-7884Leave of Absence- See academic department- See USC CatalogueMajorDeclaring- Department officeRequirements- Department advisor- See USC CatalogueMinorDeclaring- Department office forthe corresponding majorRequirements- See USC Catalogue- Department advisorPass/No Pass Forms- Registration, REG Lobby,(213) 740-8500Permit to Register- Registration, REG Lobby,(213) 740-8500- my.usc.edu, click WebRegistrationPlacement ExamsTesting Dates- Center for Testing andAssessment, STU 301,(213) 740-7166Tests Required for YourMajor- See your department/schoolProbation- Academic Review, TRO 101,(213) 740-7741Registration Appointments- my.usc.edu, click WebRegistrationRegistration Confirmation- Registration, REG Lobby,(213) 740-8500- my.usc.edu, click WebRegistrationRestrictions (Holds)Descriptions andContact Information- See Schedule of Classes- my.usc.edu, click OASISSCampus- www.usc.edu/scampusSchedule of Classes- www.usc.edu/socSTARs Report- my.usc.edu, click OASISStructured Curriculum Program- Center for Academic Support,STU 301, (213) 740-0776Textbooks- USC Bookstores,3rd Floor, (213) 740-8398- www.uscbookstore.comTranscripts- Transcript Verification Window,REG Lobby, (213) 740-7445- www.usc.edu/dept/ARR/transcriptsTransfer Credit Statement- Degree Progress, JHH 010,(213) 740-7070Tuition Refund Insurance- www.usc.edu/webregistrationTutors- Center for Academic Support,STU 301, (213) 740-0776Web Registration- www.usc.edu/webregistrationWithdrawal from ClassDeadlines- See Schedule of ClassesWithdrawal from USC- Registration, REG Lobby,(213) 740-8500

Information SourcesDiscover What USC Has to Offer09The following is a list of handbooks anduseful Websites that are available to help youget acquainted with what USC has to offer.CatalogueAt 960 pages, the course Catalogue is youracademic roadmap for USC. Organized byschool, the Catalogue lists detailed descriptionsand requirements for every major,minor and program offered at the universityas well as course descriptions. It’s the bookboth current and prospective students referto for information regarding everything fromgeneral education requirements to interdisciplinaryprograms. The Catalogue is publishedby the University Publications office and isupdated annually. A copy is distributed to allentering students at their Orientation sessions.Catalogues are also available for purchase atthe University Bookstore for $17 each.USC Student Affairs WebsiteThis Website is your online guide to themany programs and services provided bythe Division of Student Affairs. Informationon the Website includes student activities,academic support, career services, healthservices, residential education, internationalservices, student publications and numerousother departments and programs. The sitealso includes the What’s Happening linkto student programs and events, studentprofiles and videos. To find out more, visitwww.usc.edu/student-affairs.SCampusWhile the Catalogue details what USC offersacademically, SCampus is the book that offersinformation about how to make your collegeexperience more fulfilling and well-rounded.Planning Calendars, Student Services, StudentActivities, University Governance and ExploreL.A. are just a few of the sections in this studentguidebook. The departmental telephonedirectory and maps section are particularlypopular with students. The oldest publicationfor students at USC, SCampus is distributedduring Orientation and is available online atwww.usc.edu/scampus. You can also pickup a copy at the Undergraduate StudentGovernment Office, Ronald Tutor CampusCenter 224.Schedule of ClassesPerhaps the most widely used publication oncampus is the Schedule of Classes. Publishedonline every semester, it details what classesare offered, what professor is teaching theclass, when and where the class will betaught, as well as how to register for yourclasses once registration begins. It alsoincludes the final examinations schedule,general education courses, distance educationcourses, course descriptions for eachclass, required textbook lists, and coursesyllabi and faculty bios for many classes.The Schedule of Classes is availableonline at www.usc.edu/soc.MyUSCMyUSC is the university’s portal designedto give students, faculty and staff personalizedaccess to wide-ranging campus resources in asingle location on the Web. Through myUSC,you can customize your own home pagebased on personal preferences and interests.To access myUSC, click “popular links” onthe USC home page or go to my.usc.edu andlog in.

RegistrationPlanning Your ScheduleBefore you can register, you must completethe following steps.Obtain all registration materials• Pick up registration materials atOrientation Programs (www.usc.edu/orientation), Student Union B-7.These materials include:• USC Catalogue: Your academic contractwith the university, the Catalogue containsacademic major requirements and descriptionsof every class offered at USC.• SCampus: A student guidebook with policiesand procedures relating to universitygovernance, descriptions of USC programsand services, maps and telephone directory.Meet with your academic advisorObtain a Permit to Register• New students who attend orientationwill receive a Permit to Register document.Students who do not attend orientationmust pick up their permit at the RegistrationBuilding. Please bring your official letter ofadmission and valid ID (driver’s license orpassport).• Continuing students may access theirPermit to Register information on myUSC(my.usc.edu) or on OASIS (www.usc.edu/OASIS) on the Permit to Register page.Clear all holds or restrictions• Your Permit to Register will list anyrestrictions on your account. Youradvisor can tell you if your recordcontains holds that may prevent yourregistration and how to clear them.A complete list of holds appears inthe Registration Procedures sectionof the Schedule of Classes (www.usc.edu/soc).Select courses from theSchedule of Classes• Refer to the online Schedule ofClasses for course descriptions.• Remember to select backupclasses that can fit into your schedulein case you encounter closedclasses.Obtain D clearance• Check for courses that require clearance.If you see a “D” next to the 5-digit classnumber, you must contact the departmentthat offers the course and request a D clearance.Example: 23166D• Contact information for obtaining Dclearances is listed below the departmentheadings in the Schedule of Classes.Register for classes onWeb RegistrationFollow the instructions below:1. Log in to the USC Portal (my.usc.edu)using your email username andpassword.2. Select the Web Registration linkunder Single Sign-on Quicklinks.3. Select each course in which you wishto register by clicking the Add toMyCourseBin button in the middleof the screen.4. Click the MyCourseBin link.5. Click the Add This Course button.6. Review the list of courses in which youare about to register.7. Click the Submit button.Please read all system messages carefully to ensureyou are properly registered for your courses.To drop a class from your program:• In MyCourseBin, click the Unschedule linknext to the course you wish to drop.• Click the Drop This Class button and proceedto drop the section.• Review the list of courses you are about todrop and click Submit.After completing your registration, you mayprint a copy of your registration confirmationfrom Web Registration.

Housing ServicesLaundry FacilitiesMost USC housing buildings have at least oneon-site laundry room containing washers anddryers. These machines are owned and operatedby a private company. Residents mustprovide their own detergent. The universityrecommends thatstudents donot leavelaundryunattended.Vacuum CleanersEach Customer Service Center offers vacuumcleaners for resident use. Residents may checkout the vacuum cleaner by exchanging a valid ID(USC student ID or driver’s license). The limit foruse is usually one hour, unless otherwise stated.Smoke-Free PolicyUSC has a smoke-free policy to meet theneeds of residents who prefer to live in asmoke-free environment. All University ParkCampus, North University Park and HealthSciences Campus housing facilities are smokefreeenvironments, where smoking is notallowed even if a roommate gives consentand even if the resident is the sole occupantof the residence hall or apartment. All commonareas, including apartment balconies ofany housing facility, are also designated asnon-smoking areas.PetsFor legal, safety and health reasons, nopets other than fish (tank size of 10 gallonsor less) are permitted. Violators aresubject to disciplinary action, a fumigationfee and charges related to any necessarycleaning of the room or apartment.Internet and Cable ConnectionsAll university housing facilities are fullyequipped with cable TV (requires aset with a digital tuner) and Ethernetconnections (one per resident), andbuildings have access to USC’s wirelessnetwork. However, due to structuralrequirements to meet earthquakecodes, wired hook-ups in your roomwill always be the fastest and mostefficient.Wireless AccessUSC’s wireless network is a private network,accessible to USC account holdersand guests. There are two ways to connectto the USC wireless network: USCWireless and USC Wireless Plus.• USC Wireless: USC Wireless is an opennetwork. You can connect without enteringyour username and password. Because USCWireless is an open network, InformationTechnology Services (ITS) recommends thatyou use USC’s Virtual Private Network (VPN)software to protect your personal informationwhen using this network. See usc.edu/its/vpn for instructions.• USC Wireless Plus: USC Wireless Plus is afaster, encrypted network, available onlyto USC account holders. When connectingto USC Wireless Plus for the first time, youmay need to configure your wireless device.For instructions, see usc.edu/its/wireless/plus.Go to usc.edu/its/mobile for informationabout how to connect your media-enabledmobile device to the USC wireless networkand access your USC email.ITS recommends that you register laptopsand other mobile devices at usc.edu/its/connect/registration. For more information,visit usc.edu/its/wireless or contact the ITSCustomer Support Center at (213) 740-5555or consult@usc.edu.Residential Housing ProtectionBlue-light phones, located in garages, lobbiesand other places throughout the campus area,are a direct link to the Department of PublicSafety. In an emergency, push the button onthe phone and a DPS dispatcher will answer.In addition to Public Safety officers, thereis a full-time, radio-dispatched ResidentialHousing Protection/student officer staff. Theypatrol all university housing facilities from8 p.m. to dawn and are additional “eyesand ears” for Public Safety. The ResidentialHousing Protection service is provided for thehealth, safety and well being of residents andtheir property. During semester and springbreaks, the Residential Housing Protection serviceis extended to 24 hours a day.

Campus DiningChoosing a Meal Plan13Dining Options and Meal PlansA variety of dining options are availablethroughout campus. These include USCHospitality Residential Dining with Café ‘84,EVK and Parkside Restaurant; The RonaldTutor Campus Center featuring a varietyof quick service dining options, coffee andspecialty beverages and convenience items;Trojan Grounds; and a variety of cafes locatedthroughout campus such as the Coffee Bean& Tea Leaf in the School of Cinematic Arts,the Law School Café, Literatea, The ShopCafé in the Architecture building, Tutor Caféand Popovich Café.Across from campus on Figueroa near theGalen Center, students can find dining andsports-viewing options at the Lab, a gastropubwith a casual atmosphere featuring a varietyof sandwiches and entrees; and Rosso Oro’s,a pizzeria that offers New York-style thin crustpizza and pastas, as well as music and shuffleboard.McKay’s, next to the Radisson, is a finedining establishment that serves breakfast,lunch and dinner.All freshmen assigned to residence halls andapartments have required meal plans. Whenyou confirm your housing contract, you willbe automatically enrolled in the default planfor that building. If you want to change yourmeal plan to another available option, youmust do so during the first two weeks of themeal plan period. These plans allow you touse your USCard to purchase food and beveragesin USC Hospitality venues. Meal planoptions are outlined here. Call the USCardOffice at (213) 740-8709 or visit www.usc.edu/uscard.For additional information about mealplans or general questions about the servicesprovided by USC Hospitality, please call (213)740-6285 or visit hospitality.usc.edu.2012-2013 Meal Plan InformationResidence Hall / Apartment Meal PlansCardinal PlanProvides: Unlimited meals in USC HospitalityResidential Dining venues**.Residence Locations: The minimum mealplan requirement for residents living in Newand North Residential Colleges; UniversityResidential College at Birnkrant; Marks Hall;Marks Tower; Pardee Tower; Trojan Hall; FluorTower; Webb Tower; and Arts & Humanitiesand Parkside International ResidentialColleges.Gold PlanProvides: Unlimited meals in USC HospitalityResidential Dining venues** and $500 DiningDollars* per semester.Residence Locations: Available as an optionalupgrade to all residents except those livingin Honors House.Trojan PlanProvides: A declining balance plan that resetsat the end of each semester. This plan may beused in USC Hospitality Residential and RetailDining venues located on the University ParkCampus. There are no minimum or maximumspending limits.Residence Locations: Available as an optionalupgrade to all residents except those living inHonors House.Community Apartment PlanProvides: 50 meals in USC HospitalityResidential Dining venues** and $100 DiningDollars* per semester.Residence Locations: All residents livingin Century, Cardinal Gardens and ParksideApartments.Optional Meal PlansCommunity 25 Meal PlanProvides: 25 meals in USC HospitalityResidential Dining venues** and $50 DiningDollars* per school year.Availability: Available to any USC studentnot enrolled in a required mean plan or as asupplement to any meal plan. This plan maybe purchased or renewed at any time andmay be used throughout the school year.Community 50 Meal PlanProvides: 50 meals in USC HospitalityResidential Dining venues** and $100 DiningDollars* per school year.Availability: Available to any USC studentnot enrolled in a required meal plan or as asupplement to any meal plan. This plan maybe purchased or renewed at any time andmay be used throughout the school year.*Dining Dollars may be used in any USC HospitalityResidential and Retail Dining venue located on the USCUniversity Park Campus.**USC Hospitality Residential Dining venues include Café84, EVK and Parkside Restaurant.Note: Information regarding meal plans and prices is accurateat the time of publication. All meal plan names andpricing are subject to post-publication changes.STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK 13

TransportationGetting Around CampusParking PermitsIf you bring a car to campus, you will want topurchase a parking permit. Parking permits forthe fall, spring and summer terms are availablefor purchase online at www.usc.edu/parking or at the USC Transportation office,located in Parking Structure X (PSX). Parkingpermits available for purchase are: on-campusresidential, on-campus commuter, off-campusresidential, carpool and Parking Center.Entering the LotteryDuring the parking lottery registration period,visit the USC Transportation Website, createand log in to your Parking Account, and selectup to eight parking structure/lots by clickingon “Add or Edit Parking Waitlists.” Purchasescan be made by check, cash or through yourUSC student fee bill account. Please check ourWebsite for the most current prices. Permitscan be mailed to you or picked up at the USCTransportation office. For more informationand online permit registration/purchase, contactUSC Transportation at (213) 740-3575 orvisit www.usc.edu/parking.Lottery Dates• Fall housing residents/commuters: May 1 -June 30• Fall term: July 22 at noon• Spring term: November 1 - December 7• Summer term: April 1 - May 10Permits are sold for the academic year (twosemesters); you will be billed once in the falland again in the spring. If you don’t needyour spring permit, return it to the USCTransportation office to avoid charges.Campus Cruiser ProgramCampus Cruiser provides a safe ride home forall students, staff, faculty and visitors to anynon-retail location within one mile of campus.Cruisers are available fall and spring semester6 p.m. - 2:45 a.m., summer 6 p.m. - 12:45a.m., and from Leavey Library from 3 a.m. to6 a.m. Cruisers do not operate during universityholidays.14 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIACall when you are ready to leave. A dispatcherwill ask for your current location, yourdestination and the number of passengers.A campus cruiser will pick you up in approximately15-20 minutes. You may request eithera phone call or text message alerting you thatyour cruiser has arrived. For the UniversityPark Campus, call (213) 740-4911, and forthe Health Sciences Campus, call (323) 442-2100.USC Bus ServiceUSC buses run during the fall, spring andsummer terms. Their routes transport residentsof off-campus and non-university housingback and forth to the University ParkCampus. The buses also provide free transportationto the USC Health Sciences Campus,the USC Parking Center and Union Station.LA Live Shuttlewww.lalive.com/uscUSC Transportation provides a free weekendshuttle to LA Live, downtown’s newestnightlife destination, which features a RegalCinema and a variety of restaurants and clubs.The shuttle departs from the front of the Labgastropub and the 901 Bar on Figueroa every30 minutes. The shuttle runs from 6 p.m. to 2a.m. on Friday and Saturday.Yellow Cab(800) USC-TAXIwww.usc.edu/uscard/yellowcabStudents can use Yellow Cab within LosAngeles city limits 24 hours a day and paywith their USCards. Fares include tips andgroups travel for one price. Pickup locationsare Gate 3, Gate 5 and the Radisson Hotel.Ridesharing ProgramRidesharing offers several time and money savingalternatives to commuting to USC.Vanpool: If your schedule coincides withtraditional working hours, you may join a vanpoolat one of more than 18 pickup locations.Carpool: You may carpool with one or moreUSC students, faculty or staff members andqualify for reduced cost parking permits. Formore information, visit transnet.usc.edu or theUSC Transportation office.Zimridewww.zimride.com/uscZimride is an online social networking toolaimed at carpooling and vanpooling. Zimrideis exclusive to USC students, faculty and staffand is fully integrated with Facebook. Simplyjoin online for free, create a profile with yourride preferences and share the ride.Zipcarwww.zipcar.com/uscZipcar is a car-sharing service for USC students,faculty and staff older than 18 thatoffers pay-as-you-go access to low emissionvehicles. You can rent a Zipcar for a day orhours. Insurance, gas and car maintenance areincluded. Zipcars are located on the UniversityPark Campus and in the north campus area.To register, visit www.zipcar.com/usc. If youdo not have a California driver’s license or arelicensed outside the U.S., you must provide afive-year driving record with your application.Enterprise Rent-A-CarEnterprise Rent-A-Car, located in the USCTransportation office, offers the USC communityspecial services, including rentals for studentsages 18 to 20 and discounted rates forfaculty, staff and students age 21 and over.Bicycle PolicyBicycle registration is required by Californialaw and university regulation. You can registeryour bike at the Department of Public Safety(DPS) office in Parking Structure A from 9a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.Bicycles may be parked only in bicycle racksin areas specifically designated for this purpose.Lock your bike to these racks to detertheft. Do not park your bike in a doorway,on stairs or blocking any handicapped access.Violating bikes will be impounded. For moreinformation, contact DPS at (213) 740-9565.

Financial MattersManaging Your Finances15Please read this section carefully for information about paying tuitionand fees, student financial services, financial aid, USC Credit Unionservices, check cashing on campus, local banking and more.Estimated College Costs (2012–2013)Full-time undergraduate living in universityhousing (estimated):Tuition (24-36 units)...........................$43,722Lab Fees............................................ $5–$500Room and Board................................ $12,440Books and Supplies*............................. $1,050Transportation....................................... $828Personal Spending andMiscellaneous................................... $1,974Mandatory Fees...................................... $678First Semester Orientation Fee................. $150*Used books, rentals and e-books from USCBookstore will lower amount.Paying Tuition and FeesYour student account on USCe.pay (availableby logging in to your myUSC portal page) willreflect your tuition charges, mandatory fees,optional fees and, if applicable, financial aidcredits. It will list your current financial obligationto the university (“Account Balance”).Depending on when you registered and madeany changes to your enrollment, your enrollment-relatedtransactions may appear on twoor more different monthly billing statements,all available on USCe.pay.The account balance will include this semester’stuition and fees, any prior balances andany other miscellaneous charges, less anyfinancial aid, payment plan credits and othercredits and/or payments. Also listed will beyour current balance due (“Billing Balance”)and the date by which this balance must bepaid (“Payment Due Date”). If you have setup a monthly payment plan, this will also beavailable to you on USCe.pay.Once you have financial transactions onyour student account, you can access yourrecord on USCe.pay through myUSC (my.usc.edu). You can set up and control access toguest user accounts on OASIS or USCe.payfor your parents or others who may be helpingyou with your education. An OASIS guestaccount grants access to all education recordsavailable online. A USCe.pay guest accountgrants access only to your student accountand payment plan.You should check your account on USCe.payany time you make a change to your enrollment.In addition, we email monthly billingnotices to all students who have outstandingbalances or activity on their student accountsduring the month to their USC email addresses.You can have notices emailed to yourguest users by providing their email addresseswhen you set up their accounts. USC does notmail billing statements for enrolled students.Although we accept payments from thirdparties, you are ultimately responsible for settlingall debts to the university by the appropriatedeadlines. Non-receipt of a bill does notrelieve you of this obligation. You may useUSCe.pay to print an online statement showingyour tuition and fees.If any private parties (including familymembers) are assisting you in paying for yourexpenses and require a monthly billing statementshowing tuition and fees before theywill issue payment, it is your responsibility toregister early enough to accommodate them.We recommend that you register a minimumof 40 days before the settlement deadline.To avoid late fees, you must register andhave your tuition, fees, housing, dining and allother charges paid or deferred by the settlementdeadline published in the Schedule ofClasses each semester. If you fail to registerand settle your account on time, you may beassessed late fees and/or finance charges untilyour bill is settled.Non-receipt of a bill does not relieve youof this settlement deadline. Using the WebRegistration auto scheduler feature but failingto register for any courses before thetuition and fees payment deadline is not avalid reason to request a waiver of the lateregistration fee. Students whose checks arereturned unpaid by the bank or whose creditcard authorizations or electronic bank accountpayments are declined by the bank will besubject to the late fees described above untiltheir accounts are paid in full.Elective insurance (Tuition Refund Plan) isavailable that provides coverage for tuition andmandatory fees (excluding health insurance)for students who suffer serious illnesses oraccidents that make it necessary for them toleave the university before the semester iscompleted. You must accept or decline theinsurance when you register. If you acceptthe insurance, a charge equal to approximately.40 of 1 percent of your tuition andmandatory fees will be added to your studentaccount. The Tuition Refund Plan insurancerate is determined by July 1 prior to the startof the new academic year.Students may opt to purchase or declineTuition Refund Plan insurance up until the endof week three of the fall and spring semesters,or the week three equivalent in special sessions.Students who wish to change their TuitionRefund Plan insurance setting may do so onWeb Registration by clicking the Tuition RefundInsurance button and following the prompts.The Tuition Refund Plan is offered througha private insurance carrier, Dewars, Inc.Further information and application brochuresare available from the Cashier’s Office andRegistration and Records.The Family Educational Rights and PrivacyAct (Buckley Amendment) prohibits the disclosureof financial information to anyone otherthan you. Students who wish to give theirparents or other individuals access to theirstudent accounts must sign an authorizationform which allows Student Financial Servicespersonnel to release financial information.Paying Your BillYou will be notified via email sent to yourUSC email account (ends in @usc.edu) whenyour billing statement is available online eachmonth. USC does not mail billing statementsto enrolled students.You may pay your bill viathe Internet (USCe.pay), by mail or in personat the Cashier’s Office. You can access USCe.pay by logging in to myUSC and selectingthe USCe.pay service. USCe.pay allows you tomanage your student account online. You canpay your tuition and fees by transferring fundsfrom your savings or checking account, orSTUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK 15

Managing Your Financesby charging to your American Express, VISA,MasterCard or Discover card.If you are paying by mail, please followthe instructions on your RegistrationConfirmation or monthly billing statement. Besure to mail your payment early enough forthe university to receive it by the settlementdeadline or late fees and finance chargeswill accrue. For account balance informationor questions regarding your account, call theCashier’s Office at (213) 740-7471. Outside theSouthern California area, call (800) 225-1222.16 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAStudent Financial ServicesUSC offers a monthly payment plan in fall andspring semesters that allows you to spread thecost of tuition and fees billed to your account(less any aid applied to your account) for eachterm over five months. A separate onlineapplication is required each term, and youmust be registered for classes at the time ofapplication. For more information, visitwww.usc.edu/sfs and click on “Payment Plan.”The Office of Student Financial Services disbursesand collects Perkins and other campusbasedloans and administers the payment plan.Before you receive your Federal PerkinsLoan, Health Profession Student Loan, Loanfor Disadvantaged Students or any institutionalloan, you must authorize USC to credit thefunds to your student account by electronicallysigning a master promissory note. The universityhas partnered with ECSI, which currentlyservices these loans, to help with this process.An email will be sent to your official USCemail address (ends in @usc.edu) with instructionson how to accept and sign for theseloans electronically. Note: You will need yourFAFSA pin to complete the process for FederalStudent Loans.If you have already signed a master promissorynote, you will not be asked to electronicallysign another promissory note except forHealth Profession Student Loans, Loans forDisadvantaged Students and institutionalstudent loans. Questions on traditional needbasedfinancial aid or other alternative financingprograms may be referred to the financialaid window in the lobby of John Hubbard Hall(JHH). More information and frequently askedquestions are available at www.usc.edu/sfs.Financial AidA college education is one of the most importantinvestments you will ever make, and adegree from a highly competitive universitysuch as USC is one of the few investmentopportunities with an all but guaranteedreturn. By nearly every measure, an educationfrom USC, with its top-ranked programs,world-class faculty, powerful alumni network,and vibrant Los Angeles campus, will placeyou in a family of achievers – confident, capablepeople who accomplish great things.USC administers one of the largest financialaid programs in the United States. We encourageyou to take advantage of the financialresources USC has to offer. Several financingoptions exist to help you pay your USCexpenses. If you have not yet applied for needbasedfinancial aid and wish to do so, youmust act quickly. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizensmay qualify for federal financial aid,including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan andthe Federal District Parent PLUS Loan. Financialaid counselors are available by phone, email orin person. For more information, visitwww.usc.edu/contactfao.In addition to scholarships and need-basedfinancial aid, USC offers other financingoptions to cover your cost of attendance. Youcan pay from savings or current income, theUSC Payment Plan or the USC Pre-paymentPlan. For more information regarding USCpayment plans, visit www.usc.edu/sfs.USC Credit UnionThe USC Credit Union is the only financialinstitution headquartered on campus dedicatedto serving the Trojan Family. We offerevery service banks do, but we’re a not-forprofitfinancial cooperative – owned by ourmembers – so our profits do not go to stockholders.We give them back to you throughbetter interest rates, and low or no fees onservices. You and your family are invited tojoin and take advantage of: free checkingaccounts and free bill pay; high yield savingsaccounts; money market accounts; CDs;MasterCard credit cards; and MasterMoneydebit cards. Once you’re a member, you’rea member for life with access to productsand services to help you achieve your dreamswhile at USC and long after graduation.Here’s a sample of the services we offer.• Totally free checking accounts: With nominimum balance or direct deposit requirements,our checking account is free ofmonthly service fees.• Free bill pay: It’s easier than ever to payyour bills on time without going to the postoffice. And if you do not live in the LA area,online bill pay makes us more convenient.• Free ACH funds transfer from any financialinstituion: Our free ACH (automatedclearinghouse) funds transfers allow you toquickly transfer funds from your existingfinancial institution into your parents’ oryour own USC Credit Union account or viceversa. With a minimum transfer amount of$250, funds will be available as soon as thenext business day.• Off campus access: Enjoy surcharge-freewithdrawals at more than 28,000 co-opnetwork ATMs in all 50 states and 7-Elevenstores. You can also make transactions atthe 6,600 CU service centers across the U.S.• Mobile and Online access: Get accountinformation, perform transactions and sendelectronic payments to virtually any personor business through our Mobile and HomeBanking services. Or conduct transactionson campus at our ATMs, Student Unionbranch (STU) or Flower Street branch (CUB).Banking Around CampusThere are several banking instiutions in thegeneral campus vicinity.• USC Credit UnionStudent Union (STU), Suite 1063601 Trousdale ParkwayLos Angeles, CA 90089-0921(213) 821-7100www.USCcreditunion.org

Student OrganizationsGetting Involved17There are numerous benefits for getting involved in co-curricularactivities. It is important for you to plan your involvement and not justlet it happen to you. Decide if you want to focus on academic studentorganizations tied to your major or if you want to get involvedin a variety of different organizations. The choice is yours. Either way,involvement is the key to a great experience at USC.• USC Credit UnionFlower Street (CUB), 1st Floor3720 South Flower StreetLos Angeles, CA 90089-2280(877) 670-5860www.USCcreditunion.org• Health Sciences Campus1969 Zonal Ave., Suite 101B SRH 101BLos Angeles, CA 90033(323) 442-1898www.USCcreditunion.orgOn-campus ATMs are on the exteriorwall of the Student Union across fromMoreton Fig. For off-campus ATMs, visitwww.USCcreditunion.org.• Bank of America985 West Jefferson BoulevardLos Angeles, CA 90007(213) 763-8907• Chase3335 South Figueroa StreetLos Angeles, CA 90007(213) 745-7928• Wells Fargo Bank141 West Adams BoulevardLos Angeles, CA 90007(213) 745-7208Check CashingUSC’s check cashing policy allows up to $25to be cashed per day in the Cashier’s Office.There is a $0.25 service charge. To qualify:• You must have a current USCard alongwith a valid form of identification such as adriver’s license or military ID.• You must be currently enrolled at USC.• Your financial account must be in goodstanding.A Multitude of ChoicesThere are over 750 student organizationsat USC and they fall within one (or a combination)of the following categories: academicinterest, honor societies, recreational, religious,political, social, service, cultural, specialinterest or residential.The Student Involvement Fair is held the firstWednesday of every fall and spring semester.This is an excellent opportunity for you to findout about a wide variety of student organizations.Some questions you might want to askthese organizations may include:• What is the name of your organization?• Is your organization a student affiliateof a larger organization?• How long has it been an organization atUSC?• What is its purpose?• What are some of your organization’ssuccessful projects and programs?• How often do you have meetings?• What expectations do you have formembers?• What are the opportunities forleadership now and in the future?• What is the time commitmentexpected of members?If you miss the Student Involvement Fair,don’t worry! A list of all student organizationsis available online at www.usc.edu/stuorgs.If you can’t figure out what the organizationis about from the name of the group, visit itsWebsite. It is important to research the variousorganizations.You can also talk with your friends, yourOrientation Advisor, faculty members orStudent Affairs staff, or stop by the PeerLeadership Consultant office, located in theRonald Tutor Campus Center 330.Once you decide to get involved with a particularstudent organization, you can email thestudent organization, call the president, go tothe meetings or put a note in their mailbox.If you want to start your own organization,it’s easy to do. The Peer LeadershipConsultants can help you get involved. Formore information, contact (213) 740-5341.Tickets to Athletic EventsStudents are admitted free to all athleticevents except football. Athletic events are freeon a first-come, first-served basis as long asstudents have their current USC ID cards inpossession. Once students are registered, theyare sent an email allowing them to purchase aUSC football season ticket online within a specifictimeframe. The ticket is good for all homegames and also allows students to participatein some away game lotteries such as UCLA,Cal and Stanford. Once a student purchases afootball season ticket, it is electronically put onhis or her USCard and scanned for entrance atGate 28 at the Coliseum. Spring admits will besent an email once the Ticket Office receivesall their information from the Registrar’sOffice. For more information, contact the USCTicket Office at (213) 740-GOSC or visit uscticketoffice.com.Trojans Care for Trojanstc4t@usc.edusait.usc.edu/ca/tc4tTrojans Care for Trojans, a Student Affairsinitiative, offers connections to institutionalsupport and resources for Trojans coping withpersonal difficulties. It encourages studentsto care for each other and the entire campuscommunity and provides a private and anonymousservice for students to express theirconcerns about fellow members of the TrojanFamily. The interactive Website features educationalvideos, a list of campus and communityresources and an anonymous request form.We Are Considerate. We Are USC.As part of an ongoing effort, USC haslaunched the “We Are Considerate. We AreUSC.” campaign encouraging students, facultyand staff to think of “considerate” as the sixthtrait of a Trojan. The current focus is bicyclesafety on the University Park Campus. Bicyclistsshould follow guidelines, which include sharingcampus pathways, walking bikes in designatedhigh-traffic areas, parking bikes in racks,encouraging safe riding and focusing whenbiking on campus. All members of the communityare asked to participate by pledging tobe considerate during their time at USC.STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK 17

editor: Cristy Lytal design: Rick Simner DesignRole and Mission of USCThe central mission of the University ofSouthern California is the development ofhuman beings and society as a whole throughthe cultivation and enrichment of the humanmind and spirit. The principal means by whichour mission is accomplished are teaching,research, artistic creation, professional practiceand selected forms of public service.Our first priority as faculty and staff is theeducation of our students, from freshmen topost-doctoral researchers, through a broadarray of academic, professional, extracurricularand athletic programs of the first rank. Theintegration of liberal and professional learningis one of USC’s special strengths. Westrive constantly for excellence in teachingknowledge and skills to our students, whileat the same time helping them to acquirewisdom and insight, love of truth and beauty,moral discernment, understanding of self, andrespect and appreciation for others.Research of the highest quality by ourfaculty and students is fundamental to ourmission. USC is one of a very small numberof premier academic institutions in whichresearch and teaching are inextricably intertwined,and on which the nation dependsfor a steady stream of new knowledge, artand technology. Our faculty are not simplyteachers of the works of others, but activecontributors to what is taught, thought andpracticed throughout the world.USC is pluralistic, welcoming outstandingmen and women of every race, creed andbackground. We are a global institution in aglobal center, attracting more internationalstudents over the years than any otherAmerican university. And we are private,unfettered by political control, stronglycommitted to academic freedom and proudof our entrepreneurial heritage.An extraordinary closeness and willingnessto help one another are evident among USCstudents, alumni, faculty and staff; indeed,for those within its compass, the Trojan Familyis a genuinely supportive community. Alumni,trustees, volunteers and friends of USC areessential to this family tradition, providinggenerous financial support, participating inuniversity governance and assisting studentsat every turn.In our surrounding neighborhoods andaround the globe, USC provides public leadershipand public service in such diverse fieldsas health care, economic development, socialwelfare, scientific research, public policy andthe arts. We also serve the public interestas the largest private employer in the cityof Los Angeles, as well as the city’s largestexport industry in the private sector.USC has played a major role in the developmentof Southern California for more than acentury, and plays an increasingly importantrole in the development of the nation and theworld. We expect to continue to play theseroles for many centuries to come. Thus ourplanning, commitments and fiscal policies aredirected toward building quality and excellencein the long term.

University of Southern CaliforniaOrientation ProgramsDivision of Student AffairsStudent Union B-7Los Angeles, CA 90089-0921Tel (213) 740-7767