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Home > Current Students > PhD Students > New Student Information > New Student Information

Welcome new PhD students!
 
Congratulations on your admission to graduate study at the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering for Spring 2008. We are proud of your achievements, and we enthusiastically welcome you to our community of students and scholars.

The information herein will assist you with the transition to graduate school at USC.  Should you have additional questions, please contact me by email at berti@usc.edu or phone at (213) 740-6241.
 
The Viterbi School PhD Student Orientation program is scheduled for Monday, January 7, 2008,
2-4 pm, in the Electrical Engineering Building (EEB), Room 248. The program is co-sponsored
by the USC Viterbi Office of Doctoral Programs and the Engineering Graduate Students Association (EGSA).
Topics covered will include: getting started in your academic program; graduate student life; EGSA;
academic integrity; the Distance Education Network (DEN); and more! While attendance is not mandatory, useful
information will be provided. We’ll see you then! 
 
Margery Berti
Associate Dean of Doctoral Programs
Olin Hall 332
Los Angeles, CA  90089-1454
Tel. (213) 740-6241
Fax (213) 821-2367
Michelle Tsigaridas
Doctoral Programs Coordinator   
Olin Hall 332
Los Angeles, CA  90089-1454
Tel. (213) 740-0114
Fax (213) 821-2367

Helpful Links for New Students
 
Before Departure
 
Pre-departure information for international students
Maps and directions to USC
 
Airport information
USC is accessible via many different airports and airlines. The closest airport is the Los Angeles International
Airport (LAX).   The following services will take you from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the University Park Campus.
(Approximate costs are provided in U.S. dollars).
  • Taxi: Approximate cost is $30-$45
  • Shuttle Bus Service: Approximate cost is $15-$20 per passenger
    • Prime Time Shuttle (800) REDVANS (733.8267)
    • Super Shuttle (800) BLUEVAN (258.3826)
    • Xpress Shuttle (800) IARRIVE (427.7483)
 
Orientation and General Information [back to top]
 
Mandatory international student orientation
New (domestic) graduate student orientation – Non-international
Student Health and Counseling Services, Immunizations, Health Insurance and the Mandatory Health Center and Health Insurance fees
The International Student English (ISE) Examination
 
 
Advisement, Registration and Payment of Tuition and Fees [back to top]
Please see the list below
 
PhD students are advised by faculty when it comes to their courses and research.
Please contact the departmental staff advisor listed below to find out which professor will
advise you on your class schedule.
 
Fall 2007 Semester calendar and important dates
Fall 2007 Semester Schedule of Classes
To register via the Web
Payment of fees – Access your record on USCe.pay at
 
The full-time enrollment requirement for PhD students at USC is at least 6 units applicable toward the graduate degree.
This applies to graduate assistants; to students on F-1 and J-1 visas; and to anyone who is required to be enrolled
as a full-time PhD student.
 
 
Important Publications [back to top]
 
SCampus: the official student guidebook of USC
University Catalogue (2007-08 Catalogue will be posted SOON)
Fall 2007 Semester Schedule of Classes
Graduate Assistant Handbook (policies and procedures for students receiving graduate assistantships)
 
 
Important Phone Numbers [back to top]
 
Emergency:                                  911
USC Department of Public Safety
             Emergency                      213-740-4321
             Non-Emergency               213-740-6000
             Campus Cruiser               213-740-4911
Student Health Center                   213-740-9355
Student Counseling Services        213-740-7711
Center for Women and Men          213-740-4900
 
 
Campus Involvement [back to top]
 
Graduate and Professional Student Senate
Engineering Graduate Student Association
USC Campus Life
 
 
 
Viterbi School Distance Education Network (DEN) information
Setting up your computer
USC Housing Services
Temporary housing near campus
Permanent housing near campus
Parking and Transportation
Bicycle Registration