How do I know if my name will listed in the Commencement Program?
A graduate’s expected degree date will determine whether his/her name will appear in the 2008 Commencement Program (list of degree candidates). The 2008 Commencement Program will include students who graduated in December 2007 and those with expected degree dates of May or August 2008. The names of December 2008 degree candidates will appear in the 2009 Commencement Program.
How can I check to ensure that my name will appear in the Commencement Program?
Degree Progress sent an email to all degree candidates in early February to request that students check their information. In addition, a proof of the Commencement Program will be available for viewing by Undergraduates in RTH 110 from March 10-13th. It is highly recommended that all degree candidates proof the list to ensure that all information appears correctly.
Can a fall 2008 graduate participate in Commencement this spring?
December degree candidates may choose to participate in commencement ceremonies held the spring before OR the spring after they earn their degree(s). Many students who graduate in the fall choose to walk in the spring ceremonies prior to actually earning their degree. Degree candidates in this situation are welcome to participate in both the Main University Ceremony and the Viterbi Undergraduate Ceremony. All degree candidates who participate in the Viterbi Ceremony are recognized regardless of whether they are fall or spring graduates.
Please Note: The names of the December 2008 degree candidates will NOT appear in the 2008 Commencement Program. The names of December 2008 candidates will appear in the 2009 Commencement Program. In addition, December 2008 degree candidates are NOT eligible to receive or wear
Honor Cords at the 2008 ceremonies.
How and when do I get my cap and gown?
Graduates may rent their cap and gown from the University Bookstore on April 30th. We recommend that students get measured and order their regalia as early as possible.
Who is eligible for honor cords and where do you get them?
The following are the eligibility requirements:
Undergraduates who have earned a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA at the end of the fall 2007 semester are eligible to wear the official university honor cords at Commencement.
Graduates must have a degree date of fall 2007, spring 2008 or summer 2008. Fall 2008 graduates will be eligible to wears honors cords at the spring 2009 ceremony.
If you meet the eligibility requirements for honor cords, you will get an email from Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs in April in regards to when you can pick-up your honor cord.
What are the gpa requirements for University Honors and who is eligible?
Undergraduate degree candidates are eligible for the following university honors with the listed minimum overall grade point averages.
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Cum Laude
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Magna Cum Laude
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Summa Cum Laude
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3.5 GPA
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3.7 GPA
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3.9 GPA
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University honors are noted on academic transcripts and the University Diploma after all course work has been completed.
University Honors are designated for undergraduates only.
When will I receive my Diploma?
Graduates typically receive their diploma 4-8 weeks after their degree has been awarded and noted on students' transcripts. For more information regarding diplomas, please refer to the USC Degree Progress Office.
How is a degree candidate's graduation date determined?
A student will be awarded the graduation date for the term in which degree requirements, including submission of supporting documents, have been met. Although course work may have been completed in a prior term, the degree will be awarded only for the term in which all academic and administrative requirements have been fulfilled.
The deadline for meeting all graduation requirements, which includes submission of supporting documents (outside transcripts, petitions, grades, STARS substitutions or waivers, etc.), for a spring 2006 graduation date is June 15, 2008. Therefore, please consult with your departmental advisor if you have outstanding requirements on your STARS report.
Students who are graduating in summer 2008 are advised to closely review all outstanding requirements with an academic advisor and ensure that all degree requirements will be met by August 2008.
How long does the Main Ceremony last?
The Main Ceremony should last slightly longer than one hour.
How long does the Viterbi Undergraduate Ceremony last?
The Viterbi Undergraduate Ceremony is expected to last just over an hour and a half. It will begin about 10:30 am or immediately following the Main Ceremony and should end by 12:15 pm.
Can I attend the Baccalaureate Ceremony and Dinner if I am not religious?
Anyone is welcome to attend the Baccalaureate Ceremony and Dinner together or individually on Thursday, May 15. The ceremony is multi-faith and free to attend but has limited seating as it takes place in Bovard Auditorium.
If one of my guests is in a wheelchair, will his/her seating be any different?
The Viterbi School will have a seating section for wheelchairs. One additional guest will be able to sit with him/her in this section. The Viterbi School will have students register for Commencement and graduates will be asked to confirm whether or not he/she has guests requiring wheelchair seating.
Will wheelchairs be available for the Main and Viterbi Ceremonies? Will wheelchair parking be available?
Yes, please go to the
main commencement site for information about availabilty of wheelchairs and parking information.
