Resources & FAQ

Publications

The following resources will assist you with your transition to the Trojan Family. We recommend reviewing these publications before your Welcome Trojans orientation program, as well as whenever you need guidance as you acclimate to USC.

 

Policies and information regarding all things USC: curriculum, admission, tuition, academics and more.

Policies and information regarding university organization, culture and ethics.

Health and wellness guide to help parents understand the first-year student experience.

Join student health experts for talks related to helping your student navigate the transition to college life.

Comprehensive overview of what parents should know about USC and the resources we offer, as well as tips and advice for common concerns and other things to keep in mind.

Banking and Cellphone Information

FAQ

Welcome Trojans

  • Welcome Trojans Orientation events mark your official enrollment in USC, and the start of your college journey! During these events, you will receive academic advising and be able to register for your first semester of classes, learn about all the resources the university has to offer, and meet your fellow new Trojans! We strongly encourage all certified students and their families to attend.

  • Orientation is offered in the summer for fall admitted students, with events taking place from late May to the end of July. Sessions vary in length, depending on the topic and format. If you are planning to attend an on-campus event, plan to stay the full day.

    For spring admits, partial-day orientation events are offered in the winter, from October through the beginning of January.

    Program details are available when you make your reservation.

  • Keep an eye on your USC email. You should receive your invitation within five to seven business days of submitting your enrollment commitment deposit (or waiver).

    Please contact our office if you do not receive your invitation.

  • You are encouraged to participate in Welcome Trojans Orientation, even if you attended orientation before deferring your admission. This will help ensure that you receive academic advisement and allow you to choose a date and time for course registration.

    Your academic advisor will contact you to complete your registration. We also encourage you to participate in the other orientation programs and activities so that you can meet other incoming students and receive any updates for the current semester.

  • Please enter any accommodation requests for our on-campus events when you make your Welcome Trojans reservation.

    AI-powered live captions and translations will be available for webinars and on-campus guest presentations.

  • USC does not subsidize these costs. All students and guests attending summer or winter orientation programs will need to plan accordingly and cover their own travel and lodging expenses. Visit the Discover Los Angeles website for travel tips and places to stay.

  • Academic advising and course registration are held online for all students. When making your Welcome Trojans reservation, make sure to sign up for an orientation event that occurs after your Course Registration date. Academic advisors are not available during On-Campus Orientation events.

    If you are unable to register before your selected orientation date, our team will work with you to reschedule your course registration. You are still welcome to attend your on-campus or online orientation experience!

Academic Advising

  • Academic advising appointments are determined by each academic department and are scheduled through your advisor.

    During orientation, academic advising is limited to first-semester course planning and may be held individually or in groups. Advising appointments are scheduled separately from Course Registration. Your academic advisor will contact you via your USC email address about scheduling your appointment.

    Once the semester has begun, you will be able to schedule a longer, one-on-one appointment with your advisor to discuss your long-term academic plans.

    Keep an eye on your USC email for more detailed information from your academic advisor.

  • Your Pre-Registration Checklist is tailored specifically to your program’s requirements, and you must complete it to ensure that you have the most current details for your major. Parents and guests should refer to department websites for more information.

  • Your academic advisor can recommended a course plan that accounts for any pending exam scores. Once you receive your official scores, report your exam scores and college coursework in the Pre-Advisement Worksheet, which is part of your Pre-Registration Checklist. You can work with your academic advisor to make any adjustments to your first-semester schedule.

  • Your advisor can help you determine what is right for you. Most students typically enroll in 16 units (four, 4-unit courses). Some majors may have different recommendations.

    Tuition is charged at a flat rate for 12 to 18 units, so you may want to enroll in 16 units for your major requirements and then add a 2-unit elective course in a subject of your choice.

  • Classes generally end 10 to 15 minutes before the hour, so that students have sufficient time to make it to the next class. You can check the USC interactive map  to find out where buildings are on campus.

  • Courses are held in person unless otherwise specified in the Schedule of Classes. The university will notify students if the class includes an online onboarding process.

  • Please direct all questions about deferrals to the Office of Admission.

Course Registration

  • As part of the Welcome Trojans Orientation process, you will be able to register for your first-semester courses. Course Registration takes place online for all students. You will have until the end of the third week of classes to make changes to your schedule.

    Be sure to complete your Pre-Registration Checklist and Online Academic Advising before registering for courses.

  • You will register for courses on the date and time you selected when making your Welcome Trojans reservation. Session availability is determined by academic departments. All times are Pacific time.

    The registration permit time displayed in Web Registration will not be updated until the day of your reserved registration date, so don’t worry if the time does not match the one listed in your confirmation email!

  • Spaces will be made available in courses during each Course Registration session, so don’t worry if you select a later date! Your academic advisor will work with you to make sure that you have a first-semester schedule that meets your degree requirements.

  • Yes. After you have registered for courses, your registration permit remains open so that you can make changes until the end of the third week of the semester. You will not be able to access Web Registration during other Welcome Trojans Course Registration sessions.

Tuition & Fees

  • Please visit the USC Financial Aid website for information.

  • Per university policy, the deadline to settle fees is the Friday before the first day of classes. Refer to the Student Financial Services website for details on how to pay your fee bill.

For Parents/Guests

Welcome Trojans is your and your student’s introduction to the Trojan Family and an important first step in your family’s USC journey!

Strong support networks are key to student success, which is why we provide guest-specific programming through the Welcome Trojans experience.  To learn more, visit our Parents & Guests page.