Glossary & Resources
USC Lingo
Orientation marks the official beginning of your graduate student career at USC. Explore the various programs and resources available to guide your transition into advanced-level studies, and introduce you to student life at the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Advise USC | Academic advising platform. This is where you can review your course plans, schedule your academic advising appointments, and contact your academic advisor. Access it through Experience USC > Student Resources. |
| Brightspace | USC’s course management platform where professors share course materials, collect assignments, deliver online tests, quizzes, and surveys, and record and track grades. Access it through Experience USC > Student Resources. |
| D-clearance | Department clearance to enroll in a particular section of a course. Sections needing d-clearance have section numbers ending in a D. |
| EngageSC | Website and mobile app where you can search and find registered student organizations and learn how to get involved with them. |
| Experience USC | USC's centralized student portal, offering streamlined access to tools, resources and information. |
| FAST | Financial Aid Summary and Tasks. The online portal that allows you to monitor your financial aid status, submit your financial aid documents and review your financial aid package. |
| myUSC | USC's legacy online student portal. Many services in myUSC are now found in Experience USC. |
| NetID | The account name that gives you access to online USC services. |
| SHIP | The USC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). All undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in SHIP, however you may submit a request for a waiver if you are already covered by a plan that meets the minimum requirements. |
| STARS report | Your Student Academic Record System (STARS) report reflects your academic progress toward completion of your degree(s) for your declared major(s). This report contains all USC coursework and accepted transfer work that applies to degree requirements. Your STARS report is on Experience USC > My Academics. |
| Transfer Credit Report (TCR) | A report that shows unit and subject credit granted for college courses taken elsewhere and any relevant exams (AP, IB, A-levels). Find it in on Experience USC > My Academics. |
| TrojanLearn | USC's learning platform where you will complete required university training, such as your Prevention Education Modules or mandatory trainings if you have an on-campus job. |
| TrojansAlert | USC's emergency notification system that sends messages via text and email. New students are automatically registered at the beginning of their first semester. |
| Tuition Refund Insurance (TRI) | An insurance policy that covers 85% of the tuition and mandatory fees (excluding the Student Health Insurance Fee) for the semester if you withdraw from all classes due to injury, sickness, or psychological and emotional conditions. You are automatically enrolled in TRI and may opt out through Web Registration. |
| USCard | Your university ID that allows you access to campus facilities, athletic and cultural events. It is also your on-campus wallet that lets you conveniently purchase food, goods and services with discretionary funds. |
| USCe.pay | The secure, electronic service for viewing your USC billing statement and paying your balances. Access it through myUSC. |
| USCID | The unique 10-digit number that identifies your student record. |
| Web Registration | The class scheduling system. This is where you go to register for your classes, add or drop a class, check on d-clearances, change grading options, and opt out of Tuition Refund Insurance. Access it through myUSC. |
| U-Pass | Provides eligible USC students with a subsidized TAP card for unlimited, free rides on LA Metro buses and trains, as well as multiple municipal transit agencies. |
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.
USC Catalogue
Policies and information regarding all things USC: curriculum, admission, tuition, academics and more.
USC Student Handbook
Policies and information regarding university organization, culture and ethics.
Banking and Cellphone Information
The Office of Orientation Programs does not endorse any specific bank or cellphone vendor. The resources listed below are for your reference and any specific services should be requested directly through the local bank or cellphone company.