Commencement - Admission & Student Engagement | Current Undergraduate Students

Viterbi School of Engineering

Commencement 2024

Contact Us

For all inquiries regarding Viterbi Commencement Satellite ceremonies please contact viterbi.commencement@vase.usc.edu. Make sure to include your USC ID, department and major in your communication.

Viterbi Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

Any Viterbi students who graduated in Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 are invited to participate.

Karen Dahut
CEO, Google Public Sector

As CEO of Google Public Sector (GPS), Ms. Karen Dahut helps U.S. state, local, and federal agencies, and educational institutions accelerate their digital transformations. With her charge leading GPS, she works to bring Google technology to solve complex problems for U.S. public sector institutions. These technologies include Google’s data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) platform; infrastructure services for storage, compute, and networking; cybersecurity solutions; and Google Workspace for collaboration and communication.

Karen was previously sector president at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she led the company’s $4 billion global defense business—representing half of the firm’s annual revenue—and global commercial business sector, which delivered next-generation cybersecurity solutions to Fortune 500 companies. Under her leadership, Booz Allen became the premier digital integrator, helping federal agencies use technology in support of their missions.

Karen also has deep experience in building innovative solutions that help organizations tackle their toughest challenges. For example, at Booz Allen, she served as chief innovation officer and built the firm’s Strategic Innovation Group, which delivered new capabilities in cybersecurity, data science, and digital technologies.

Karen began her career as an officer in the U.S. Navy. A respected and recognized public speaker and author, she’s an expert on technology, the future of work, innovation, and inclusive leadership. Also an experienced board director for nonprofit and private organizations, she serves on the boards of Dexcom, Eisner Advisory Group, and previously served on Tech Data Corporation’s board. She is a trustee of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and serves as a board member for the Viterbi School of Engineering, Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California.

Karen received a bachelor’s of science degree in finance from Mount St. Mary's University and a master’s degree in systems management from the Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California. She lives in Bethesda, Md., with her family.

Galen Center is located at 3400 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90089

To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite guest entry into the venue, the Galen Center will be implementing a “clear bag policy” that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the arena (one clear bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” per person) The policy does not affect other items that guests normally bring, which can still be carried in their pockets or openly in their arms.

For increased security, all guests entering the Galen Center will walk through metal detector screening with arms raised and should remove all metal items from their pockets.

Please visit the Galen Center website for more information.

The following items are prohibited:
- Backpacks
- all non-clear bags
- alcoholic beverages
- outside food or drink
- balls
- frisbees
- balloons
- banners
- horns
- laser devices
- boom boxes
- folding or beach chairs
- coolers
- professional cameras (lenses longer than 3”) and video equipment
- coolers
- picnic baskets
- fireworks
- weapons
- knives
- explosives
- cans, bottles
- illegal drugs
- inflatables
- noisemakers
- poles or sticks
- umbrellas
- musical instruments
- strollers must be checked-in

Department Receptions

For Graduates

Graduate registration for the USC Viterbi School of Engineering Commencement Ceremony is required. Registration is processed through an online platform called Marching Order. More information will be forthcoming via email.

Graduates will receive registration information via their USC email accounts from the USC Viterbi Commencement Team in February 2024. Graduates will register themselves and guests, noting any individuals with disabilities who need accommodations.

Graduate ticket: The printed Grad Card is a unique ticket into the USC Viterbi School of Engineering Commencement Ceremony and will be used to announce each graduate’s name as they walk across the stage. Details for Grad Cards distribution will be announced in April.

Any graduate who has indicated Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 graduation terms will be invited to register for the Viterbi Commencement Ceremony through Marching Order.

Graduates can check their STARS Report for their grad terms and update them through My USC OASIS. For questions related to the grad term, please get in touch with your department academic advisor. The contact information is below.

Students have the option to purchase or rent their regalia. See below for more information.

Rent Regalia

For cap and gown (regalia) purchase information, please visit the USC Bookstore website

Rent Regalia. Students who rent regalia may keep the cap and tassel. The gown and hood should be returned immediately following the ceremony at the drop location near the ceremony or at the USC Bookstore.

Purchase Regalia

For cap and gown (regalia) purchase information, please visit the USC Bookstore website

Purchase Regalia

Grad Packs

Grad Packs are a convenient one stop shop of the most popular graduation items. Most Graduation Packages include USC Custom Gown/Hood Rental with Souvenir Cap & USC Tassel, Announcement Essentials plus a 2024 Keychain Tassel and a Diploma frame. To learn more about Grad Packs, please visit USC Grad Packs.

Special instructions for master’s degree and doctoral students: please be very clear when you inform the staff what degree you are earning, to make sure you get the right color trim on your hood. Please see below and review the color key for regalia for additional details.

The 2024 Commencement Program includes students who graduated in Fall 2023 or will graduate in Spring or Summer 2024. Please check to confirm how your name will appear in the Commencement Program Book. All correction requests must be received by Degree Progress no later than 5pm on Monday, March 18th in order to make the printed copy of the 2024 Commencement Program. Commencement Programs Books will be available online and on campus May 10, 2024.

Typically, your @usc.edu student account will be disabled six (6) months after your conferred degree date. If you are still using your @usc.edu email account, please note that USC will require you to have DUO 2-factor authentication activated by January 20, 2022. Please visit the USC ITS department page for more information on this requirement, as well as a guide on how to activate DUO 2-factor authentication. For additional information and assistance, please contact the USC ITS department via email or call (213) 740-5555.

While the focal point of Commencement 2024 is the main ceremony on Friday morning, many activities are earlier in the week. Chief among these is the Baccalaureate Ceremony on Thursday, May 9.

Baccalaureate is a non-denominational, interfaith celebration open to all students and guests. No reservations are required for the ceremony, but seating is available on a first-come/first-served basis. Students are not required to wear regalia for the ceremony.

Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Bovard Auditorium, University Park Campus

Please visit the USC 2024 Baccalaureate webpage for more information.

For Guests

General Admission

General admission is not ticketed and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

ADA Accommodation(s)/Effective Communication

When graduates register their guests, they should note if any guest(s) require a Sign Language Interpreter for the ceremony or need accommodations for limited mobility, impaired hearing and more. Due to the venue’s space limitations, only one guest may accompany the guest in the ADA effective communication seating area.

Wheelchair Access

When graduates register their guests, they should note if any guest(s) require wheelchair seating for the duration of the ceremony. Due to the venue’s space limitations, only one guest may accompany the guest in the wheelchair seating area. Upon arrival at the wheelchair seating area, please check-in with staff with your ticket ready.

*Please note, there is a limited number of wheelchair accessible seats in the Galen Center. We will do all that we can to accommodate all guest needs.

Details are forthcoming.

All guests will go through a metal detector to enter the Galen Center.

Clear Bag Policy: To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite guest entry into the venue, Galen Center enforces a clear bag policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the arena for all events (one clear bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” per person).

Once the procession begins, standing in aisles inside the main auditorium is prohibited due to fire codes, and will be monitored by a fire marshal. A photographer will take pictures of graduates as they proceed to the stage and while on stage. We ask that all guests remain seated during the ceremony. Guests may not congregate in the aisles or open spaces due to fire codes. Large video screens are available and will make it easier for families and friends to see graduates as they process to the stage.

Campus will have heavy traffic congestion, therefore public transportation is highly recommended. Complimentary parking is available at all USC Parking Structures on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please click here to review transit and parking options for commencement day.

Parking is extremely limited on campus, and due to the large crowds, parking usually fills up by 7:00 a.m. USC Transportation will direct you to the next gate or to the off-campus facilities if the structures are full. The Grand Avenue Parking Structure (formerly UPX), on the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Grand Avenue, is recommended for all degree candidates, their families and guests.

USC

The Metro Expo Line is highly recommended to avoid traffic and congestion.

USC

For your preferred rideshare options, designated pick-up and drop-off zones will be coordinated to ease the flow of traffic and will be accessible across the University Park campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

USC Main Ceremony & Viterbi Commencement Ceremonies

Step 1: Submit your Application for Graduation

Verify that you are graduating!
- Students can verify their graduation date by checking their STARS Report on OASIS. Graduation dates will be listed by semester – fall 2023, spring 2024, summer 2024 and fall 2024. If this information is incorrect, please contact your department advisor.

Submit your application for graduation with your Viterbi Academic Department
- All master's students must complete a Master's Application for Graduation online at http://myviterbi.usc.edu. This application informs department advisors that you plan to complete your degree requirements in a specified term, and prompts your advisor to complete a degree check.
- Please note that this application or degree check is not automatically generated.

Step 2: Register to participate in your Viterbi Commencement ceremony via Marching Order

Submit your registration to participate in your respective graduation ceremony
- Marching Order is the online student Commencement registration platform.
- Graduates will receive an official email from Marching Order with instructions on registering to participate in your graduation ceremony starting on January 31, 2024

Yes, your Grad Card is your ticket. All graduating students must register for commencement through Marching Order. Once registration is complete, a graduate will be assigned a Grad Card which is your ticket into the Viterbi Commencement Ceremony and will be used to announce your name as you walk across the stage.
A reminder email to pick up the Grad Card will be sent to all graduates in April.

Frequently Asked Questions

Out of Cycle Students

Out-of-Cycle students can complete the UG Out-of-Cycle Commencement Request Form 2024. Once submitted, the Viterbi Admission and Student Engagement Office (VASE) will review and provide further instructions.

Students must submit an out-of-cycle form to participate in the Viterbi Ceremonies.

- UG Out-of-Cycle Commencement Request Form 2024

Once the out-of-cycle is approved, the graduate will receive an email from our registration platform, Marching Order, to register for Commencement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Letters

Students must submit an out-of-cycle form to participate in the Viterbi Ceremonies.

- UG Out-of-Cycle Commencement Request Form 2024

Once the out of cycle is approved, the graduate will receive an email from our registration platform, Marching Order, to register for Commencement.

Commencement registration opens on January 31st. Once registration opens the graduate can use the confirmation email for his documentation that he is participating in Commencement.

We do not generate letters of confirmation for visa purposes.