Parents & Guests

Why Participate in Orientation?

Orientation is not just for students! We anticipate that you will take an active role in supporting your student through the college journey, starting with the transition to campus life, and we understand that you may have several questions about what comes next.

Orientation programs for parents can help you navigate campus resources, understand how best to guide your student throughout their time at USC, and learn how the university in turn supports Trojan parents.

Our thorough hybrid experience makes it easy to stay engaged and informed, as there are timely resources for all families. On-campus events enhance the information but do not replace the resources available online.

What’s Included for Parents and Guests

Throughout Welcome Trojans Orientation programming, you will learn about USC’s academic requirements, various student resources including health and financial services, housing, transportation, and meal plans. You will also have opportunities to meet other Trojan parents, hear from staff and faculty, and make your own connections to the Trojan Family!

Making the Most of Welcome Trojans

The best advice we can give for making the most of your Welcome Trojans experience is to engage with the program and participate fully! Whether you are logging in to a webinar, viewing an on-demand video, or attending On-Campus Orientation, we recommend a distraction-free environment.

Available online, the Trojan Engagement Center is your hub for all things orientation, and your window into the USC experience! The engagement center hosts a variety of sessions for reserved parents and guests, including Spotlight Sessions hosted by the Director of Orientation, a Virtual Student Services Fair, information about key university resources, and tutorials and webinars.

All reserved guests also receive a weekly Welcome Trojans Update, which includes information about upcoming Welcome Trojans webinars, programs and sessions, as well as first-semester enrollment tips and highlights of key USC resources.

The Trojan Engagement Center and weekly updates will keep you and your student informed as your prepare for their first semester at USC. We encourage you to take advantage of all the programs and information they have to offer.

You will find both online and in-person programs tailored to guests. These are excellent opportunities to learn about USC resources, meet our staff, collect business cards and connect with other parents.

We are your partners in supporting your student during their time at USC. You will find answers to most of your questions online through our Trojan Engagement Center or our Weekly Trojans Update, but we are here to help answer any other questions you may have.

On-Campus Orientation Tips

Summer Orientation:

Summer On-Campus Orientation is a full-day event for students and their families. Please do not make travel plans, or schedule meetings or appointments, that require you to leave before the end of orientation.

Winter Orientation:

Winter On-Campus Orientation is a partial-day event. Please do not make travel plans, or schedule meetings or appointments, that require you to leave before the end of orientation. There will be time before or after On-Campus Orientation for your student to move into their assigned housing.

Please note: Online Academic Advising, Course Registration, and Online Orientation are student-only sessions.

First-semester Course Registration is frequently the most challenging. Students should remain flexible and patient. It may also be helpful to discuss the following so that you and your student are on the same page:

• Students should complete their Pre-Registration Checklist prior to Online Academic Advising.
• Welcome Trojans Online Academic Advising is limited to first-semester course planning. It may be held individually or in a group with other new students in that major.
• Academic advisors are available during course registration times to ensure that students register for the courses necessary for their degree program. Students should refer to their USC email for information on how to contact their academic advisor during Course Registration.
• Students have until the end of the third week of semester to add or drop courses, so there will be time to make schedule changes after orientation, but students should consult their academic advisor prior to making changes.

We are not able to provide mobility assistance for guests at on-campus Welcome Trojans sessions. You should be prepared to assist any of your guests who require accommodation. If you have concerns, feel free to contact our office.

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