October 28, 2021
Dear Students,
As we have returned to in-person learning and living, you have done an incredible job of supporting each other and our community. We appreciate your cooperation and concern.
The first semester back on campus has presented challenges for many of you. The pandemic is still very much with us and stress levels are high. While we are grateful that through vaccines, masking, testing, and TrojanCheck you are doing your part to help keep each other safe, the intermittent academic disruptions associated with testing and class modality, along with a range of social and political struggles can layer anxiety and exhaustion onto your lives. Most recently, the allegations of sexual assault and drugging may have made the pursuit of your academic work more difficult.
We have been listening to your concerns and want to support you. Your health and well-being are always our top priority.
Today, we announce some changes that are intended to help you navigate the challenges of the Fall semester. As of Monday, November 1, you can find additional information regarding these support options at USC Academic Advisor Connect.
- Pass/No Pass: As we did the last two semesters, we will reinstate this grading option for Fall 2021. You will have until Friday, December 3, the last day of classes, to select this option;
- Incompletes: As of now, you may request an Incomplete from your faculty in a course, rather than waiting until after Week 12;
- Withdrawal: As we did the last two semesters, we will extend the Withdrawal deadline until Friday, December 3, the last day of classes;
- USC Academic Advisor Connect: You are likely already speaking with your academic advisor about your academic options for the Fall semester and registration for Spring 2022. If you feel that you need additional support with advisement, advocacy, or help navigating institutional resources, USC Academic Advisor Connect is a new triage service ready to assist. Advisors are available to help you understand the academic options and institutional resource offerings. We encourage you to work with an advisor to evaluate those options that might work best in your specific circumstance, and in more complex scenarios, they are able to advocate on your behalf with other campus partners. Visit USC Academic Advisor Connect on Monday, November 1 for FAQs and further information.
Graduate Students: While the options above are available to graduate students, some programs may have specific requirements due to licensure and accreditation considerations. Please consult with your program for guidance. The Graduate School is also available to assist.
We have reached out to faculty to ask them for flexibility and to continue to be compassionate and understanding as, together, we accomplish good things this semester. We extend this encouragement to you as well and are including resources below in case you, or any of your fellow students, need support. In these tumultuous times, please let us remember the importance of civil dialogue, mutual respect, and the essential importance of caring for each other – these are hallmarks of the USC community.
We hope the flexibility we are offering, along with this new advising resource, will help you progress toward your academic goals, make lasting connections, and thrive.
Sincerely,
Charles F. Zukoski
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
USC Resources:
Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (EEO-TIX)
Resources and resolution options for addressing reports of protected class discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as for education, training, and proactive partnerships that promote equity and civil rights.
213-740-5086
eeotix@usc.edu
Counseling and Mental Health
Provides counseling and support for student Reporting Parties and Respondents.
213-740-9355 (WELL)
Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Services (RSVP)
Provides direct, confidential support for students who have experienced gender and power-based harm.
213-740-9355 (WELL) and say, “Speak to an Advocate,” to be immediately connected.
Campus Support and Intervention (CSI)
CSI connects with members of the USC community when they need support in achieving their academic, professional, and/or personal goals.
213-740-0411
Trojans Care 4 Trojans (TC4T)
A private and anonymous reporting option for students, faculty, and staff that is managed by CSI.
(213) 740-0411
Department of Public Safety
| Emergency numbers: | Non-emergency numbers: | |
| 213-740-4321 (University Park Campus) | 213-740-6000 (University Park Campus) | |
| 323-442-1000 (Health Sciences Campus) | 323-442-1200 (Health Sciences Campus) |
External Resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Provides 24/7 confidential support and services.
1-656-HOPE (4673)
1-800-339-3940
Rape Treatment Center at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica
Provides free confidential treatment for sexual assault victims, including 24-hour emergency medical care with forensic exam and proper preservation of evidence.
310-319-4000
For a full list of confidential and private resources, please visit the EEO-TIX website.