March 27, 2025
Dear Trojans,
We write today to share an update regarding our Unifying Values. At USC, our mission and values drive a shared commitment to community, unified around a common pursuit of academic and research excellence, creative practice, and medical care – all for the public good. That includes fostering an environment in which every member of our community has equal access to opportunity and the guidance and academic support necessary to succeed.
Almost seven years ago, USC renewed its focus on organizational culture by establishing the Culture Commission. This Commission ensures that the university’s mission and actions remain explicitly linked with the values of our Trojan Community. These values are periodically refined through the ongoing Culture Journey, an intentional effort to gather input from our community. We are grateful to the thousands of Trojans who shared their perspectives with us during the latest part of the Culture Journey in fall 2024.
We are now refining one of USC’s Unifying Values by broadening “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)” into “Community.” The term “DEI” has evolved to encompass so many interpretations as it has increasingly become embroiled in broader cultural and political disagreements. The value we place on “Community” very clearly underscores our commitment to maintaining a campus culture in which every Trojan is valued, respected, and supported. Recent evolving federal legal guidance further reinforces that our language and actions must be both precise and unambiguous.
“Community” better captures the breadth of our purpose and mission. It embodies USC’s unifying commitment that we all respect and care for members of our community. It also reinforces USC’s commitment to diversity in thought and background where ideas are vigorously researched and debated. This dedication has cultivated a vibrant Trojan Family of changemakers and global leaders, as generations of graduates have demonstrated through their service to one another, our local communities, and the world.
We are grateful for the work and commitment of everyone who contributed to this ongoing journey. Together we will continue to foster a positive, productive, and caring community where all Trojans belong and thrive.
Fight On!
Andrew Guzman
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Steven Shapiro
Senior Vice President for Health Affairs
Stacy Giwa
Senior Vice President of Human Resources
cc: Office of the President
President’s Senior Leadership Team
Academic Deans
Provost’s Leadership Team
Academic Senate
Staff Assembly