Announcing the next Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs

It is my pleasure to announce that Suzanne Wenzel will serve as the next Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs, effective January 1, 2024.

Training exercise for an active shooter incident on December 14

This Thursday, December 14, DPS will partner with the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and others in a drill at the University Park Campus that will simulate an active shooter situation.

Announcing Brett Steele as the Dean of the USC School of Architecture

On behalf of President Folt, I am pleased to announce that we will welcome Brett Steele as dean of the USC School of Architecture, effective February 1, 2024. Dean Steele will hold the Della & Harry MacDonald Dean’s Chair in Architecture.

Message from Provost Guzman and SVP Washington

We write to share the exciting news that our colleague, Christopher Manning, Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CIDO), will be leaving USC on February 2, 2024, to serve as Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at San Diego State University.

Update on Free Speech, Expectations and Policies

We would like to direct you to our website on freedom of expression. We designed this site to help everyone better understand free speech at USC.

Give back by contributing to the Good Neighbors Campaign – now through November 10, 2023

These partnerships are made possible by the generosity of our exceptional staff and faculty, who live the goodwill that defines USC every single day. Today, I invite you to continue this great legacy and contribute once again to the Good Neighbors Campaign.

Retirement of Executive Vice Provost Kelvin J. A. Davies

I write today to share that Kelvin J. A. Davies will be stepping down from his post as Executive Vice Provost effective December 31, 2023. He will stay on as Special Advisor to the Provost through the end of February 2024 to assist with the transition of the role, at which time he will return to his well-earned retirement. 

Update on Campus Hate Speech and New Government Actions Regarding Antisemitism and Islamophobia

Over the past three weeks, we’ve been in conversation with many faculty, students, staff, alumni, and parents who have been personally and profoundly impacted by the violence in Israel and Gaza. 

Yesterday, the federal government announced new actions to address antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses.

2023 Winter Recess update

In recognition of your hard work, we are pleased to announce that USC will be offering an extended Winter Recess for all eligible employees, to begin on Thursday, December 21, 2023, and end on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. We will return to the office on January 3, 2024.

A Message from President Folt

I want to welcome our students back from fall break. Even a couple of days off can be restorative. These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for many members of our community. I hope you found time for yourselves and were able to get some much-needed rest.