Sometimes, shorter is sweeter. Check back often for the latest updates on things big and small, or for the TL;DR version of the long-form memos.
- 9/29: Green Week starts Saturday — learn more about Assignment: EarthRead the full memo.
- 8/2: COVID-19 safety and other reminders As fall semester classes near, USC Student Health’s Sarah Van Orman offers these important reminders: Masks: Medical-grade masks or respirator masks (including surgical, N95, KN95 and KF94) are recommended when you are indoors. Masks are required at health care facilities including USC’s Engemann and Eric Cohen student health centers Pre-arrival testing: Students, faculty and staff are advised…
- 6/16: Suzanne Nora Johnson elected chair of USC Board of TrusteesThe USC alumna is an internationally recognized leader who has served in key roles at major nonprofit and corporate organizations. Read the full announcement.
- 6/6: Julia M. Ritter named dean of the USC Kaufman School of DanceThe dance artist and professor led the dance department at Rutgers University, earning recognition for her scholarly and choreographic research. She starts at USC on July 1. Read the full memo from Provost Charles Zukoski.
- 4/6: DPS chief finalist community input sessions to be held April 15The committee overseeing the search for a new Department of Public Safety chief will host its finalist community input sessions on Friday, April 15. Sessions will be in the Annenberg Auditorium at Wallis Annenberg Hall, with the first finalist at 3 p.m. and the second finalist at 4:15 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to…
- 3/31: Changes to campus access and other COVID-19 updatesTrojan Check: Beginning Monday, April 4, Trojan Check will no longer be required for campus access. Faculty, staff and students should continue to check their symptoms whenever visiting any USC facility; if you develop symptoms, please stay home and arrange for a COVID-19 test as soon as possible. Masking: Masks are recommended but not required,…
- 3/29: Investing in our faculty and staffThe university will increase faculty and staff compensation and is close to finalizing guidelines for more flexible hybrid and remote work options. All employees will benefit from this plan. Highlights: entry-level wages will exceed Los Angeles’ minimum wage; we will raise the floor for all research, teaching, practical and clinical (RTPC) and tenure-track faculty salaries;…
- 3/17: President Folt underscores support for LGBTQIA+ communitiesIn a note to the Trojan community, President Carol L. Folt expresses her unwavering support for and commitment to our LGBTQIA+ communities. She notes that more than 200 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced this year, and that they send damaging messages even if they don’t pass. Read the complete email.
- 2/18: Lifting of some COVID-19 measures planned for March 1Beginning March 1, students who are up to date on their vaccinations (including a booster) will no longer be required to test weekly. Also starting March 1, reservations will no longer be required for general access to the USC Village, Lyon Center and HSC Fitness Center gyms. Guests will also be permitted in residence halls, in…
- 2/16: Outdoor masking requirement liftedIn alignment with Los Angeles County’s revised public health order, USC-sponsored outdoor events of all sizes no longer require masking for attendees. Masking continues to be required indoors, in special environments including on USC transportation, and in all USC health care facilities including testing sites. Stay informed on USC’s current plans and programs by visiting…
- 2/14: Rams parade to impact University Park Campus operations WednesdayA parade to celebrate the Rams’ Super Bowl win will draw thousands of fans to the neighborhood surrounding the University Park Campus on Wednesday. Expected road closures starting at 8 a.m. include Figueroa Street and Jefferson Boulevard next to the campus. Details are available on the USC Transportation site. USC will remain open on Wednesday. However,…
- 2/4: DPS chief search community input sessionsAs the nationwide search for USC’s next Department of Public Safety chief continues, a series of community input sessions will be held Feb. 14-26. Sessions will be held: Monday, Feb. 14, 2-3 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 18, 9-10 a.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 22, 3-4 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 24, 6-7 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 26,…
- 1/27: Reminder of Jan. 30 deadline to receive boosterThe university’s deadline for receiving your COVID-19 booster is Sunday, Jan. 30. All students in on-campus programs, all faculty and all staff are required to receive a booster, which will be necessary to meet “up to date on vaccinations” status on Trojan Check. If you are eligible for a booster but have not yet received…
- 1/21: In-person learning resumes Monday 1/24USC will resume in-person learning as planned on Monday, Jan. 24. Omicron cases have started to decline, but some members of our community are testing positive, in quarantine or dealing with illnesses or exposures within their households. As a result, some classes may temporarily move online and some campus services may be slower than normal.…
- 1/12: Interim DPS leadershipDavid Carlisle, assistant chief at USC’s Department of Public Safety, has been named interim chief. Carlisle replaces John Thomas, whose retirement was announced in September. He will remain with the university as a special adviser. Also on Wednesday, Robin Tilley was appointed interim DPS executive officer. Read the full announcement.
- 1/11: Spring welcome from President FoltIn a letter of welcome and thanks to the USC community, President Carol L. Folt notes that thousands of staff and faculty members are working to bring students back safely while dealing with COVID-19 in their own families. She reminds everyone that mental health resources are available to students and faculty and staff, and COVID-19 questions are answered by…
- 1/7: Remote learning extended, in-person classes now set to begin Jan. 24USC now plans to resume in-person instruction on Monday, Jan. 24 (spring classes begin remotely on Monday, Jan. 10). Boosters are now required for all eligible students, faculty and staff. If you have completed your booster outside of USC, upload this documentation in MySHR. We anticipate some impacts to operations in the coming weeks. Local…
- 1/5: Medical grade masks required at USC locations starting Jan. 18Individuals at USC locations where masks are required must now wear medical grade masks. These include surgical masks and may also include higher grade respirator masks (N95, KN95 or KF94). Faculty and staff should contact their administrative unit to obtain surgical masks. Students and visitors who do not have medical grade masks may obtain one when entering…
- 1/2 update: Reminders regarding testing for spring 2022As USC prepares to reopen after the winter break, the university issues reminders regarding testing requirements and availability. Remember that the first week of classes, starting Monday, Jan. 10, will be conducted remotely, with in-person instruction resuming Tuesday, Jan. 18. Read the full memo.
- 12/24: First week of spring classes to be held remotelySpring semester classes begin Monday, Jan. 10, and will be held remotely for one week; in-person instruction will resume Tuesday, Jan. 18. Graduate and professional students will hear directly from individual schools about program-specific exceptions. University housing will open as scheduled on Thursday, Jan. 6. All students will be required to show proof of a…
- 12/23: COVID-19 surge operations updateAmid the growing surge of COVID-19 cases in L.A. County and the USC population, USC contact tracing is now largely automated through an online form. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should follow county Department of Public Health guidelines for isolation. If you have tested through USC Student Health, you will automatically receive a contact tracing interview form…
- 12/20: Updated health advisory regarding COVID-19 omicron variantThe university is closely monitoring changing conditions and preparing to adapt as needed. We have no plans to go online at this moment or have a remote spring semester; we are planning to continue in-person instruction for spring 2022. Like many universities, we are considering the possibility of delaying our in-person return with a temporary…
- 12/17 (updated): Health advisory — COVID-19 omicron variantThe university is closely monitoring the increased spread of the omicron variant on our campuses, in the community and at institutions of higher education nationally. We are committed to keeping our campuses safe in the spring. We are evaluating a number of options for the spring semester and will announce any changes, such as a remote…
- 12/13: Flu shot compliance, winter break COVID testing and other updatesStarting Friday, Dec. 17, a flu shot will be part of the Trojan Check requirements for campus access. The COVID-19 “pop testing” will have a revised schedule for winter break beginning Saturday, Dec. 18. Due to equipment maintenance, lab resulting times for COVID saliva sample testing is delayed; results are expected to return within 48-72 hours this…
- 12/7: DPS Community Advisory Board implementation updateThe USC Department of Public Safety Community Advisory Board shares an update on the status of recommendations shared with the community during the summer. Significant implementation work is underway and plans are now in place for a new, permanent Community Advisory Board to be established next year. Read the full update from Ange-Marie Hancock Alfaro and Erroll…