INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENT INFORMATION GUIDE
Welcome to the Marshall School of Business Undergraduate International Exchange Program
at USC! This booklet is provided to answer general questions about your participation in the
program and life in Los Angeles.
I am confident that your experiences at USC will remain with you for a lifetime. Face the academic
challenges head-on, but don’t forget to take advantage of the activities that Southern California has
to offer.
Please read this entire document carefully. If you have further questions, please contact me by
phone: (1-213) 740-1206, e-mail: sean.o’connell@marshall.usc.edu, or fax: (1-213) 740-2116.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Best regards,
Sean O’Connell
International Business Program
Marshall School of Business
University of Southern California
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Preparing for Your Departure
 Visa Requirements
 Climate
 Clothing
 Luggage
 Interim Mailing Address
 International Driver’s License
 Measles Vaccination
 Tuberculosis Screening
 Health Insurance
 Interim Funds/Banking
 University Fees
 Campus Banking
 Wire Transfer of Funds
 Other Campus Banking Services
Arriving in Los Angeles
 Transportation from LAX Airport
 Interim Housing – In case you arrive early
 Driver’s License
 Safety and Security
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Transportation
 Tram Service
 Campus Cruiser
 MTA (Public Transportation)
 DASH
 Bicycles
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The Marshall School of Business Undergraduate Program
 International Exchange Host Program
 Orientation
 Course Requirements
 OASIS
 Grading
 Computing Services
 Student Clubs
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The USC Campus
 University Bookstore
 USC Libraries
 Travel Service
 Athletic Facilities
 Dining Facilities
 USC Health Center
 Campus Security
 Post Office
 Office of International Services
 Working on Campus
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PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE
Visa Requirements
As a non-immigrant student, your stay in the United States will require compliance with U.S.
government rules and regulations. Foremost among these requirements are:
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a valid passport
Your DS-2019 form
a photograph
a financial statement of personal or family support
a letter confirming your status as an International Exchange Student to USC
Please bring the above items to the US Consulate/Embassy for your visa interview (you CANNOT
apply for a J-1 visa in the US). You will also be required to pay, PRIOR to your interview, a SEVIS
fee. Please visit the following website for more information:
https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
Once you arrive on campus, you will be required to complete a Passport Verification process with
the Office of International Services. For this purpose, please bring the original and photo copies of
the following items to either the Passport Verification Session or Marshall Orientation:
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Your copy of the DS-2019 form
The pages of your passport with the expiration date, passport number and passport photo
and your student visa
You are advised NOT to enter the United States on a visitor (B-2) visa unless you are arriving more
than 30 days prior to the start of the program. If you enter more than 30 days prior to the start of
your program, you will need to leave the US and re-enter with your J-1 visa BEFORE you will be
allowed to attend class. The Immigration and Naturalization Service will deny a request for change
of status, and you will be forced to leave the United States at your own expense, return to your
home country, and secure a proper visa prior to enrolling at USC.
Further information regarding immigration regulations will be available from the Office for
International Services, located in GFS 120. Alternatively, please consult the American Consulate
or Embassy in your city of residence.
Information on the J-1 visa application process may be found here:
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange/exchange.html
Climate
Many would agree that LA’s climate is its greatest attraction. Fall temperatures average 75 to 82
degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 28 degrees Celsius) during the day and about 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit
at night (13 to 18 degrees Celsius). Temperatures in LA can change quickly and be unpredictable.
Late autumn is mild and often overcast; summers usually reach about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
(33 degrees Celsius) in the daytime and usually drop to the low 60’s (18 degrees Celsius) at night.
The hottest months of the year are July through October.
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Clothing
Attire in Southern California tends to be casual and comfortable. Light cotton and knit clothing is
suitable for most seasons except winter, when a sweater, jacket, or light coat are often needed.
Lightweight suits are appropriate for most of the year, with the addition of a light coat and rain gear
for winter. Coats and ties are sometimes required for men in the more exclusive restaurants and
nightspots, but, more often than not, clothing habits are very informal. The Marshall School of
Business does not expect participants to be formally dressed during day-to-day activities, however,
during field trips, seminars, and case or project presentations, participants are sometimes expected
to be in professional attire. So please bring at least one Business-Formal outfit.
Luggage
As you are packing, be aware of the luggage allowance for international flights. The airline may
refuse to check oversized or overweight bags, or you may be charged extra for these items. It may
be difficult to handle problems relating to excess baggage that arise when you check in at the
airport. If you are unable to stay within your baggage limitations, you should mail, or make
arrangements to have mailed, any excess goods before you leave.
Interim Mailing Address
Until you have checked into your housing accommodations, you may use the Marshall International
Exchange Program Office as an interim mailing address to have packages, parcels or mail
forwarded to you. The address is:
Marshall Undergraduate International Exchange Program
c/o Sean O’Connell
3670 Trousdale, BRI 105
Marshall School of Business
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0805
International Driver’s License
If you plan to rent or purchase a car in Los Angeles, you should bring an international driver’s
license with you, as you will not be able to get a U.S. driver’s license if you are staying here for less
than a year. Please be aware that most banks or stores will not accept an international driver’s
license as an ID (Identification) card. Your passport will work fine for this purpose. Please send an
visit http://sait.usc.edu/ois/intl-students/drivers-license.aspx if you would like more information
about driving in Los Angeles.
Measles and Mumps Immunity Requirements
USC requires that all students submit proof of receiving two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps &
Rubella) vaccine, or show proof of Measles and Mumps immunity, prior to their first semester of
enrollment at USC. Please submit one of the following as proof:
1. Documentation (month, day and year) of receiving TWO doses of the MMR vaccine (or
TWO doses of Measles vaccine and TWO doses of Mumps vaccine.)
– OR –
2. Documentation of a positive Rubeola titer and Mumps titer (laboratory blood test.)
Please note:
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All documentation must include an official signature or stamp from your physician or
clinic.
The first dose of Measles, Mumps or MMR vaccines must be given at 12 months of age or
later. A patient must wait at least 4 weeks, following the first dose, to receive the second
dose.
Students born prior to January 1, 1957 are considered to be immune and will automatically
be listed as exempt from the measles and mumps immunity requirement.
How To Submit Documentation
Please e-mail documented proof of Measles-Mumps Immunity and TB Screenings to the
Immunization/Screening Compliance Office:
E-mail: eshcimmu@usc.edu
If you need to fax your documented proof instead, please fax to: (213) 821-2740.
(All documents must include the student’s full name, 10-digit ID number and telephone number.)
Tuberculosis Screening Requirement
All International Students are required to be screened for tuberculosis in the United States or
Canada within 6 months prior to their first semester at USC. A photocopy of the following will
serve as proof of screening:

Laboratory report of a negative Quantiferon blood test or T-Spot blood test. Only
laboratory test results will be accepted, no handwritten results.
Please note:
A history of BCG immunization does NOT fulfill this requirement.
Recommended Vaccinations For All Students
The Engemann Student Health Center strongly recommends that all incoming, new USC students
receive the following vaccinations prior to their arrival on campus, or as soon as possible after
arriving:
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Meningococcal Meningitis
Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (within the last 10 years)
Polio booster (completed childhood series)
Hepatitis A (two dose series)
Hepatitis B (three dose series)
Chicken Pox (two dose series)
HPV (3 dose series)
Tuberculosis: T-Spot Blood Tests (required of all new International Students – please see
specific requirements.)
Health Insurance
Some basic medical services are provided at the University Health Center. However, the university
requires that all students have supplemental health insurance. This will help to cover the cost of
health care that cannot be obtained at the health center, especially in emergency situations where
hospitalization may be required. You are automatically enrolled in the USC Student Health
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Insurance Plan. The Health Insurance Plan works in conjunction with the University's Student
Health Centers. For this reason, all students enrolled in the Insurance Plan are required to pay the
Student Health Fee.
USC Insurance Plan Information: http://engemannshc.usc.edu/insurance/insurance-plan/
Enrollment may only be waived if you present documented proof of adequate health coverage
from another plan to the Student Health Services Office at the Student Health Center on the
USC campus.
All International Students are automatically enrolled in the USC Student Health Insurance Plan. If
you wish to opt out, you may submit an online waiver request if your comprehensive health
insurance plan meets the University’s requirements listed below.
In order to waive the USC Student Health Insurance Plan, your insurance plan must:
• Provide continuous coverage (full year or semester) while you are a student at the University of
Southern California.
• Your insurance plan must meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) criteria. Only plans in compliance
with ACA will be accepted.
• Cover preventive care services at 100%.
• Have an annual combined deductible and out-of-pocket expense of $6,350 or less.
• Your health plan must have in-network providers (hospital and doctors) in the Los Angeles area.
(on-campus students only)
• Emergency/urgent care only is not accepted for waiver.
Upon request, you must be able to provide a copy of:
• Verifiable proof of coverage with student’s name (ID card, insurance policy or letter from
insurance carrier.)
• Plan document(s) in English, with currency amounts converted to U.S. dollars, and an insurance
company contact phone number in the U.S. is mandatory. All claims must be processed in the U.S.
and paid directly to U.S. providers.
Some of the reasons you may not be granted a waiver include:
• Most international plans are not accepted.
• Out of state plans with regional coverage only and Medicaid insurance is not accepted.
• If your current policy is not compliant with the Affordable Care Act.
Attention International Students:
If you are an International Student, please be aware that most international plans are not accepted.
Your insurance plan must meet the minimum requirements to support your visa as well as the
criteria above.
Information on waiving coverage:
http://engemannshc.usc.edu/insurance/waivers/
For more information about immunizations and screenings, the Student Health Center or Insurance,
please visit the University Health Center website at: http://engemannshc.usc.edu/
Interim Funds/Banking
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We recommend that you open a bank account as soon as you arrive in LA. This will give you
access to ATMs, and will also allow you to write checks. The USC Credit Union is a popular
choice for students and can easily open an account for you once you arrive on campus. More
information on their services is available at: http://www.usccreditunion.org/.
Academic Semester Estimated Expense Statement
Airfare/Transportation..……………………$2,000.00
Books and Supplies ……………………….. $600.00
Local Transportation………………………..$600.00
Health Insurance ………………………….. $610.00*
Room and Board ………………………… $4500.00
Miscellaneous …………………………… $3500.00
Health Center Fee ………………………… $272.00
Marshall OIS Visa Fee…………….………..$200.00
USC Orientation Fee………………………..$350.00
Program Fee ……………………………….. $62.50
Topping Fund………………………………… $8.00
Student Services …………………………… $16.00
TOTAL ……………………………….. $12,718.50
*Spring + Summer semester charge is $1151
We recommend that you bring approximately $500.00 to cover immediate expenses that might arise
until you can access your bank account. You may choose to carry your temporary funds in the form
of travelers’ checks, or, with a credit card, you can access your home bank account via one of the
many automatic teller machines (ATMs) located on and around campus. Do not carry large sums
of cash as you travel to the United States.
Other Campus Banking Services
Several Bank of America, Citibank and USC Federal Credit Union automated teller machines
(ATMs) are located on or near campus for student banking needs. The USC Federal Credit Union
ATMs are located just outside the Bookstore, in Commons lobby, and in King Hall, and the Bank
of America ATMs are located just outside the Bookstore, next to Commons.
ARRIVING IN LOS ANGELES
Transportation from LAX Airport
If you arrive directly from overseas at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you will clear
customs at Tom Bradley terminal.
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Shuttle services
In some cases, a Marshall student host may be able to pick you up at the airport. However, if you
have not made arrangements to be met at the airport, we suggest that you take one of the many
shuttle vans from LAX to your destination. You can arrange shuttle service through the airport
employee standing at the shuttle service sign just outside the airport terminal. These are the
registered and reliable means of transportation. Two of the largest door-to-door shuttle services are
listed below. Your van will bring you from the airport directly to any location you wish, and you
can call for reservations in advance (although that is not necessary). The cost is approximately
$21.00 one way per person. You can also use a taxi. However, the cost will be more than double.
Please board van shuttles or taxis only in officially designated lanes.
Prime Time (http://www.hudsonltd.com/pts/primetime-site.html)
Supershuttle (http://www.supershuttle.com/htm/cities/lax.htm)
For more information about transportation and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), please
visit the LAX website: http://www.lawa.org/lax/laxframe.html.
BUS
If you are feeling adventurous, have time, want to see the city, and do not have too many bags, you
can travel to campus via city bus (it is safe, it’s the same bus I take to work as I live near LAX, and
NO I will not come pick you up!). It will cost you $1.50 (exact change- no change given).
You will need to take the FREE LAX shuttle Lot C/City Bus Center. Take that to the last stop (it
will drive through a car-park/parking lot), and walk to the LAX Transit Center (about 20 meters).
Look for the MTA 102 line (it will be an orange bus- there are signs denoting the different routes
by number and company- such as Foothill Transit, Culver City, Santa Monica, etc). Make sure you
catch bus 102 (you can ask the driver if they pass by USC). The ride will take around 1 hour, buts it
is less than $2. You can exit at Jefferson and Figueroa which is the Northeast corner of campus
(which is 1 km from most of the university housing).
Directions to the USC Campus
Most shuttle drivers know where the USC campus is located. However, directions are as follows:
Take the 105 Freeway east to the Harbor Freeway (110), northbound. Exit Exposition Boulevard
and turn right. Then turn right on Figueroa. Your housing assignment will be in the area around
USC, but please be sure to look up the exact address and location online at
<http://housing.usc.edu/HousingPages/CampusColor.html>. For more information about
transportation and to view a map of the USC campus (University Park Campus), please visit:
<http://www.usc.edu/info/maps/>.
Interim Housing—In case you arrive early
As I mentioned earlier, some residences do allow early check-in with pre-approval. You will need
to contact the Customer Service Center for your residence to inquire as to whether they will allow
early check-in, and if so, how can you make a reservation. If you are unable to make a reservation
for an early check-in, you will need to secure temporary housing. Below, please find information on
temporary housing in the USC area.
This is a partial list of temporary housing available in hotels and motels in the general area of USC,
particularly for the downtown area (2 miles north of campus). The MTA and DASH buses are
available between downtown and the USC campus. There are no cooking facilities at these
locations.
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These hotels and motels listed below, like the USC campus itself, are located in the center of a large
urban area. The university cannot guarantee the safety of any individual lodging, has not inspected
the locations and does not endorse any of the listed lodgings. This information is provided solely as
a reference guide. Additional resources for both temporary and semester-long off-campus housing
options are provided at http://housing.usc.edu/.
Walking Distance of Campus
Radisson Hotel Figueroa- http://www.radisson.com/los-angeles-hotel-ca-90007/cafiguer
Vagabond Inn- http://www.vagabondinn.com/california/vagabond-inn-los-angeles-at-usc.aspx
Downtown Los Angeles
Ramada Convention Center- http://www.ramada.com/hotels/california/los-angeles/ramada-laconvention-center/hotel-overview
Rodeway Inn- LA Live- http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-huntington_park-californiaCAB12#listpos1
ACE Hotel- http://www.acehotel.com/#losangeles
O Hotel- http://www.ohotelgroup.com/
Sheraton Downtown LA- http://www.sheratonlosangelesdowntown.com/
Driver’s License
You may drive in California with a valid out-of-state or international driver’s license for six
months. After that, you must obtain a California Driver’s License. Below is information on
obtaining a driver’s license for those students who will be at USC for MORE than six months.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/) is located near the campus at 3614 S.
Hope Street (on Exposition Blvd., west of the Harbor Freeway). Call the DMV at (213) 744-2000
to make an appointment. First time applicants must present evidence of date of birth, such as a birth
certificate or passport. The DMV requires both a written test and a road test before a driver’s
license can be issued. The written test examines your knowledge about driving rules and
regulations in California, while the road test actually tests driving skills, including a road sign test.
If you pass both tests, you will complete a form with personal information (name, address, etc.) and
take a vision test. Your photo will be taken and the license will be mailed to you when it is ready.
You will be issued a driving permit that allows you to drive while waiting to receive the license.
The permit does not include your picture and is generally not acceptable as a form of identification.
Application Process
To apply for a driver's license, students must be enrolled full-time and pay the SEVIS fee. If not,
there will be significant problems and delays with your application.
1. Students who have a driver’s license from their home country may be exempt from the
driving skills test. The DMV requires that you present the ORIGINALS of all immigration
documents: passport, printout of your I-94 Arrival/Departure record and I-20 or DS-2019.
Your passport or I-20/DS-2019 CANNOT expire less than 60 days from the date of
application. If these documents expire in less than 60 days, you cannot apply. Be sure to
bring your driver’s license from your home country to present to the officer at the DMV as
it may exempt you from the driving test.
2. Fill-out an application form at the DMV.
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3. If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) and are not in the process of applying
for one, mark on the DMV application that you are not eligible for a SSN. You are only
eligible for a SSN if you have a job offer for authorized paid on-campus or off-campus
employment.
4. OIS strongly advises students/scholars to visit the Hope Street DMV office on Thursdays
and Fridays after 1pm.
5. Students who have problems with their application should record the name of the DMV
employee(s) you spoke with and make an appointment to meet with OIS for further
assistance.
6. You must wait at least 30 days before calling the DMV office to inquire about your
application. Most licenses will be issued within two weeks of the appointment. They cannot
assist you before the 30-day window ends.
Safety and Security
Los Angeles is a large, vibrant, diverse, modern city with all the benefits and problems of urban
life. Being in the heart of a major metropolitan area is exciting, providing many cultural,
professional, recreational, historical and educational opportunities. But when taking advantage of
living in Los Angeles, you need to be smart about your safety and security.
The majority of crimes in and around campus is petty-theft, and the majority of those incidents are
students stealing from other students (mainly in the dorms, apartments or libraries). It is essential
that you stay aware of your surroundings.
What can you do to protect yourself from crime?
USC is committed to protecting you in every way possible, however, you are ultimately responsible
for your personal safety. Take time to do some planning and learn how to keep yourself safe.
Out and About
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Pay attention to your surroundings.
Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Use Saturn Cruiser (escort service)
or walk with a friend.
Avoid dark streets.
If you are followed, move away fast, change directions or walk into a store or
building.
Walk near the curb, and avoid shrubs and dark doorways.
Have your keys in your hand so you can open your car or home immediately.
If a driver asks you for directions, don’t get too close to the car.
Keep a tight hold on your bag or purse.
Report any incidents on campus immediately by using the blue security phones
around campus, or by calling the campus emergency number, (213) 740-4321.
Do not call 911 from campus.
Protecting your Property
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Keep your books or bags with you. Don’t leave them unattended in the library,
dining facilities, or other public places.
Don’t leave books, bags or valuable items visible in your car.
Lock your bike.
Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry.
TRANSPORTATION
Around Campus
Tram Service
University Tram Services provide transportation to and from off-campus housing, campus parking
areas, the Health Sciences campus, and Union Station. These reliable services are provided at no
charge to students and other members of the USC community. To find out more about the tram
service, including a schedule and list of routes, contact Transportation Services at (213) 740-3575.
Campus Cruiser
In addition to the Tram Service, Campus Cruiser (escort service) provides service for persons who
are concerned about their safety as they travel around the USC community. This escort service is
not a taxi service, but rather a service of safety, so use it wisely. Student escorts will transport you
to locations within a one-mile radius of campus, for example form the library to a parking structure.
The service may provide a walking escort, bicycle, or automobile escort. Make sure that the
vehicle is either a USC Department of Public Safety vehicle or is marked with “Campus Cruiser”
on the side. All escorts carry photo identification and bike escorts wear bright yellow jackets
marked “Campus Cruiser”.
To request an escort, call (213) 740-4911 when you are ready to leave and an escort will be by in
approximately 15 minutes. The service runs from 5PM - 3AM every day except university
holidays. A 24-hour shuttle runs from Leavey Library to all areas on regular service routes.
Summer hours vary slightly.
Campus Cruiser
http://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/campus-cruiser-program/
USC Tram
http://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/bus-map-schedules/
OFF CAMPUS
Los Angeles is the city of the automobile. Los Angeles is such a large city that getting around is
difficult without a car. As such, public transportation in the Los Angeles area is not the greatest.
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There are very few trains, and the few that exist really do not go very many places. The main
sources of public transportation are busses, which tend to be slow and crowded. Below, I have
included some information about the different types of public transportation available around USC.
Public Transportation
Metro Transit Authority (METRO) operates buses and railway cars throughout the greater Los
Angeles area, including several stops near USC. MTA bus schedules can be found in
Transportation Services at Parking Structure A, Topping Student Center, on their website at
http://www.mta.net/ or by calling (213) 626-4455. You can apply for a discount MTA pass at the
Topping Student Center.
DASH
Operated by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the DASH is another bus
transportation option for downtown LA. Dash shuttles stop along Figueroa and Exposition
Avenues next to the USC campus. Maps and schedules are available at Topping Student Center.
For
schedules
and
information,
consult
there
website:
http://www.ladottransit.com/index_flash.html.
Amtrak
For longer distance travel (between cities in California or to other states) Amtrak is a good intercity
passenger rail system. Amtrak serves Los Angeles through Union Station, located in downtown
Los Angeles (not far from USC). They have statewide and nationwide service. For ticket
information, call 1-800-USA-RAIL or consult http://www.amtrak.com/.
Big Blue Bus
The Big Blue Bus is a bus system servicing the west side of Los Angeles and is operated by the
City Of Santa Monica. For maps and schedules, call 310 451-5444 or consult their website at.
http://www.bigbluebus.com/home/index.asp.
Bicycles
For those living near the campus, bicycling can be a quick and efficient way to get to and from
USC. State law requires that all bicycles must be licensed. Bicycle licenses cost $5, and can be
purchased at the office of the USC Department of Public Safety in Parking Structure A. Also, at
various times during the academic year, public safety officers will be located at the center plaza of
campus providing bicycle licensing on the spot. This license will enhance the chance of recovering
your bicycle if it is stolen. It is recommended that all riders wear an approved bicycling helmet,
available at any bike shop or sporting goods store. Also, be sure to buy a lock and lock your bike
every time you leave it.
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THE MARSHALL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Orientation
Orientation for Marshall International Exchange Students will be held on the Friday before the first
day of classes. The orientation will provide an opportunity for you to tour the campus and Marshall
School of Business, have training on our email system, receive student identification cards, and
more. There will also be an orientation luncheon, which will give you an opportunity to meet your
Marshall host in person. The tentative agenda for orientation will be sent to you by email prior to
your departure.
Course Requirements
Exchange students may take a minimum of twelve (12) and no more than eighteen (18)
undergraduate units. Tuition is paid to your home university and only covers undergraduate
courses in the Marshall School of Business. Some other USC departments will allow you to take
courses as well, and a Marshall advisor will inform you of this based on your requested course
schedule. You will be advised of the deadline to add and drop classes at the Marshall Orientation.
Once registered for classes, you will be unable to make any changes to your schedule until you
arrive on campus and complete a mandatory passport verification process.
The work-load for most USC courses will require more work than you may be used to. Weekly
written assignments, in addition to heavy reading assignments are not uncommon, as are multiple
quizzes, exams and research/group projects throughout the semester. In addition, most classes also
have a final examination. The USC expectation is that for every hour that you are in class, you
should have 3 hours of homework, much of which is written. And often, attendance is mandatory
for classes. So be sure to manage your time efficiently.
OASIS
OASIS stands for Online Academic Student Information System. It allows you to access, via the
web, information about your student status at the University of Southern California. To access
OASIS, enter: http://www.usc.edu/dept/ARR/oasis/. You will be asked to enter your USC Student
Identification Number (XXXX-XX-XXX) followed by your PIN number, which is your birthdate
(Month-Day-Year: XX-XX-XX). The following services are available to you:
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Registered Course List
Enrollment Verification
Completed Course Summary
History of completed course(s)
Grade Report
Current Billing Balance
Summary of Restrictions (Holds)
Change of Address
Grading
The Marshall School of Business faculty’s general expectations for performance to earn designated
grades in graduate courses are described below. Specific grading requirements for individual
courses will be described in each course syllabus. The course instructor is responsible for final
grading decisions; you are responsible for ensuring that the grades have been correctly posted on
your permanent record.
Grade of A
Receipt of a grade of A indicates outstanding, excellent work of true distinction. Students earning a
grade of A will have achieved complete mastery of the course material—are able to apply it in a
variety of contexts, understand its implication for situations beyond those described in lectures and
texts, draw interrelationships between concepts, and express their understanding in written and oral
communication. “A” means that while there is always room for improvement in terms of the
material covered in this course, the student is competitive with the best in the nation.
Grade of B
Receipt of a grade of B indicates very good work, work that is expected and considered the average
level of performance for students in graduate school. Students earning a grade of B display a solid
grounding in the course material, are able to apply it in key contexts, are capable of seeing
interrelationships between concepts and can converse effectively in the terminology of the course.
“B” means further improvement can be achieved; in terms of the course, the student is performing
at acceptable graduate school standards.
Grade of C
Receipt of a grade of C indicates a minimally acceptable level of performance in the course.
Students earning a grade of C have displayed significant gaps in their mastery of course material,
have some difficulty applying concepts, seeing interrelationships, and understanding fine points.
Ability to express understanding in written and oral communications is problematic. “C” means
substantial improvement is need; in terms of the course, the student is performing minimally within
the standards acceptable for graduate course-work at USC.
Computing Services/Wi-Fi
In addition to numerous computer labs around campus, USC provides free wi-fi on campus, in all
USC owned buildings, as well as in the surrounding neighborhood.
Marshall Student Clubs
There are numerous student clubs designed to provide you with the opportunity to interact with
students, faculty, and professionals in your field of interest. It is strongly suggested that you join
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one of the 40+ student groups at Marshall or one of the 800+ groups at USC . Information can be
found here:
Marshall Student Organizations
http://students.marshall.usc.edu/undergrad/leadership-development/student-organizations/
USC Student Organizations
http://sait.usc.edu/stuorgs/
THE USC CAMPUS
University Bookstore
Students can purchase course textbooks at the University Bookstore (http://uscbookstore.com/ ).
The campus bookstore is located adjacent to the Campus Center. In addition to textbooks, the store
carries school supplies, art supplies, greeting cards, gifts, and USC clothing. The bookstore is open
from 8:00AM to 8:00PM Monday - Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturday, and 11:00AM to
5:00PM on Sunday. At the end of each semester, you have the option to sell your books back, for
cash, at a discounted rate (usually 50% off the cover price).
USC Libraries
The USC Central Library System includes the Doheny Memorial Library and 14 specialized subject
libraries across the campus. In addition, we have two independent business school libraries. For a
complete description of the services provided by each library, refer to the USC Library Guide,
available at most library reception desks.
Leavey Library is USC’s newest resource for innovative teaching and learning. Through Leavey,
USC has developed and implemented the concept of the “teaching library,” a high-technology
environment that offers skilled personnel and services to promote learning and teaching. Leavey
library is designed to provide access to the rapidly expanding universe of information resources.
Whether CD-ROMs, periodical indexes, full-text, images or data, study and research information is
increasingly available using computers and telecommunications software. Leavey Library is open
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until 12:00AM during the first few days of the semester and 24 hours during most weeks when
classes are in session or exams are underway.
USC’s Crocker Business Library currently houses more than 100,000 volumes and regularly
receives approximately 1,800 periodicals. The library’s retrieval service allows immediate access
to 150 on-line databases. Crocker is also equipped with breakout rooms for business students to
gather for working meetings. The Crocker library is located on the second floor of Hoffman Hall.
The School of Accounting Library is devoted solely to accounting and taxation materials.
Athletic Facilities
The Intramural Recreation Department, located at the Lyon Center offers a variety of recreational
opportunities for students including aerobics, club sport teams, and officials training. In addition,
the center includes: the McDonald’s Swim Stadium, a weight training center, racquetball and
squash courts, and a cardiovascular center equipped with stationary bicycles, stair climbers, rowing
machines and cross country ski machines. The Lyon Center also offers locker rental on a semester
basis, which includes towel service, as well as rental of recreational equipment. Certain athletic
clubs and classes charge a nominal fee. The Center is open from 6:00AM - 10:00PM, Monday to
Friday, and 10:00AM - 6:00PM, Saturday and Sunday. Students must present their USC ID Card
for free admission.
Dining Facilities
USC Dining Services provide a wide range of services at venues located throughout campus. These
include Upstairs Commons (a restaurant), Commons Cafeteria, The Grill (with a “La Salsa”),
Traditions (a bar), and Wolfgang Puck’s California Pizza, located in the Student Union Building.
Carl’s Jr. is located on the patio area adjacent to Commons, and Café ’84 (which offers pizza
delivery) is located in King Hall, between Webb and Fluor Towers. Dining hours for all of these
facilities vary throughout the semester, and a list of these hours are generally posted outside of each
facility. Most dining facilities on campus are not open during holiday breaks.
USC Health Center
Full-time physicians are on duty at the USC Health Center, located on 34th Street. Appointments
are required, and must be made over the phone. You can obtain a same day appointment by calling
(213) 740-APPT (2778). The Center is open on Saturday on a walk-in only basis. In addition to
general medical care, the Health Center also offers a physical therapy clinic, x-ray department, and
psychiatric counseling. Services rendered within the Health Center are covered under the Student
Health Center fee, however, there are additional charges for certain tests, prescriptions, and lab
handling. For more information about the USC Health Center, you may wish to consult there
website: http://engemannshc.usc.edu/
Student Health Services – Summer Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
Thursday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Student Health Services – Fall and Spring Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Student Counseling Services
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Campus Security
The Campus Security office is located at 3667 McClintock, Parking Structure A. The nonemergency phone number is (213) 740-6000. Security officers patrol the University 24 hours a day,
and should be called in case of an emergency. There are also several red emergency phones placed
around campus that automatically connect the caller with the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Emergency calls can be made to (213) 740-4321.
University Security provides a special escort service (Campus Cruiser) which will transport
students, faculty or staff members via a walking, biking or vehicle escort. Please refer to ‘Campus
Cruiser’ in the ‘Transportation’ section of this packet.
Post Office
A United States post office, offering regular full-service postal assistance, is located at 3858 S.
Vermont Avenue, directly behind campus, across from Marks Tennis Stadium. Stamps and a range
of other postal services may be purchased at the “Mail Stop” at slightly higher rates. The “Mail
Stop” is located in Parking Structure X.
Office of International Services
This office offers a broad range of services to the more than 5,000 non-immigrant students,
scholars, faculty and staff associated with the University of Southern California. On campus, OIS
aims to provide opportunities for interaction among international and domestic students, scholars,
faculty and staff through programs and activities with an international and intercultural focus. For
more information about OIS, please visit: http://sait.usc.edu/ois/
Working on Campus
International Exchange students qualify to work (i.e., paid employment) on campus only. While
there is no central resource for positions available, you will see flyers around campus or
advertisements in the Daily Trojan. International Exchange Students do not qualify for “work
study” positions.
Students may hold an internship, but only after they have completed their study program at USC.
The J-1 visa (same with the F-1) does NOT allow you to hold a position during the semester you
are studying here. You MAY hold an unpaid or paid internship for 1 semester in the semester (or
year for students who remain on exchange for 1 year) after your program ends.
Once you have an offer, you will need to visit the OIS office in GFS 105 to obtain special
paperwork. The paperwork to have you remain in the US on your J-1 visa (and legally work for 1
semester) is quite easy to complete. Your company will NOT sponsor you, USC is the sponsor of
your J-1 visa (let them know this as you are recruiting). The form does require the offer letter,
information about what you will be doing AND signature from the USC Marshall Exchange office.
Also, as your visa is expiring, you will NOT be able to leave the country until you will be returning
home (the extension allows you to legally remain in the US but not to leave and re-enter). So
remember that in terms of travel plans.
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