STUDENT HANDBOOK USC International Academy • 3415 S. Figueroa Street • Los Angeles, CA 90089-0875 (213) 740-0080 • international.usc.edu • [email protected]
USC Holidays
>> 2017 - 2018 USC International Academy offices will be closed on the dates listed below:
LABOR DAY Monday, September 4, 2017 THANKSGIVING Thursday, November 22, 2017 - Friday, November 24, 2017 WINTER HOLIDAYS Monday, December 25, 2017 - Monday, January 1, 2018 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY Monday, January 15, 2018
PRESIDENTS’ DAY Monday, February 19, 2018
MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 28, 2018
INDEPENDENCE DAY Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Please go to the Current Student’s website iastudents.usc.edu for more detailed information about program breaks, session start dates, etc. THE ACADEMY 3 PROGRAM & COURSE OVERVIEW 6 ACADEMY POLICIES 7 ATTENDANCE 8 GRADES & RECOGNITION
LEGAL MATTERS 9 STUDENT CONDUCT 10 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY 13 VISA & IMMIGRATION 14 IDENTIFICATION
LOS ANGELES LIVING 15 HOUSING 16 ACTIVITIES 17 EXPLORING LOS ANGELES
LOCAL INFORMATION 21 SAFETY 29 HEALTH CARE & INSURANCE 30 MONEY & BANKING 31 TRANSPORTATION 32 CAMPUS DINING 33 USC GENERAL STUDENT SERVICES 35 GOOD PLACES TO STUDY 36 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 39 CAMPUS MAP Welcome to the University of Southern California!
Congratulations on joining one of the most diverse and talented communities of scholars and professionals in the United States. We are delighted to welcome you to the Trojan Family and guide you through all of the opportunities to explore, connect, and succeed at USC.
Your journey at USC starts now and we want to do everything we can to make your start with us as pleasant as it can be. The information in this handbook will be useful to you not only in the beginning of your time with us, but also throughout the semester.
Please take some time to read through each section. If you have any questions, please ask your teacher or stop by at the Academy office to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Remember, we are here to support YOU, so please let us know if anything is unclear or if you would like more information.
Good luck and Fight On!
international.usc.edu 1 "USC welcomes students from all 50 states, and is home to more international students than any other university in the nation. This diversity enriches your educational experience and prepares you to make your way in our globally interconnected world."
-C.L. MAX NIKIAS, PRESIDENT
2 USC International Academy Program & Course Overview » LEARN ABOUT YOUR PROGRAM AND FUTURE STUDY OPTIONS
USC International Academy offers three Focus Skills Courses programs. Below you will find a summary Students can choose one focus skill course of what each program offers. For more from choices offered at each level. Typical detailed information, please visit our website: focus course options include TOEFL/IELTS test international.usc.edu preparation, Vocabulary, Pronunciation, and Life in Los Angeles. Focus Skill course options INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM are subject to change. Full-time Intensive English Program students at the USC International Academy study in three Undergraduate Admissions Support different classes each week for a total of 20 Students looking to transition into a US College hours per week. or University are uniquely supported with expert admissions advising, test preparation Reading, Writing and Grammar and Intensive English courses. Reading, Writing, and Grammar classes are taught at any academic level. In lower levels, Optional SAT Preparation you build reading skills. In intermediate levels, High school graduates who reach Level you read stories, articles and authentic texts, 5 (equivalent to min. TOEFL iBT 70 / IELTS 6) write about them, study vocabulary, and can choose to enroll in our SAT Preparation discuss the content. In higher levels, the focus course, specifically designed to meet the is on academic reading and writing. needs of international students, at an additional cost. Listening and Speaking Listening and Speaking classes teach students about speaking, listening and pronunciation. At the lower levels, you will gain the confidence in speaking English inside and outside of the classroom. At the higher levels, the focus is on listening, speaking, and note-taking in natural and academic contexts and students practice public speaking and presentation skills.
international.usc.edu 3 Program and Course Overview continued
PRE-MASTER’S PROGRAM Minimum Entry Requirements: MASTER’S PREPARATION PROGRAM Pre-Master’s students have already been • Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Preparation students have the accepted to select USC master’s programs • Cumulative GPA 3.0 opportunity to follow the same academic and take courses to prepare their English and • High-intermediate English level tracks and take the same courses as those academic skills for the rigors of USC graduate (depending on your chosen master’s offered in the Pre-Master’s Program plus TOEFL or IELTS test preparation and comprehensive coursework. program) academic advising.
In the Pre-Master’s program, you will learn how Meeting minimum requirements does not You will learn how to read and critically assess to read and critically assess academic texts, guarantee admission to any USC degree academic texts, communicate effectively in communicate effectively in writing and speech, program. Please check the website for more writing and speech, develop a graduate-level develop a graduate-level vocabulary, and details. vocabulary, and improve your GRE/GMAT improve your GRE/GMAT test-taking strategies test-taking strategies to help you reach your to help you reach your required score for your If you have any questions about the required score for your degree program. degree program. Split into two tracks, courses Pre-Master’s Program, please contact: are tailored to the reading and writing styles of [email protected] Courses are tailored to the reading and writing styles of your discipline and will introduce you your discipline and will introduce you to topics to topics and content relevant to your field of and content relevant to your field of study. study. See page 2 for the list of courses.
Academic Tracks Minimum entry requirements: • Business, Social Science, and Arts • Bachelor’s degree • Science, Technology, and Health • High-intermediate English level (this is equivalent to: TOEFL iBT 61+/IELTS 5.5 OR Courses Academy Levels 4 or 5) • Academic Writing for Graduate School I • Academic Writing for Graduate School II If you have any questions about this program please contact Jenny Wapner: • GRE/GMAT Test Preparation [email protected]. • Graduate Communication Skills • Academic Listening and Speaking • Academic Reading & Vocabulary Building • Academic Reading & Vocabulary Building II • Research Methods for Graduate Study
4 USC International Academy Program and Course Overview continued
CONVERSATION GROUPS Each week, you can sign up to join a conversation group. This is a great option to practice your English language skills with USC students in an informal setting. Conversation topics include American culture, university life, current events and other topics of interest. Sign up for conversation groups online by visiting: iastudents.usc.edu and click “Sign Up for Language Labs” under Quicklinks.
DROP IN TUTORING Available by drop-in or schedule appointments, the Tutoring Center provides one-on-one support for students needing test prep, writing support or speech preparation practice. Tutoring Schedule is available on the USC Current Student Portal.
ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION PARTNERS If you would like an opportunity to practice your oral English skills one-on-one with a native English go to: ali.usc.edu/ one-on-one-conversation-partners. Please note that there is an extra fee of $12/hour.
international.usc.edu 5 Academy Policies » RULES ABOUT YOUR PROGRAM AND CLASSES
PROGRAM FEES If you are late for the placement test you will Focus Skills Course Students must pay all fees before the program have to pay Late Testing fee of $100. Focus Skills courses run for 7 weeks. You will begins. Students who do not pay on time not be able to change your Focus Skills Course will not be able to attend classes. If you During the first few days of class, your teacher during the first 7 weeks. At the end of 7 weeks, have questions about this policy, please will observe your class performance and you may change your Focus Skills course if you contact Finance Analyst, Claudia Cortez: English ability very carefully to be sure that pass the course with a grade of “C” or higher. [email protected]. your placement is correct. You may also choose to stay in the Focus Skills course to complete the second part of the CLASS CHANGES course. If you are a new student* and you think one of your classes is not the right level, you should Pre-Master’s students: talk to your teacher(s) first and then fill out a • If you are required to take the GRE, or Level Review Request Form. You can get this GMAT courses you will be enrolled in form at the Help Desk during the first week of these courses and may not be able to classes. change until you achieve the required score for admissions to your department. Level changes are made for language reasons • All new students must take the Academic only, not for other reasons. We do not make Integrity course for 7 weeks in their first changes to class schedules because of semester. classroom location, teacher preference, or class time. Level changes will be made based PROBLEMS IN CLASS on your performance during the first few days If you have a problem with your class, your of class and from teacher recommendations. homework assignments, your teacher, or your No class changes will be permitted after you attendance, you should first talk to your teacher. LEVEL PLACEMENT complete the first two weeks of the program. Americans prefer that people be direct and All new students take the English Placement honest with them. If you and your teacher are Exam to determine their English level of unable to agree on a solution, you should talk to proficiency. You will be placed in an academic the Academic Coordinator. level based on your performance on the exam. * Only new students can change levels
6 USC International Academy Attendance » MAINTAINING YOUR STUDENT STATUS
ATTENDANCE IF YOU ARE LATE TO CLASS OR ABSENT: Students who meet the requirements of their Students are expected to attend every class • By five to fifteen minutes = you will be probation and who finish the semester in good every day. Students who are absent too often marked absent for half an hour (30 minutes). standing are allowed to register for the next will be warned in writing that they must attend • More than fifteen minutes late up to 60 semester. Those who fail to improve their class or risk being dismissed from the school minutes = you will be marked absent for one attendance are dismissed from the program and being out of status with SEVIS. Students hour. without refund, lose their full-time status, who are absent more than 20% of Academy • If later than that, you will be marked absent must leave USC housing, and are not allowed courses are not awarded a certificate of for the entire class. to register for the next semester. completion. • If the total hours of absence reach 20% of class time at any point in the semester, you Students who are absent more than 20% All absences are counted, even those for will be placed on probation. are automatically considered “out of status.” reasons caused by medical, legal or family • If a student who is on probation continues to Students who are out of status will not be emergencies (there are no excused absences). miss or be late for classes, the student will allowed to enroll again at the Academy. Students with serious medical illnesses be dismissed from the language program should notify their Program Advisor as soon as and his/her I-20 will be terminated. Students starting any term on probation may possible. be dropped from the program and their I-20 PROBATION may be terminated if they don’t attend all Students who have many absences are put scheduled classes. on "probation." Students on probation are in serious danger of losing their full-time student visa status.
In order to maintain full-time student visa status with the university, a student who is on probation must attend all classes and improve attendance.
7 USC International Academy Grades & Recognition » ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR SUCCESS
GRADES Grade Point Average (GPA) that is lower than the program requirement. At the end of a session, USC International Students will receive a grade report which lists Students on academic probation are required Academy students receive final grades which the final grade received in each course and the to meet with their academic advisors at the represent their achievement of the learning student’s overall grade point average (GPA). International Academy. If a student is on objectives for each course. Students are academic probation and is not able to pass expected to make satisfactory progress in PRE-MASTER'S GRADE POLICY their classes in the subsequent term, the their program by earning passing grades for all Pre-master’s students must pass all their student may be asked to leave the program. courses. classes and maintain an overall B grade Students are expected to make sufficient point average in order to successfully meet progress in their language studies as required Performance Grade the conditional requirements of their USC by their student visa. When a student on Only the performance grades are used to admission offer. Pre-master’s students must academic probation completes a term with determine whether or not a student passes to also meet any other requirement set by their passing grades, the academic probation the next level. Students who have less than a university department (e.g. GRE score) before status is removed. C- grade point average at the end of the session they can successfully progress into their may be discontinued from (asked to leave) the graduate program. International Academy at the discretion of the Academic Director. ACADEMIC RECOGNITION The Academy chooses several full-time Passing Grades students each term to be recognized with an In order to pass a course, students must earn “Outstanding Student” award. These students a B grade (83%) or higher in core classes and a have perfect attendance and the highest C grade (73%) or higher in focus skills courses. grade point averages in their program. Each If a student does not pass a course, they will “Outstanding Student” receives a plaque be required to repeat that course in the next displaying his or her special certificate. session. In general, a student is allowed to repeat a course only one time. ACADEMIC PROBATION When a student has failing grades at the end of a term, the student may be placed on academic probation. Academic probation is a university warning system designed to alert a student that they have a GPA or grade performance
international.usc.edu 8 Student Conduct » LEARN ABOUT RULES AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
You are expected to abide by the student No refund will be given and the immigration conduct rules of the USC International authorities will be informed. Travel and other Academy, USC Student Conduct Code & costs incurred as a result of expulsion must be Policies, (policy.usc.edu/files/2016/10/ met by you or by your guardian. ADDITIONAL SCampus-2016-2017.pdf) as well as the laws of the United States. RESOURCES
You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is considerate of those around you. Inappropriate conduct includes but is not limited to disruptions to the learning For more information about student life at USC, environment (i.e. use of profanity, harassment); safety, important dates, and deadlines, visit the deliberate destruction, misuse, or theft of USC International Academy Student Portal at: property or the property of fellow classmates; www.iastudents.usc.edu. violence or threats of violence towards persons or property of students or USC staff; improper The student portal is complete with an events use of email or Internet access; and failure to calendar for upcoming activities and deadlines comply with local copyright or criminal laws and also academic resources for policies and forbidding the misappropriation, copying or course registration. alteration of copyright-protected materials.
If you commit a criminal offense, violate the student conduct code or school policy, such as a poor attendance record (whether or not such attendance is in breach of any visa attendance requirements), are absent for 14 consecutive days without notification, or fail to pay the remaining program and service fee amount for your program by the deadlines provided, you may be expelled or suspended. .
9 USC International Academy Academic Integrity » LEARN ABOUT EXPECTATIONS AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY VIOLATIONS
Examples of the Academic Integrity Violations Unauthorized Collaboration Violations include, but are not limited to: • Working with others unless expressly permitted by the instructor. Plagiarism • Providing a copy of an exam or answer key to • Submitting material authored by another others by any method, including mobile person as though it is your work. phone pictures. • Sharing with another • Acquiring work from any source and student by any method a solution to presenting it as your own work. homework or other assignments.
Cheating Falsifying Academic Records • Getting assistance in doing your work • Attempting to change, alter, or being an University of Southern California’s academic from another person without the instructor’s accessory to changing a grade in a grade programs are based upon profoundly permission. book, work submitted on a test or any or important themes of trust, honor and • Allowing another student to copy your work. other university academic record. responsibility, for and between all students, • Resubmitting/reusing the same work that • Submitting work which is false, invented, or faculty and administration. In alignment was produced for another assignment (or does not represent work completed by you. with the trust and honor necessary to class) without the knowledge and permission • Misrepresentation of official records support our community, it is expected that of the instructor. including: academic transcripts; exam all members will embrace the responsibility • Possessing notes or other materials not papers altered for re-grading; Dr’s to uphold the standards articulated in explicitly allowed by the professor during notes; forged signatures; and letters of the Student Code of Conduct, found in an exam. recommendation. SCampus, Part B (https://policy.usc.edu/ • Talking with fellow students during exams. scampus-part-b/) • Looking at another student’s exam. • Continuing to write after the allotted time ACADEMIC INTEGRITY VIOLATIONS period. The following are summarized examples of • Taking a test for someone else or permitting Academic Integrity violations (to see a full list someone else to take a test for you. go to: SCampus, Part B., Section 11).
international.usc.edu 10 Academic Integrity continued
REPORTING VIOLATIONS b. The student may not withdraw from a Review Options The below described process is applicable to course in which they have been accused of a. Individual Review. The student will meet the USC International Academy Students. committing an academic integrity violation. with the Academic Director and the teacher to discuss the incident and potentially Submission of a Report c. Unless otherwise permitted, the student come to an agreement as to responsibility a. Only faculty members are permitted to will have five calendar days from the and sanction (if any). This may take place report a violation. If a student/other has receipt of the notice to respond to the over the course of multiple meetings. reason to believe an academic integrity Academic Director to set up an initial No other parties are permitted during the violation has been committed, they should meeting. Unless otherwise permitted, process. The student has the right at any communicate with the faculty/designee of the initial meeting shall take place within time prior to a final decision to opt out and the course. five calendar days of the student’s pursue a Panel Review. response. b. Reports shall be submitted to the Academic b. Panel Review. Panel Reviews are required Integrity Coordinator (“AIC”) who will d. If a student does not respond, they will be at the request of a student, or if a sanction inform the Academic Director. notified that the decision-making process of expulsion or suspension may be will proceed without them. A student’s warranted. The Academic Director will c. Reports may be submitted up to one year failure to respond will not be assumed as an convene the School’s Academic Integrity after the date of the alleged incident. This admission of guilt. Panel to review the incident report and timeframe may be extended under special documentation, and meet separately with circumstances. e. At the initial meeting, the Academic the student and teacher. The Panel shall Director shall provide the student with: be composed of: AIC, Academic Director, d. Because the student may contest the an opportunity to review the report and Pre-Master’s Program Director. The Panel allegation, they must be allowed to attend supporting documents; information shall make a determination as to whether all classes and complete all assignments about the process; an opportunity to the student is responsible, also recommend until the report is resolved. discuss mitigating factors; and a timeline a sanction (if necessary). for submitting supporting documents. Notice to Student a. The Academic Director will provide notice to the student of the exact allegations and subsequent process.
11 USC International Academy Academic Integrity continued
Appeals d. The Academic Director will provide the a. The student is permitted to appeal the Individual or Panel decision, the Appeal, Individual or Panel Review within ten and the Response to the Appeal (if any), to calendar days of receiving notice, unless the Dean or designee. The Dean or otherwise permitted. Appeals shall be designee will have five calendar days to submitted to the AIC. provide a written final decision. This decision is final and binding, and will be b. Appeals are permitted only on the provided to student and the teacher. following grounds: Sanctions • New evidence has become available Possible sanctions include: which is sufficient to alter the decision, and which the student was not aware of · F for the course or could not have been reasonably · F (or zero points) for the assignment in obtained at the time of the question initial review. · Expulsion • The sanction imposed is excessive or inappropriate. • University rules or regulations applicable to the particular student’s matter while reviewing the cited behavior were not followed c. The teacher will have five calendar days to review and respond, if they so choose.
international.usc.edu 12 Visa and Immigration » STAY INFORMED ABOUT YOUR LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
IMMIGRATION CHANGES / UPDATES All fees for the session in which a student is At this time, immigration regulations and enrolled must be paid prior to transfer and procedures are changing frequently. It will be the student’s attendance must meet minimum Please see the Admissions and Immigration your responsibility to stay informed regarding requirements. Advisor to discuss any issues regarding your these changes and how they affect your travel plans. student status. The Academy office will try to I-20 DETAILS keep you well informed of the new changes via Your I-20 is issued to cover the program LEGAL SERVICES email. If you have any questions or concerns, dates listed in Section 5 of your SEVIS I-20 If you have any questions as to your please see an Admissions and Immigration and is renewable. If you are studying on a immigration status, make an appointment Advisor at any time: USC International Academy I-20, you are with an Admissions and Immigration Advisor. considered a full-time student and must If you are away from school and experiencing TRANSFER STUDENTS maintain full-time status during your stay. some difficulties with U.S. Consulate officials To transfer to another school from the over visa matters, please do not hesitate to International Academy, a letter of admission DOCUMENTATION call the Academy office and alert them to your and transfer form must be presented to an All students must provide the Academy with problem. Admissions and Immigration Advisor. a copy of their passport, I-94, visa, and I-20. Once you arrive to the U.S., please email copies of these documents to: [email protected]
If you did not email copies of these documents to the International Academy, please bring your paperwork to be photocopied during Orientation.
TRAVEL DETAILS Students on a USC International Academy I-20 who plan on traveling outside of the U.S. will need a travel signature from the Admissions and Immigration Advisor on the third page of their I-20.
13 USC International Academy Identification » CARRY OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER / CARD Everyone who studies at USC receives a A Social Security number is only assigned USC identification (ID) card, also known as a to people who are authorized to work in the USCard. Your USCard will hold your student ID United States. International students studying number, which is an important number that English full-time at USC are NOT eligible to you will need during your study at USC, and receive a Social Security Card. A USC ID card is which you will need to carry with you at all enough for most purposes. times. Legally, individuals are only required to give If you did not get your card during Orientation, their social security number to governmental then visit the USCard office in Parking agencies. If a business or other enterprise Structure X. Fill out an application and tell asks you for a social security number, you can the person at the counter that you are a USC refuse to give it; this is voluntary (not required) International Academy student. They will have ACCEPTED USCARD LOCATIONS: information. a list with your name on it. If you have any • All campus restaurants & cafés problems, ask for the manager and they will • USC Pharmacy You can request a letter from the Social either process your card or call the Academy • USC Bookstores Security Office explaining your ineligibility office for clarification. They will then take your • USC Ticket Office to receive a Social Security Number. See the picture and put it on a plastic card with your • USC Mail Office Admissions and Immigration Advisor for more name and ID number. • Engemann Student Health Center information. • Lyon Recreation Center (Gym) Add Money to Your USCard • Yellow Cab Co. The nearest Social Security Office is at the You might want the convenience of using • & more! following address: your USCard for campus purchases at the Bookstore, library, restaurants, concessions USCard Services Social Security Office and vending machines. It is easy to load any Open Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm 1122 W. Washington Blvd. #201 value you would like to your USCard online Parking Structure X (PSX) Los Angeles, CA 90015 at usc.edu/vipcardservices or at the USCard (213)740-8709 • usc.edu/uscard office. DO NOT add money to your card at the Leavey Library machines.
14 USC International Academy Housing » CHOOSING YOUR L.A. ACCOMMODATIONS
As a USC International Academy student, you Residents receive basic bedding and a small on a first come, first serve basis to Gateway have many housing options. You may choose towel. Pots, pans, cutlery, and dishes may not residents only. To reserve parking, please see to reserve housing through the Academy be provided but can be purchased at a local the Student Services Coordinator in charge of or secure private housing on your own. The supermarket. housing. demand for USC International Academy housing is much greater than the number of HOMESTAY available spaces, so students are encouraged USC International Academy can help you to apply as early as possible. For prices and arrange a homestay with a host family. The availability, please contact: Housing Coordinator will select the right home [email protected] for you and provide support throughout your experience. UNIVERSITY DORMITORY Parkside Apartments Parkside Apartments RENTING YOUR OWN ROOM (Available for Fall and Spring Semesters OR APARTMENT only) STUDENT APARTMENTS Once you arrive in Los Angeles, it may take Students living at Parkside share a 2-person University Gateway two weeks to one month to find housing off studio apartment. Apartments include: Gateway offers students shared apartments campus; families may need more time. If you • Private bathroom, full kitchen, basic with 2 students per bedroom and bathroom choose to rent your own apartment or room, furnishings and up to 4 students in one apartment. be prepared to pay a security deposit (usually • Extra-long twin beds, desks, dressers the equivalent of one month’s rent) in addition • Couch, armchair, dining room table and Apartments include: to the first month’s rent. Many landlords chairs • Across the street from USC campus require a 12-month rental agreement. • Phone line and Ethernet for each student, • Fully furnished, include rent and fees, wireless Internet, basic cable (phone and TV and 24-hour onsite security. We advise that you rent within the patrol areas not included) • Each apartment has a kitchen with basic of the USC Department of Public Safety. In • Coin-operated laundry facilities kitchen utensils, living area, cable TV, and general, these patrol areas are to the north • Card-key entry system wireless internet access. of USC and straight to the west but not to the • Electricity, gas, and water included in rent • Quiet study rooms, lounges, courtyards, and south of campus. Those considering living • Customer Service Center, 24-hr a sun deck also available. farther from campus will have many choices, maintenance but transportation options should be taken • Parking available for an additional fee Parking is available for an additional fee of into consideration. • Mandatory partial meal plan $400/semester. Parking permits are sold
international.usc.edu 15 Activities and Cultural Immersion » EXPLORE LOS ANGELES
ACTIVITIES If you know that you will not attend an activity Transportation Waiver form before the date of All students have the opportunity to explore after signing up, please notify a Student the activity. the diverse sights of Los Angeles through Services team member at the Student Services the Academy's Weekly Activities. There are a Desk in the lobby of DCC. LIABILITY RELEASE FORMS limited number of spaces for each activity. All students must fill out and sign a Liability TRANSPORTATION Release Form during the first week of each HOW TO RESERVE A SPACE Transportation is arranged for most events. session they attend. This is a form which states • Visit the Student Services desk in the lobby We usually travel by public transport, bus that you have health insurance and that you of DCC before the deadline to sign up. Any or van, but sometimes we carpool with will not hold USC legally responsible if there is Student Services team member can help other students. If you have a car and would an accident. We do everything we can to make you sign up. like to volunteer to be a driver for some all activities safe for all students, and we have • If the activity requires payment, pay the of the activities, see the Student Services never had a serious accident on any of our non-refundable fee in cash or credit card Coordinator. events in the past. However, we want to take (Visa or Mastercard) when you sign up. every precaution and make sure that everyone • Because the number of tickets available for When you attend Academy activities for who participates in an activity has health activities is limited, we recommend that you which transportation is provided, you must insurance and can be properly treated should sign up early to secure your space make sure that you arrive back at the bus, the need arise. van or car(s) on time. If you do not return After all of the spaces are filled or the deadline on time, you will need to see the Student EMERGENCIES DURING ACTIVITIES passes, you may sign up on the wait list, Services Coordinator before you are allowed While all Academy activities are very safe, but spaces will only be available if someone to attend future Academy activities. If you are sometimes an emergency may occur. If you does not show up or if we can arrange extra late returning to the location you were told or someone in your group is hurt, lost, or transportation/tickets. We will do everything more than one time, you will not be allowed experiencing any other emergency situation we can to include everyone who wants to to attend any more activities. If the Academy in which they need assistance, please seek participate in each activity, but your help is incurs late fees because you were late, you will help from any of the chaperones on the trip. To needed. You should sign up and pay early. be responsible for paying the late fees. These contact an on-site chaperone, you can call the late fees can be more than $100. Emergency Activities Phone. Do not use this CANCELLING ACTIVITY RESERVATIONS phone for any reason that is not an emergency All tickets for activities are non-transferable Alternative Transportation Form during a International Academy activity. and non-refundable. If you choose to attend an activity but will not take the transportation provided by Emergency Activities Phone: the Academy, you must fill out an Alternate (213) 400-8098
16 USC International Academy Exploring Los Angeles » FAMOUS SIGHTS OF LA
NEIGHBORHOODS There are other museums that are well known >> Travel Tip: For a beautiful and scenic trip, There are many different ethnic neighborhoods in LA such as the Museum of Contemporary drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. The in LA. Perhaps the best known is Chinatown, Art (MOCA), the LA County Museum of Art PCH winds all the way up the coast of the which is a short drive north from USC. There (LACMA), the Pacific-Asian Museum, and the Pacific Ocean. There are beaches, mountains, are many stores, restaurants, and Natural History Museum (that is also across surfers, wildlife, flowers, and much more to Chinese-related events that take place in from USC!) that have reasonable admission see as you ride along this famous highway. Chinatown every day. Little Tokyo is also not prices and offer student discounts with your far from USC and features the culture and USCard. One museum that you will never find MOUNTAINS cuisine of Japan. The area northwest of USC anywhere else is the La Brea Tar Pits and There are plenty of places to go hiking and is known as Koreatown-with delicious Korean Museum. This museum and park will take you sight seeing in and around LA. The Santa Barbeque. The historic Pueblo de Los Angeles back to prehistoric times when animals were Monica and Los Angeles Mountains are good is our city’s very birthplace and features an the life of LA! places for hiking, camping and picnics. There authentic Mexican marketplace. There is also a are many trails above Pasadena where people large Jewish community in the Fairfax District BEACHES hike or mountain bike. San Bernardino, Lake and many Latino neighborhoods in East LA. LA has a magnificent coastline, stretching 72 Arrowhead, and Big Bear Lake also have miles from one famous beach to another. A spectacular mountains, but are father away. MUSEUMS 22 mile bike path, the longest bicycle path in From neon art to classic cars, there are the world, is a vital part of the LA beach scene. SHOPPING museums for everyone in LA! The most famous LA’s beaches start at the southern-most tip of The Beverly Center is the mall that many USC is the Getty Museum in West LA. This museum Long Beach. Venice Beach is known for students visit. There are many stores to suit has a beautiful garden area, sculptures, its unique shops and vendors as well as the needs of pretty much every shopper. famous pictures, furniture, photographs and its beach gym. Manhattan and Redondo Westside Pavilion is located in West LA, a one of the best views of LA! This museum is Beaches are pleasant and do not have as short drive from USC, and has many great free along with many others including the many tourists as Venice Beach and Malibu. stores and restaurants. Century City is an California Science Center and the Malibu has many beaches, and is known as enormous outdoor mall west of USC with Afro-American Museum (both are across the “Hollywood-By-the-Sea”. It is particularly a large movie theater, department stores street from USC!), Broad Museum (free), & beautiful. Santa Monica is a trendy beach that and fun boutiques. The garment and jewelry Marciano Art Foundation (free). has a lot of fun things nearby. Other beaches districts downtown have great deals during that may be of interest include Playa del Rey, the day. Hollywood and Highland is a large Hermosa Beach, Marina del Rey, and Rancho outdoor mall with restaurants, clubs, shops Palos Verdes. and star sightings!
international.usc.edu 1117 Exploring Los Angeles Continued
Not too far from campus is the popular Grove, PARKS a luxurious extension of LA’s Farmer’s Market Griffith Park is one of the largest parks in the Six Flags Magic Mountain and at Fairfax and Third Street. It has many shops world. It contains 28 tennis courts, picnic and Knott’s Berry Farm are both packed with and restaurants, a beautiful movie theater and sport areas, and also horseback and hiking thrilling rollercoasters, fun shows and rides. a tram that runs through the center and past trails. Within the park there is the Griffith the fountain. Observatory with a planetarium theater SPORTS GAMES boasting some of the best views of the city and LA is a great city for sports lovers—with USC night sky; the having the best teams of all! LA’s professional Greek Theatre, which hosts summer events baseball team is the Dodgers who play at and concerts; a transportation museum; and Dodger Stadium (not far from USC). the Los Angeles Zoo, which is on the north side of the park. The park also contains a bird LA is lucky enough to have two professional sanctuary, an equestrian center, golf courses, basketball teams: the Clippers and the a merry-go-round, and a science center. Lakers. Both teams play at the Staples Center, which is directly north of campus on Figueroa And no one’s shopping experience is ever There is also Exposition Park, across the Street. The LA Kings are the official hockey complete without visiting the famous street from USC! This park is the home of many team, and they also play at the Staples Center. Rodeo Drive, where all of the stars do their museums, including the California Science LA also has professional soccer, arena football, shopping. This expensive strip of shops is Center and the Natural History Museum. It extreme football and many other sports the destination of many tourists who want to also contains the world’s largest rose garden. teams. take a look at the fancy stores, or even to take The Olympics were held here in 1932 and 1984, a look at the famous people who might be using the Coliseum and the LA Sports Arena. TV TAPINGS shopping in them! Have you ever wanted to sit in on the making of AMUSEMENT PARKS a television show? There are hundreds Other great shopping options: Everyone knows that Disneyland is in of tapings each week, from comedies to Old Town Pasadena, the Americana at California, but did you know it is only one hour talk shows like “Jimmy Kimmel.” For more Brand (Glendale), Third Street Promenade away from campus? Disney has a second park information, you can check the websites of (Santa Monica), Westwood (most frequented next to Disneyland called Disney California Paramount Television Audience Shows, NBC by UCLA students), Melrose (hip street with Adventure park, and a great shopping area Television Network, CBS, ABC, or shops and cafes), and outlet malls such as called Downtown Disney. There are many www.tvtickets.com. Camarillo Shopping Outlet, Ontario Mills, amusement parks within LA as well. and Citadel Outlet.
18 USC International Academy Exploring Los Angeles Continued
LA TOURS As you head further west, Sunset winds Music - In the 1960’s, LA’s music scene There are many tour companies offering trips through some of LA’s most elegant areas became world-famous. Some of the popular to all of LA’s sights. Drive by stars’ homes, (Beverly Hills, Bel Air) with multi-million dollar clubs from those days remain popular today. take train tours of Southern California’s wine homes. You will begin to head into a lush green (The Whiskey A Go Go and The Roxy are two country, boat tours of the coastline, or a valley and then down, straight to the ocean. suggestions.) For information about LA’s live walking tour of historic downtown! This is one of the best drives in LA! music, visit ticketmaster.com or pollstar.com
MANN’S CHINESE THEATRE & UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND Night Clubs - In Los Angeles, there are clubs HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME UNIVERSAL CITY WALK for just about every type of person or event. This is the most famous theatre in LA. It is On the back-lot tour of Universal Studios Whether you want to go dancing, hear live jazz well known throughout the world. Here lie the you can see the sets of famous movies like music, mingle with the stars or just relax, LA immortalized handprints and footprints of Jaws and Back to the Future, see new sets has many ”hot spots” just for you! America’s favorite stars. Although you can still and even see the stars themselves! This see movies in the Theatre, most people stop movie-themed park offers rides, shows and Restaurants - Few places in the world can by to gaze at the signatures and prints in the games that are packed with fun. Universal compare with the dining selection in LA. cement. Hollywood Boulevard is known for CityWalk, right outside of Universal Studios, is Find great places to dine by checking out its unique shops and the sidewalk paved a popular nighttime destination. It has shops, the Zagat’s Guide (a popular dining resource with the names of famous stars. This is restaurants, movie theaters and clubs. Parking book). There is so much to choose from in LA, definitely unique to LA is the only cost to visit CityWalk (no admission you can find food from just about every corner fee). of the Earth! SUNSET BOULEVARD One of LA’s most famous streets, Sunset OUT ON THE TOWN... Boulevard winds through the city past some of Movies - Visit moviefone.com for a list of the LA’s most well known sights. Along the drive movies you want to see, the times, and the known as the Sunset Strip, in the shadow of the locations of the closest theaters. Hollywood sign, you’ll pass familiar buildings (Capital Records, Paramount Studios) and clubs (the Viper Room, the Rainbow Room). Some of today’s hottest clubs and bars in this area are still loaded with stars.
international.usc.edu 19 L.A. Live (www.lalive.com), The Shrine Concert Exploring Los Angeles Continued Hall, and Fig and 7th, a shopping center that includes Macy’s and California Pizza Kitchen >> COMMON QUESTIONS in the shopping plaza on Vermont and 36th. among others. IKEA and Target are also great options if you WHERE CAN I GO TO...? want to go away from campus. Where can I get information about events happening in Los Angeles? ...purchase school supplies? ...get cleaning supplies? There are many websites that you can check to CVS or Target, right off the 7th and Metro stop Cleaning supplies may be purchased at Trader stay up to date on events happening in on Expo Line. There is also a Target at USC Joe’s. Target, CVS, Smart and Final, or Ralphs. Los Angeles. These include: Village. ...open a bank account? TimeOut Los Angeles (timeout.com/ ...buy groceries? A bank account may be opened in person los-angeles), Discover LA (discoverlosangeles. Groceries may be purchased at Trader Joe’s by visiting the bank and speaking to a com), LA Weekly (laweekly.com), (organic meal preparation) beginning in Fall representative. There is a CitiBank located Yelp ( yelp.com), LAist (laist.com), and 2017 at the USC Village or Ralphs, located on Vermont and 36th next to the Smart and Eventful (losangeles.eventful.com). just north of campus on Vermont and Adams. Final, and a Chase on Figueroa and Jefferson. There is also Smart and Final located on You will need to bring money (for a deposit) Where can I go to rent a car? Vermont and 36th St. and your passport in order to open the bank Car rentals near USC include: account. ...buy cheap clothes? Enterprise Rent-A-Car There is a secondhand clothing store called ...get a haircut? (1944 S Figueroa St and in Transportation office Goodwill located north of campus on Figueroa There are various places around to get your in Parking Structure X on USC campus, Street. Target is located at the USC Village haircut, including one next to Smart and Final, enterprise.com) and Dollar Los Angeles Car near campus and on Figueroa and 7th Street and one on Hoover and Adams. A quick search Rentals (3515 Wilshire Blvd, dollar.com) in Downtown Los Angeles. Shopping can also online will also pull up several options around be found at Macy’s on 7th and Figueroa, the the LA area. Maven Partnership (transnet.usc.edu/ basement of the Trojan Bookstore, the Beverly index.php/partnerships/maven) Need to get Center, or at the Grove for a more expensive OTHER FAQS somewhere quick? USC has partnered with shopping experience. What are some fun things to do around USC? General Motor’s Maven to loan you a car for $5 You can visit the many museums just south of per hour. Reserve one of Maven’s 18 cars on ...buy pots and pans? campus in Exposition Park (including Natural campus by downloading and registering on the Pots and pans may be purchased at Target at History Museum, Science Center, California Maven app. These new cars feature advanced the University Village, Ralph’s on Adams and African-American Museum). There is also the technology like free unlimited 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Vermont or at Smart and Final located Rose Garden, Staples Center, gas and insurance are free.
20 USC International Academy Safety » BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN YOUR OWN SAFETY USC is committed to protecting students CAMPUS-WIDE SAFETY Each guest must present their identification to and educating them about how to protect USC has many security cameras, license plate enter campus. themselves in Los Angeles’ urban environment. recognition cameras, emergency phones, The USC Department of Public Safety (DPS), and security officers on and near campus. Students have to present their USC IDs at all one of the largest campus public safety Additionally, using USC Campus Cruiser on-campus dorms 24 hours a day and have departments in the nation, works closely (see Page 29) means you don't have to walk to register guests with their USC ID and a with the Los Angeles Police Department to home alone. fingerprint scan if living on campus. ensure the university campus and surrounding neighborhoods remain as safe as possible. Emergency "Blue Light" Phones REMINDERS FOR STAYING SAFE Over 400 Emergency Blue Light Phones There are many ways you can avoid being a Safety is a shared responsibility. Please review are conveniently victim of crime or getting hurt. Please see the information below to learn how to exercise located across pages 19-21 for tips on staying safe at home, caution in day-to-day situations, maximize campus, which on the road, and in the event of an emergency. personal safety and wellbeing, and make use provide immediate of the extensive safety resources and services access to a DPS available at USC. communications officer and identifies IMPORTANT: FIRST STEPS TO SAFETY: the phone location if To report a crime in progress, suspicious • Save the USC Emergency number in your the caller is unable or threatening behavior, or other mobile phone: (213) 740 -4321 to talk. The phones emergencies: • Sign up for TrojansAlert: can be used to trojansalert.usc.edu Through the request an escort, • At USC: Call the USC Department of TrojansAlert system, university officials report suspicious Public Safety: (213) 740-4321 contact registered members of the Trojan activity, and to report crimes. Family via text message, voicemail or email • Outside of USC: Call the Los Angeles to let them know about situations that may After Hours Visitor Policy Police Department or Fire Department: 911 present a risk to public safety in our campus Anyone arriving on campus between 9 pm and • If USC has a major emergency or power community. 6 am, seven days a week, will be asked to failure, your family can receive updated • Download the Live Safe App, a safety app show university identification to security information by going to used by USC, by searching "LiveSafe" in your guards stationed at the selected entrance emergency.usc.edu Google Play or Apple App Store. points. USC students, faculty and staff must register any guests arriving to campus after 9pm through the online system at visitor.usc.edu.
21 international.usc.edu Safety Continued
3 THINGS WE WANT YOU TO KNOW The Yellow Cab Program allows students, Avoid leaving your bicycle locked and faculty and staff to use their USCard to pay for free standing. Although your bike may be 1. ENHANCE YOUR SAFETY transportation within a broad service area conveniently locked to itself, a thief can easily Avoid walking alone or in isolated places. A Call (800) USC-TAXI For more information on pick up the bicycle and walk away with it. city as large as Los Angeles has exciting USC Transportation Services or call highlights from downtown highrises to (213) 740-3575. sundrenched beaches. Like most major cities, Los Angeles has crime that occurs. 2. PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY Avoid leaving your personal property To enhance your safety when out late, always: unattended or unsecured. Even for a short • Avoid talking on your cell phone while while thefts can occur because it is a crime walking or riding a bike of opportunity. You may get distracted and • Avoid taking shortcuts through alleys leave your laptop, cell phone, or book bag • Use the escort services provided by USC containing valuable property or pertinent Transportation. information such as identification cards, or class assignments, unattended. Most USC Transportation common places where thefts occur include Tram and Bus Services provide safe libraries, resident hall rooms, cafeterias, transportation between the University Park classrooms, parks and athletic 3. FOLLOW BICYCLING RULES and Health Sciences campuses as well as fields, bleachers, and locker rooms. USC requires all bicycles to be registered and to North University Park, downtown Los display to a decal issued by the Department of Angeles, Marina del Rey, Alhambra and other You can reduce your chance of becoming a Public Safety. You may register your bicycle locations. Trams and buses operate during victim of theft by doing the following: online or visit the Department of Public Safety working hours as well as on weekends and into • Take your property with you. office located at Parking Structure A. The cost the evening for some routes. • Use anti-theft devices such as laptop cable for the decal and registration is FREE. locks or portable alarms. Campus Cruiser provides walking or vehicle • Avoid “piggy-backing” when you enter There are laws in the California Motor Vehicle escorts within approximately one mile from your building. Piggy back is when you allow Code that apply to bicycle use. These laws the center of the University Park campus for others to follow you inside a building. are enforced on the USC campus and the students, faculty, staff and university guests • Close and lock your room door after leaving, community surrounding the campus. If you who work, study or take classes at night. even for a short while. ride a bicycle on campus, you are accepting responsibility for following the laws and the Save the phone number for Prevent Bicycle Theft university bicycle policy. Campus Cruiser into your cellphone: Always lock your bicycle to a bike rack and lock (213) 740-4911 the frame of your bicycle not just the tire. See the sample to the top right.
international.usc.edu 22 Safety Continued
GETTING AROUND USC SAFELY • Walk with a self-assured stride; keep your Some rapists, purse snatchers, and other There are many ways to avoid walking alone head up; pay attention to your surroundings. criminals use this approach to judge how when traveling off campus. Listed below are • Keep your keys separate from your purse or compliant a person is, and to get physically some suggestions for getting around USC backpack. Have your keys ready before you close to them. safely. approach your vehicle or home. • At night, stay in well lit areas as much as CAMPUS ACCESS POLICY To ensure the safety of students, faculty and • If possible avoid walking alone, especially possible. There are security guards in yellow staff the university implemented the following when upset, depressed, or after drinking. jackets in the surrounding neighborhood campus access policy: Instead of walking alone, get a friend to walk who are in direct contact with the USC From 9pm to 6am each day, security with you, or check the USC bus and tram Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel stationed at each open entrance schedules. Call Campus Cruiser if the tram • Get familiar with campus locations that are will ask anyone coming onto campus— does not operate in your area. open 24 hours daily; such as the campus including students, faculty and staff—to provide their USC identification card or other • Connect with roommates and others in your entrance gates (Gate 3 at Figueroa and 35th approved photo identification. complex concerning class schedules and Street and Gate 5 at Jefferson Blvd. and Guests, including parents and family studying at libraries. Possibly others are McClintock Ave.); the Department of Public members, must be registered to access going to the same location and you can walk Safety, located on the west side of campus campus after hours. Students and together. Also connect with others in your in Parking Structure A on McClintock Ave. employees may use the online guest registration system at classes to see if they are going to the same by 36th Place). http://visitor.usc.edu to register their location as you after class. • Get familiar with the locations of the guests. Once guests are in the system, • If you commute to campus: Connect with Emergency Phones (phones outside will their information will be immediately available to entrance personnel will be other commuter students in your classes have a blue light on top). admitted upon showing their photo ID. and inquire on the possibility of parking • Try to vary your route; some assaults Any vehicle driven onto campus after in the same area or lot when you arrive or are planned in advance and an irregular hours will have its license plate perhaps carpooling. schedule makes it easier to avoid an attack. photographed and cross-checked by • While walking off campus, stay alert to your • Try to keep one hand free when carrying campus police. surroundings and the people around you - books, packages, etc. There are many security patrols, campus don’t become lost in thought or daydreams. • When waiting to cross the street, stand a cruisers and cameras on or near campus. • Avoid talking on your cell phone while foot or two back from the curb. Students Living On Campus walking, skateboarding, or bicycling. Use of • If you hear someone behind you, turn and Students have to present their USC IDs cell phones while traveling often can result look. at all on-campus dorms 24 hours a day in accidents and can be a target for a thief. • Be wary of people requesting help and have to register guests with their USC ID and a fingerprint scan. (directions, change, time, a cigarette, etc.).
23 international.usc.edu Safety Continued
STUDENT SAFETY TIPS Read more about this app at www.apple.com. DRIVING SAFELY Home Safety Type the words “Find My iPhone” (or iPad, iPod, • Always wear a seatbelt (it’s the law)! • Keep your doors locked mac) in the search engine on the Apple website Everyone in your car MUST wear a seatbelt • Do NOT “prop” doors open (apple.com) at all times! • Lock windows and block sliding doors • Never pick up strangers • Do not admit strangers into your home ANDROID SMART PHONES • Keep car windows and doors closed and • Get to know your neighbors If you own an android phone, we suggest locked • Keep emergency telephone numbers on Lookout Mobile Security • Try to park in well-lit areas and avoid your phone (mylookout.com/premium) where you can parking next to large vehicles immediately map the location of your phone in • Check the back seat every time before you any browser and sound a loud alarm, even if get in your car Save these emergency phone numbers: your phone is in silent mode. If your Android is • Do not text or talk on the phone while DPS: (213) 740-4321 / Police: 911 lost or stolen, Lookout Premium enables you to driving. You can get a very expensive ticket remotely lock it and clear your personal data. for breaking this California law. • Make sure children are in an appropriate car Protecting Your Property LAPTOPS seat that meets legal requirements • Record serial numbers and descriptions of Many options are available to protect your data all your valuable items and to prevent theft, such as laptop locks, BICYCLES • Register your bike with USC Department of alarms, security labels and laptop tracking Bicycle registration is required at the university Public Safety software. Victims can lose hardware, software Registration and licencing is free at the DPS • Report all thefts immediately and sensitive data that has not been backed Office. Go to dps.usc.edu/services/ • Be alert at all times and report any up, as well as give thieves access to sensitive bikes to register online. suspicious activities to security data and personal information. Things you must have when riding your bike: SMART PHONES • A bike light when riding at night Avoid leaving your cell phone unattended or • Working brakes - get new pads and unsecured. In the event your cell phone is lost adjustments at any bike shop. or stolen, we recommend the following to aide • Helmet - California law requires all bicyclists you in the recovery of your device. Apple under 18 years of age to wear a bike helmet iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac Apple has an when riding on all streets, bikeways, app that will allow you to locate your apple public paths, and trails (Section 21212 device on a map, remotely lock your device, or CVC). Persons 18 years or older are highly erase your data. encouraged to wear a bike helmet while riding their bicycles. Helmets are available at any bike shop.
USC International Academy 24 Safety Continued
If you ride a bicycle on the road, you must PEDESTRIANS (Walking) account numbers — and do not post other follow all California Vehicle Codes, the laws If you are on foot and you want to cross the people’s information either. for cars and moving vehicles. This includes: street, you must cross in a marked crosswalk • Make sure your screen name doesn’t give • Stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, (between the white lines). You cannot cross specific information about you. Don’t use moving in the same direction as cars and diagonally unless the crosswalk is marked for your name, your age, or your hometown. not wearing a headset or earplugs that cover crossing diagonally with white lines. • Be careful what you put on a webpage. both ears • Riding in bicycle lanes: New bicycle lanes Make sure only people you know can see the have been installed on campus to ensure EARTHQUAKES webpage. the safety of bike riders and pedestrians. In the event of an earthquake, get under a • Be careful about posting a photo of yourself. The bike lanes run along the central median table or desk and protect yourself from falling It can be changed in ways you may not like. of Trousdale Parkway. Arrows and a cardinal objects. Do not stand in a doorway. If outside, If you do post a photo, choose it wisely. Trojan mark the new lanes. Bicyclists and move away from structures, power poles • Talking to strangers online is dangerous. skateboarders must ride in the direction of and other possible hazards. Do not use People lie about who they really are, and you the arrows and are required to dismount elevators. After the earthquake, call public never really know who you are chatting with. when crossing pedestrian traffic. safety (213) 740-4321 to report any serious • NEVER agree to meet a new online friend in • You may not ride your bicycle through a injuries or other immediate emergencies. Once person. crosswalk. If you are crossing the street at a you have exited the building (after the • If someone you are chatting with says light in the crosswalk, you must get off your earthquake), do not reenter until the building something bad or potentially dangerous, tell bicycle and walk. has been inspected by trained USC emergency an RA or an Academy staff member. personnel and they say it is safe to return. SKATEBOARDS Adapted from: ftc.gov If you are riding a skateboard on the sidewalk, ONLINE SAFETY you cannot perform “tricks” or ride in a way Here are some safety tips to remember when that will damage property (including the using email, chat rooms, instant messaging, sidewalk, benches, etc.) or can be unsafe to blogs, and social networking sites like Twitter others on the sidewalk. or Facebook: • Control the information you post. • Never post your private information. Don’t post your full name, ID number, address, phone number, or bank and credit card
international.usc.edu 25 Important Information About Sexual Assault, Gender-Based Violence, Domestic or Dating Violence, and Stalking » LEARN ABOUT CONSENT AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT HARASSMENT SEXUAL ASSAULT What to Do If... The University of Southern California is The University does not tolerate Sexual ...you have been the victim of a sexual committed to maintaining an environment Assault, Sexual Harassment, or harm or assault? that is free from all forms of discrimination misconduct due to your sex or gender. This • Go to a safe location. and harassment based on a protected includes domestic violence, dating violence, • Get medical care as soon as possible. If characteristic. The protected characteristics and stalking. you wish to get help from a rape treatment under this policy include race, color, national center, contact the Santa Monica Rape origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, gender What is Sexual Assault? Treatment Center or the USC Violence identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, Intervention Program. More information age, physical disability, medical condition, A sexual assault is any actual or about both is centers is at sarc.usc.edu mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, attempted non-consensual physical • Preserve all physical evidence of the veteran status, genetic information, and any sexual act including, but not limited to, assault, even if you are unsure whether you other characteristic which may be specified intercourse, penetration using a body want to report the crime. Do not shower, in applicable laws and governmental part or object, fondling, groping or sexual bathe, douche, eat, drink, wash your hands regulations. contact. Sexual assault includes but is or brush your teeth until after you have had not limited to non-consensual sexual a medical examination. You may also choose Harassing, abusive, and intimidating behavior intercourse. not to have a physical examination. against anyone based on any protected • Save all clothing that you were wearing characteristic is strictly prohibited by the at the time of the assault and bring them University. The behavior does not have to be Sexual assault occurs where: and any other potential evidence to the directed at a specific person or persons to • There is no affirmative, conscious and medical exam. Place each item of clothing constitute harassment. Harassing behavior voluntary consent, or consent is not freely in a separate paper bag. Do not use plastic includes but is not limited to: given; bags. Do not clean or disturb the area of • Ridicule • Physical force, threats, coercion or your body where the assault occurred. A • Abuse intimidation is used to overpower or control forensic examination is one way to preserve • Insults or derogatory comments another, or the person assaulted fears that evidence, but it is not the only way. • Remarks about an individual’s looks, he or she, or another person, will be injured • Preserving Other Evidence: You can easily clothing, or body parts or otherwise harmed if he or she does not take some important steps to preserve • Offensive comments about racial, ethnic, or submit; or evidence by saving all text messages, religious characteristics • There is no ability to give or withhold emails, social media postings (taking • Offensive remarks about an individual’s consent due to incapacitation, whether screenshots can be helpful) or anything gender due to the influence of alcohol or other else that might relate to the assault, or that • Negative stereotypes drugs, age or mental incapacity, or might be helpful later in reconstructing a • Intimidating or offensive statements about unconsciousness. timeline of events. mental or physical disability
26 USC International Academy Important Information About Sexual Assault, Gender-Based Violence, Domestic or Dating Violence, and Stalking » LEARN ABOUT CONSENT AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT Write down the names of people who might • Be sensitive. Understand that she or he Intimate partner violence means violence by a have seen you immediately before or after, is in distress, and will be dealing with person who is or has been in a romantic or as it’s easy to forget names or locations. a wide array of strong, and sometimes intimate relationship with the victim. Even if you do not want to participate in the overwhelming, feelings. Domestic violence, or dating or intimate investigative process now, you might later • Respect your friend’s confidentiality and partner violence, can happen to anyone. change your mind, so it’s helpful to preserve don’t share information about his or her It affects people of all genders, races, and as much information as possible. experience with other friends. socioeconomic levels. • Call a trusted friend, family member or • Be patient. Recovery from sexual assault someone else who can provide emotional can be slow. Your friend sets the pace. If you or a friend or colleague is a victim of support. • Realize that you may also have strong domestic violence, know that help is available • Relationship and Sexual Violence feelings about the trauma. If needed, seek at the Center for Women and Men. Domestic Prevention Services (RSVP) can provide support for yourself. The USC Counseling Violence, or intimate partner violence is also a crime in California. You may also wish to confidential support and information, 24/7. Center offers one-on-one counseling and contact local law enforcement. Forms of (213) 740-4900 discussion groups for friends. domestic violence may include physical, • Reporting: Any victim of a sexual assault • Remember that whatever your friend did to sexual, psychological, emotional, or economic is encouraged to make a report to the survive an attack was exactly what he or she harm. Department of Public Safety and to local law needed to do. Your friend did not cause the enforcement, but is not required to do so. attack and is not at fault. What is stalking? Note that any information given to DPS will be shared with LAPD if DPS determines that If the victim of a sexual assault is a student, Stalking is a non-consensual course of there is evidence of criminal conduct. you may also wish to walk him or her over to conduct directed at a specific person • Contact the Title IX Coordinator the USC Relationship and Sexual Violence that would cause a reasonable (213 821 8298) in the Office of Equity and Prevention Services, or Student Counseling person to fear for the person’s safety Diversity to get additional information about Center, in Engemann StudentHealth Center, or or the safety of others or suffer options and next steps. help the student to call them. They are substantial emotional distress. available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. It’s ... someone tells you about a sexual assault? never too late to seek emotional support. “Course of conduct” means behavior • Listen to what he/she tells you. Sometimes composed of two or more acts, assault victims need to talk about the DOMESTIC / INTIMATE PARTNER including, but not limited to, acts in attack. Don’t interrogate. VIOLENCE which the stalker directly, indirectly, • Don’t blame - this is not the time to Domestic violence or dating violence means or through third parties, by any question their decisions. abuse committed against a person who is a action, method, device, or means, spouse or former spouse, a cohabitant or • Allow your friend or the student making the former cohabitant, a person with whom he engages in any of the following: disclosure the freedom to choose when, or she has a child, or with whom he or she has, monitoring, following, observing, where and how to talk about her or his or had, a dating or engagement relationship. threatening, surveilling, or experience. communicating to or about a person, or interfering with a person’s property.
international.usc.edu 27 Important Information About Sexual Assault, Gender-Based Violence, Domestic or Dating Violence, and Stalking Continued Stalking is also a crime in California. Title IX Coordinator • Off-campus: Santa Monica Rape You may also wish to contact local law Office of Equity and Diversity Treatment Center, or USC Violence enforcement. 3720 S. Flower Street, 2nd Floor Intervention Program (213)740-5086, [email protected] What to Do If...... you are being, or have been stalked? Off-Campus Resources Top 10 Bystander Tips • If you feel you are in danger, immediately Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center If you see that a member of our call the USC Department of Public Safety 24-hour help: (310) 319-4000. community is becoming too aggressive, (DPS) at (213) 740-4321. If you are off Nationally recognized for its comprehensive, or is vulnerable to a sexual assault, you campus, contact local law enforcement. free treatment for sexual assault victims, • Contact support services such as including 24-hour emergencymedical care. can help. Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Services, at (213) 740-0900. Sex Assault Center, Violence Intervention 1. Stay safe – only intervene if it feels safe Staff there can help develop a safety plan, Program (VIP) Urgent Care at to do so provide advice on seeking a temporary LAC+USC Medical Center 2. Watch out for your friends who might restraining order or other no-contact 2010 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles be in an unsafe situation. orders, and provide counseling. (Health Sciences Campus) 3. Watch out for your friends who are • Try to retain documentation of the stalking 24-hour help: (323) 226-3961 making bad choices, like flirting with incidents such as messages, texts, and/or Provides comprehensive, free treatment for other items. sexual assault victims under the direction of someone who’s too drunk. • Keep a log of the dates and ways that the the nationally-renown Dr. Astrid Heger. 4. If you aren’t comfortable intervening, other person contacted you or attempted to ask someone else for help. Sometimes contact you. Reminders a group intervention is most effective. If you or someone you know here at USC has Or their friends might help, if you don’t On-Campus Resources been the victim of sexual or gender-based know the person too well. Confidential violence, including sexual assault, stalking, 5. Say something to distract: Do you USC Relationship and Sexual Violence domestic violence, or intimate partner have the time? Do you know if there are Prevention Services (RSVP) violence–here are a few key points to Engemann Student Health Center, Suite 356 remember: other parties near here? Hey, can I talk 24-hour crisis counseling available by 1. Get to a safe location, and get medical care to you?This party is dead, don’t telephone: (213) 740-4900 2. You are encouraged to make a report to the you think – let’s go somewhere else. Department of Public Safety (DPS) and/ 6. If you say something, remember – you USC Engemann Student Health Center or local law enforcement, but no one is do not have to be aggressive, and do Student Counseling Services: (213) 740-7711 required to do so. Also, information shared not use violence. Medical services, pregnancy testing, and with DPS about possible violent crimes will 7. You can intervene: “Sorry, she’s with emergency contraception be forwarded to the Los Angeles Police me,” or “I promised to get him home Department, but you have a right to ask that Non-Confidential your name be withheld. before midnight so, sorry, he has to go USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) 3. To get help accessing resources, or to have now.” University Park Campus CONFIDENTIAL conversations, the following 8. Disapprove: “I wouldn’t do that if I were Emergency: (213) 740-4321 are confidential resources: you” Non-Emergency: (213) 740-6000 • USC Relationship and Sexual Violence 9. If you don’t want to say anything, simply Prevention Services or let your presence be helpful. Health Sciences Campus Student Counseling Center 10. Call for help – DPS: (213) 740-4321 / Emergency: (323) 442-1000 / Police: 911 Non-Emergency (323) 442-1200
28 USC International Academy Health Care and Insurance
USC HEALTH INSURANCE AND THE ENGEMANN To print your health insurance card go to If you are unable to provide proof, you must STUDENT HEALTH CENTER https://engemannshc.usc.edu/insurance/ receive the MMR vaccine and then International Academy students are insured by insurance-plan/. Click on “Print Your Aetna after 4 weeks, receive your second MMR. a plan through the USC Student Health Center Card” and enter your birthdate and USC ID during the term that they are enrolled. Health number. All international students are also required care services include doctor visits, information to be screened for tuberculosis in the U.S. on health problems, allergy shots, minor USC Engemann Student Health Center or Canada within 6 months prior to the first surgery and X-rays, all of which are available to 1031 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles 90089 semester of enrollment at the Academy. insured students. www.engemannshc.usc.edu The MMR immunization and T-spot blood (213) 740-9355 test will be administered by Student Health To use the services, students should go Center staff at a special Health Workshop. directly to the Student Health Center and show MEASLES AND MUMPS IMMUNIZATION The schedule for these workshops will be the receptionist the International Academy AND TUBERCULOSIS SKIN TEST announced after you arrive at the International insurance card or your student ID card. USC requires all students to receive two doses Academy (usually after Orientation Week). of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) There are some small fees associated with vaccine, show proof of 2 Measles & 2 Mumps PLEASE NOTE: Women who are pregnant or seeing a doctor, such as fees for blood tests, injections, or show proof of immunity to both. plan to become pregnant within one month of x-rays, and other tests. Doctor visits can be on a Acceptable forms of proof for the MMR are the workshop date should not receive the MMR walk-in basis, but appointments with specialists childhood immunization records or a blood vaccination. If you have questions about this, must be made a week in advance. test lab result. please consult the Health Center staff.
More detailed information about your health OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS care will be given to you during the first few days The USC Insurance Plan is required for all of the program. students at the International Academy. Dependents not enrolled at the International Please note that if you make an appointment Academy should all contact Aetna directly. for services at the Health Center and do not show up, you will be charged a $20 no show Plans purchased elsewhere will not waive fee. you from your USC insurance requirement. As a result, we advise you not to purchase an See Health Insurance Benefit Summary. insurance plan in your country or from other countries.
international.usc.edu 29 Money & Banking MANAGE YOUR MONEY ACCESSING FUNDS IN THE U.S. Nearby ATMs: We recommend you do not carry large sums of A good way to deposit money into your • USC Credit Union: a variety of locations on cash with you when you travel. account is by bank wire transfer. First, you and off campus, including ATMs outside the need to open an account with a minimum of Student Union building (in Campus Center) OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT $200 (cash, travelers check, bank check or If you are staying in the U.S. for longer than charge card). • Chase: located at University Gateway on three months you may wish to open a bank the corner of Figueroa Street and Jefferson account. Many students use Bank of America or Once the account is established, you can have Boulevard Chase Bank since there are many branch offices funds wired directly to your account. It usually all over California and they have many account takes a few days for the money to be available. • Citibank: located just west of campus at options. They also have employees who can Bank fees apply to many transactions. Please Vermont Avenue and 36th Street near Togo’s translate in several languages. The USC Credit check with the bank of your choice. and Taco Bell Union offers a full range of banking and account options as well. AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES (ATM) • Bank of America: several locations; outside Debit and credit cards are common in the U.S. of Student Union building, on the corner of You can apply for a debit card (also known Jefferson Boulevard and McClintock Avenue, as an ATM card) when you open your bank and at the corner of Figueroa and 27th account. A debit card allows you to withdraw Street or deposit money and check your account balance. ATM machines can be found at banks, • Wells Fargo: on the corner of Figueroa Street shopping centers, supermarkets, and on the and 28th Street; if going north on Figueroa USC campus. (toward downtown), it is on the left side
GENERALLY, TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT, Some businesses now allow customers to use YOU NEED: their ATM cards to pay for purchases (most 1. Passport often at gasoline stations and supermarkets). 2. Documents that prove you are currently When using ATM machines, be sure to follow enrolled at USC (I-20, Student ID, necessary security precautions to guard Admission Letter) against theft. 3. A minimum deposit of $200 or more Note: There is usually no fee for using your ATM These requirements may vary depending on card at your bank or its branches. However, the bank. there is a small charge when using it at other banks.
30 international.usc.edu Transportation » NAVIGATE THE CAMPUS AND CITY GETTING TO AND FROM USC If you stay in the United States longer than Free bus transportation to the University Park 3 months, you will need a California driver’s RESOURCES FOR Campus is available to students living in the license to drive. Your I-20 needs to be valid for GETTING AROUND nearby area (sometimes referred to as "USC least 2 months after the date you pass your trams"). A bus route connects the University driving test. For more information, check the Airport Shuttle Parking Center at Jefferson Boulevard and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website at Super Shuttle • (800) 258-3826 Grand Avenue with various University Park www.dmv.ca.gov PrimeTime Shuttle • (800) 733-8267 Campus locations. An intercampus bus runs • USC Discount Link: between the University Park and Health METRO RAIL http://primetimeshuttle.hudsonltd.net/ Sciences campuses. The bus service links res?USERIDENTRY=TROJAN07&LOGON=GO both campuses to Union Station—the major Los Angeles transportation hub, serviced by Train Amtrak, Metrolink, Metrorail and local transit bus lines. USC trams operate designated routes Union Station Monday through Friday; limited services are 800 N Alameda Street, Los Angeles 90012 provided on weekends. (800) 872-7245 • www.amtrak.com
USC Campus Cruiser provides either a walking Metro Buses, Subway, and Light Rail or vehicle escort to your destination within a Main California Public Transport System one mile radius of campus. During the fall and (323) 466-3876 • www.metro.net spring semesters, this free service operates from 6 p.m. to 2:45 a.m., seven days a week, Greyhound Bus Lines except for university holidays. To arrange a 1716 E 17th Street, Los Angeles 90021 ride from the University Park campus, call (213) 629-8401 • www.greyhound.com (213) 740–4911; from the Health Sciences campus, call (323) 442–2100. Within walking distance from campus you will Taxi find a METRO train stop that you can take to Yellow Cab • (800) 200-1085 DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Universal Bell Cab • (888) 235-5888 During your first three months in the U.S., you Studios, Santa Monica, Union Station (where may use your driver’s license from your home you can find train connections to other U.S. country together with an International Driving cities and states), Long Beach, the airport and Permit/License and your passport. many local attractions.
31 international.usc.edu Campus Dining » DISCOVER YOUR DINING OPTIONS
EATING ON CAMPUS • LITTLE GALEN • STARBUCKS Hungry? There are many places on campus to Open for lunch only, Little Galen offers Serves coffee, pastries, and grab & go satisfy your appetite. USC Hospitality provides healthy grill items, sandwiches, salad bar meals. the following dining options on campus (hours and special hot entrées. (Behind Heritage may vary, please check the website): Hall) • TUTOR HALL CAFE Indian cuisine, Japanese noodle bowls, banh • TUTOR CAMPUS CENTER • COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF mi sandwiches plus grab & go items. (Near Located between the USC Bookstore and Coffee, tea, and grab & go items (located at PSA at the Viterbi School of Engineering, Student Union, Tutor Campus Center offers the School of Cinematic Arts) outdoor seating available) a variety of quick service dining options, including: The Habit, California Pizza • GROUND ZERO COFFEEHOUSE Kitchen, Lemonade, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, This student-run coffeehouse and Panda Express, Verde, Seeds Marketplace, performance venue is known for its creative Moreton Fig, and Traditions (the local bar) milkshakes and relaxed atmosphere. (Behind Marks Tower) • DINING HALLS (USC Village, EVK, Parkside, Cafe 84) • LAW SCHOOL CAFE These all you can eat, buffet-style cafeterias Offers fresh panini sandwiches, salads, and offer extensive hot and cold dining options. snacks. (Ground floor of the Law School) Meal swipes can be used here. • LITERATEA Make your study hours more pleasant in this EATING OFF CAMPUS quiet teahouse behind Doheny Library. From street food to 5-star restaurants, • POPOVICH CYBER CAFE Downtown Los Angeles is home to a wide This Business School cafe serves selection of dining options. sandwiches, salads, coffee, smoothies, and snacks. (1st floor of Popovich Hall) The Grand Central Market, L.A. Live, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo are a short bus • FERTITTA CAFE ride away. For home cooking, visit one of the Another Business School cafe that features specialty grocery stores along Vermont Ave. Bao, Banh mi, Dim Sum, Asian Salads, Noodle and Rice Bowls and an expansive Sushi Bar. international.usc.edu 32 USC General Student Services
USC Bookstore Lyft Partnership the facilities there. Students only have access (213) 740-0066 • uscbookstore.com If Campus Cruiser wait times exceed 15 to the Lyon Center during the term they are You can purchase textbooks, reference and minutes, download the Lyft app on your enrolled in USC. technical books, stationery, computer supplies smartphone or mobile device. and merchandise with the USC logo at this Libraries location. Any rides that begin and end within the USC (213) 740-2931 • usc.edu/libraries Campus Cruiser Boundary will be paid for by USC has more than 20 libraries on its campus Campus Cruiser (Ride Service) USC between the hours of 7:00 pm and 2:00 to facilitate your coursework, studying, and (213) 740-4911 • transnet.usc.edu/ am every night. research. Its technology-enhanced spaces will If it is evening and you need to go out support individual or group study as well as somewhere, it is safer to walk with a friend For detailed information, visit: multimedia production and viewing. Leavey or call Campus Cruiser. The USC Campus transnet.usc.edu/index.php/ Library is open 24 hours a day beginning Cruiser will transport students to and from campus-cruiser-program/how-to-use-lyft/ Sunday at 9:00am until Saturday at midnight locations within a one-mile radius of the during the fall and spring semesters. Check the center of campus at no charge between 6pm To see other transportation partnerships, visit website for library locations and hours. and 2:45am, Monday-Sunday. When you call, www.transnet.usc.edu. please be prepared to tell them your name, pick-up location and drop-off destination. Lyon Recreation Center (Fitness Center) You will be notified with a call or text message (213) 740-5127 • usc.edu/recsports when your Cruiser has arrived. The Lyon Center offers opportunities to participate in sports, group exercise, and other recreational activities. You have full access to a variety of athletic facilities, including racquetball and squash courts, sauna and whirlpool, a weight room, gymnasiums, swimming pools and locker rooms.
IMPORTANT: If you want to use the Lyon Center, get a liability waiver from the Lyon Center front desk and turn it in. They will check for your name on a list generated by the International Academy and issue you a sticker for your USCard. This will give you access to
33 international.usc.edu USC General Student Services Continued
Computer Access like to talk to a counselor, call or walk-in to all over campus and can usually be found itservices.usc.edu/spaces/computingcenters/ the Student Health Center to schedule an in the entrance of THH, VKC, or many other The following computing centers are open for appointment. places throughout campus. student use: • King Olympic Hall (KOH 206) Child Care The Mail Stop (Postal Services) • Salvatori Computer Center (SAL 125) 2716 Severance Street, Los Angeles 90089 Parking Structure X (PSX), First floor • (213) 740-2467 • Waite Philips Hall (WPH B34) (213) 743-2446 • usc.edu/childcare If you need to purchase stamps, mail a • Leavey Library (LVL lower level, 2nd floor) If you have children, you must arrange your package, or other mailing needs, this own day care services, usually for a monthly convenient stop is for you! There is also a USC Pharmacy fee. There is often a waitlist for available U.S. Post Office located across from Gate #6 USC Pharmacy, STU 101 • (213) 740-2738 spaces at USC childcare, so be prepared on Vermont Ave and several USPS and FedEx Medical Plaza Pharmacy, PSD • (213) 821-6100 to arrange alternative child care if you are drop-off locations across campus. pharmacies.usc.edu/ bringing dependent children with you when If you have been injured or are suffering from you come to study. Children are not allowed in USC Ticket Office an illness and your doctor has prescribed USC classrooms at any time. Student Union (STU), Suite 100 medicine for you, go to one of the two campus (213)740-7111 • usc.edu/tickets pharmacies to get your prescription filled. USC Student Information Center In the mood to have some fun? You can students receive a discount on prescription Ronald Tutor Campus Center (TCC) • (213) 821-7822 purchase tickets to California amusement medicines here. Consult with certified If you have general questions about academic parks, concerts, games, festivals, carnivals, pharmacists about any questions you may and social programs at USC, you can go to and on-campus events at discounted rates. have regarding the medication. the Information Desk on the ground floor of the Campus Center and ask. The people there University Transportation Services Student Counseling Services can give you literature which will help answer Parking Structure X (PSX), First floor Engemann Student Health Center your questions.There is also a Lost and Found (213)740-3575 • usc.edu/transportation (213) 740-7711 • engemannshc.usc.edu/counseling/ department where you can sometimes find If you need a USC Parking Permit or want to Student Counseling Services is committed belongings you may have lost. purchase discounted MTA bus passes, you to helping students achieve their academic must go to the Transportation Office. This and individual goals. Their professional staff Daily Trojan office also provides the campus bus service is available for consultation in either a private usc.edu/dt which is very helpful if you need a ride between one-on-one or group setting, where emphasis To keep yourself well-informed of campus USC off-campus housing or parking structures is on personal and cross-cultural issues. activities, read the Daily Trojan, USC's student and campus. If you are experiencing depression, stress, newspaper published every weekday during relationship difficulties, etc., and would the school year. These newspapers are located
USC International Academy 34 Good Places to Study At USC This list was compiled by USC students based on some of their favorite study spots. This is only a partial list; feel free to find your own “quiet space” on campus or nearby! MUDD HALL OF PHILOSOPHY (MHP) TAPER HALL OF HUMANITIES (THH) QUEEN’S COURT There are many quiet places to study in There are several great places to get some This is the area next to the Music School (MUS, this beautiful building including a lovely work done in this building. On the fourth floor RHM, BMH). This is one of the most lovely and courtyard. It is on the far end of campus there are several chairs and couches down the tranquil places to study at USC. There are (next to Exposition Boulevard) so it is not winding hallway. There’s lots of sunlight and it’s plots of flowers, grassy hills and sculptures. busy. The best place in this building however always quiet here as well. Another good spot is This is also a great place if you enjoy calming is the Hoose Library on the top floor--take a the Language Center located on the 3rd floor. noise while you study--there are almost always walk up the stairs to see it for yourself. It is music students practicing or, if not, you can breathtaking, secluded and quiet! DOHENY LIBRARY (DML) hear the relaxing sound of the fountain. This is perhaps the best place on campus to RONALD TUTOR CAMPUS CENTER study because there are floors of desks and GROUND ZERO (RTCC) TROJAN FAMILY ROOM tables hidden amongst the book stacks. If you Tucked away behind Marks Tower (DMT), Situated inside USC’s student hub, the like to be secluded and undisturbed, head Pardee Tower (PDT) and the Dean’s Halls Trojan Family Room is central to everything down the elevator and sneak around to a quiet (DXM, TRO), Ground Zero can be a good place you need – a place to study, food nearby to corner. If you like large open wood tables, for studying. It opens at 7pm on weeknights. replenish your tired mind, and fancy furniture try the first floor Cinema Library. Doheny Known for its comfortable chairs and couches, to cushion your bum from all those hours of Library is a great place to study if you love it makes a great place for reading when there studying. You’ll appreciate that the space is books because the entire place smells like old aren’t concerts or events going on. Since not also aesthetically appealing for when your eyes books! The only problem is that once you are many people know about Ground Zero, it is wander away from your textbook. underground, there are no windows, so keep relatively quiet. While you’re there, try a Chai an eye on your watch! Milkshake! LEAVEY LIBRARY (LVL) This large library is filled with floors of FOUNDERS PARK Other small campus libraries: study space but it is always busy. There are Located directly beside Bovard Auditorium • VKC Library (basement of VKC) computer labs in the basement and on the (ADM), this is a prime location for studying on • Cinematic Arts, East Asian Libraries second floor with plenty of studying area in sunny days. You can sit on the benches or sit (in Doheny) each. You can also reserve a study room for in the grass. Usually this area is relatively quiet • Architecture and Fine Arts individual or groupwork. and empty. (basement of WAH) • Law Library (2nd floor of Law School)
international.usc.edu 35 FAQ » FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
USCARD There is also McKay’s, The Lab and Rosso’s The ground floor sells books and magazines >> Where do I go to set up my USCard? Pizzeria, all located next to the Radisson on while the basement floor offers electronics The USCard office is located in PSX (Parking Figueroa. Review page 28 of this handbook and retail clothes. Don't worry about buying Structure X) near Leavey Library and Pardee or visit the hospitality website at: your textbooks for class-- your teachers will Tower. For more information go to: hospitality.usc.edu. provide them for you. www.usc.edu/uscard >> Where can I eat nearby campus? LIBRARIES, COMPUTER LABS, INTERNET >> What do I do if I am having problems with South on Figueroa at Tuscany, you will find >> How do I check out a book? my USCard? Chick-fil-A, Cold Stone Ice Creamery, After you find the book you want from the Bring your ID card to the USCard office in Quizno’s Subs, and Chipotle Mexican grill. bookshelves, just bring it to the front desk PSX and tell them what your problem is. You If you travel a bit north of campus on and give the assistant your USC ID card. He/ can visit the USCard website given above Figueroa you will find many more she will let you know when the books are to or call: (213) 740-8709. restaurants and fast food joints including be returned. Viztango, Pasta Roma, McDonald’s, La Taquiza, Panda Express and more. Be sure to bring your Student ID as discounts are given to students at some locations.
BOOKSTORE >> Where can I buy books and school supplies? The campus bookstore is located in the center of campus near Tommy Trojan. The DINING top floor (3rd floor) offers school books and >> Where can I eat on Campus? supplies from pens to paper and anything The campus offers many dining options your studies might require. On the second including the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, floor you can find all of your USC fanfare, Tutor Hall Café, Popovich Café, The Law hats, shirts, sweaters and more. School Café, LiteraTea, Starbucks Ground Zero and The Coffee Bean.
36 USC International Academy FAQ Continued
>> Where can I go to use computers on the Lyon Center website before you can use >> Where is the closest laundromat campus? the gym. After you submit the online waiver, off-campus? The 2nd floor of Leavey Library are computer just bring your USC ID to the front desk of The closest off-campus Laundromat is labs that are available for use by students. the Lyon Center and you can use the weights on Vermont, about half a block north of Waite Phillips Hall (WPH B34) and King and cardio equipment for free. Classes and Jefferson, just south of 30th St and is Olympic Hall (KOH 206) are other options personal trainers are available for a fee. Visit located on the east side of the street. for your computing needs. Always bring the website for more information, including Machines are coin-operated so be sure to your USCard along with you. For a list intramural sports: www.usc.edu/recsports. have quarters or bills to change over in the of university computing center hours coin machines. Detergent may be purchased and locations, visit www.itservices.usc.edu/ TICKET OFFICE on-site, however it would be cheaper to buy spaces/computingcenters/ >> Where can I purchase tickets for campus your own before going. events or other events in the LA area? >> Is there wireless internet in my USC Tickets may be purchased at the ticket CAMPUS EVENTS / ACTIVITIES apartment? office located in the student union next to For a listing of Arts and Events on campus visit All USC housing facilities are equipped Tommy Trojan. Tickets for non-athletic USC the Arts and Events calendar at with high-speed wireless service. For more events and outside venues like Disneyland www.usc.edu/calendar. There you can find information visit www.usc.edu/wireless. may be purchased here. Discounts are descriptions of campus events from art to offered to students so be sure to bring you music and more. >> How do I set up my USC email? ID card! For a listing of all discount services Please follow the instructions listed on the offered visit www.fbs.usc.edu/depts/ International Academy Student Portal: ticketoffice. For USC athletic events visit the www.iastudents.usc.edu/academics/ USC Athletics website at email/ www.usctrojans.com.
RECREATION SPORTS / GYM LAUNDRY >> Can I use the gym? >> Where can I go to do laundry on-campus? Absolutely! The Lyon Center, located on the Laundry rooms are available in each housing corner of McClintock and 34th St, across area building and are operated by a laundry from Café 84, is available for all students. card that may be purchased at the customer You will need to fill out an online waiver on service center.
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MAIL on how long you are staying Union Station. For routes and make an appointment by >> Where do I go if I need to mail in the US. schedules visit: calling: (213) 740-APPT. a letter or package? www.usc.edu/transportation. The campus Mail Stop is PARKING & >> What do I do if I have located in PSX next to the TRANSPORTATION HEALTH & SAFETY an emergency? USCard office. Stamped letters >> Where can I park my car? >> Where can I go to buy over- In the event of a public safety can be deposited in any of Public parking in the parking the-counter medication? or medical emergency while the blue mailboxes on campus garages is $12 a day. The meters There are two campus on campus or in the USC area and there is a post office just off around campus are $1 per hour pharmacies at USC: one is call (213)740-4321. For police, campus on the northwest for up to 2 or 4 hours maximum, located in the Student Union fire, ambulance services, or corner of Vermont and 36th St. depending on where you park. across the hall from the Ticket emergencies while away from The Fedex office, located on the Parking passes may be Office, and the other is directly campus, call 911. It’s a good third floor of the Bookstore, can purchased from the across from the Student Health idea to save these important be used to mail packages as transportation office located Center. There you may phone numbers in your well. in PSX or online. Prices vary purchase over-the-counter cell phone. depending on the pass. Visit the medication and have valid CELLPHONE website at: prescriptions filled. >> How do I sign up for >> How can I set up cell www.usc.edu/parking. TrojansAlert? phone service? >> Where do I go if I need to see When an emergency occurs, You will have to go to a cell >> How do I use the trams? the doctor? authorized senders can phone provider on your own to Trams operate roughly every For health services you can go instantly notify you using purchase a cell phone and thirty minutes leaving from to the Engemann Student TROJANS ALERT. TROJANS service if you do not already behind Leavey Library and Health Center located at ALERT is your connection to have one. There are cell phone various other stops throughout 1031 W. 34th Street behind real-time updates, instructions providers in the Fig & 7th campus. There are four routes Fluor Tower and the on where to go, what to do, or complex, and a T-Mobile store that run around the USC area, Lyon Center. Appointments what not to do, who to contact on Figueroa and Adams. one that runs to the parking may be made or you can and other important Consider purchasing a pre-paid center behind the 110 Freeway walk-in; if you do not have information. phone instead of signing a and the Radisson Hotel, one an appointment, be prepared long-term contract, depending running to the Health Sciences to wait. You can call the health Visit www.dps.usc.edu/ campus and one running to center at (213)740-8742 or services/trojans-alerts/ and follow the steps to sign up.
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