Commencement Celebration hosted by CBCSA & BAA
The Commencement Celebration hosted by the CBCSA and BAA serves as a traditional rite of passage that recognizes and affirms all graduating students who have completed a rigorous journey through academia at the University of Southern California. This largely attended and highly anticipated event unites students, families, and friends through culture and celebration.
This program is open to all eligible individuals. CBCSA operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Bridging our past with our present, the Black Graduate Celebration serves as a traditional rite of passage that recognizes and affirms all graduating students who have completed a rigorous journey through academia at the University of Southern California. This largely attended and highly anticipated event unites students, families, and friends through culture and achievement. An outstanding speaker is chosen each year who insights words of wisdom, encouragement, and adoration to the audience allowing all participants to evaluate their life experiences while empowering them to reach all future endeavors.
This program is open to all eligible individuals. CBCSA operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
To get tickets and other gear, visit our online store.
Commencement Celebration will be held on May 14, 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm (pst) at McCarthy Quad. Registration for the celebration will be 100% free! Please Register at the link to join the celebration.
If you are interested in being on the Planning Committee please fill out the following link by Feb 3rd.
If you or your student organization are interested in performing please email: greedley@usc.edu (Greedley F Harris III) or damareap@usc.edu (Damarea Parker).
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact cbcsa@usc.edu with their name, USC email address, and student ID number. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner. To learn more about USC’s accessibility policies, please go here https://gsg.usc.edu/accessibility-resources/. This program is open to all eligible individuals. CBCSA operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Commencement Celebration FAQs
Graduate FAQs
· When and where is the Commencement Celebration?
o The Commencement Celebration Hosted by Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) and Black Alumni Association will be held on May 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM, in/at McCarthy Quad at USC’s UPC campus.
· Who can register to participate?
o All graduating students can register to participate in the Commencement Celebration Hosted by the CBCSA and Black Alumni Association. Graduates should complete the registration form by April 25, 2025.
· What will the celebration look like this year?
o USC’s commencement celebrations provide an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate their graduating student in community. The Commencement Celebration Hosted by the CBCSA and Black Alumni Association will highlight the achievements of the entire group of students who register to participate, provide moments of individual recognition for registered students, and highlight cultural traditions and student performances that celebrate our campus community.
· Is there a cost to participate?
o The Commencement Celebration is free for graduates and their families.
· Who do I contact if I have accommodation needs?
o USC is committed to making its events accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations in order to participate in this event, you may contact Damarea Parker at damareap@usc.edu. Individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters/real time captioners and alternative format materials are asked to notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
· Can my family and friends attend?
o Yes, guests are welcomed at the Commencement Celebration Hosted by CBCSA and Black Alumni Association. Any guests planning to attend are required to RSVP to help the planning team create the best event possible for graduates and guests.
o All graduating students will need to reserve and distribute tickets for their guests by following the steps detailed on the Commencement website regarding Ticketing Information.
· Is there a limit to the number of guests I can invite?
o All graduating students attending commencement ceremonies are required to reserve tickets for themselves and up to ten named guests. (Children under 2 years of age do not need a ticket to attend.) These tickets are free of charge. Graduating students will need to reserve and distribute tickets for their guests by following the steps detailed on the Commencement website regarding Ticketing Information.
Guest FAQs
· What will the celebration look like this year?
o USC’s commencement celebrations provide an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate their graduating student in community. The Commencement Celebration Hosted by the CBCSA and Black Alumni Association will provide an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the entire group of students who register to participate, provide moments of individual recognition for registered students, and highlight cultural traditions and student performances that celebrate our campus community.
· Do I need to RSVP to attend?
o Yes, guests are welcomed at the Commencement Celebration Hosted by the CBCSA and Black Alumni Association. Any guests planning to attend are required to RSVP to help the planning team create the best possible graduate and guest experience.
o Your ticket to access USC commencement activities will be distributed to you directly from your graduating student. Please see the USC Commencement website’s Ticketing Information page for more details.
· How do I get to McCarthy Quad?
o McCarthy Quad is located in front of Doheny Library.
· Where should I park?
o For public transportation and parking information, please visit the USC Commencement website. The closest parking structure to McCarthy Quad is McCarthy Parking Structure.
· Who do I contact if I have accommodation needs?
For general accommodations for the USC campus and Commencement week, please see the USC Commencement website. Guests needing accommodations in order to participate in this event, may contact Damarea Parker at damareap@usc.edu.
Additional Information
To get the latest updates on what’s happening with the Commencement Celebration please visit our Instagram, @usc_cbcsa
If there are questions that are not answered above please reach out to cbcsa@usc.edu for more information.
Important Dates
Important Dates
Important Dates
- April 25th: Registration ends at 11:59 PST.
- May 14th : Commencement Celebration at 6:30 PM PST
Let’s work together on your next amazing program or event!
Feel free to let us know what you are interested in and if you would want to partner on the next CBCSA event!