August 1, 2012

Dear Trojan Parents and Family Members,

The 2012-2013 school year and the arrival of the USC class of 2016 are right around the corner! Move-In Day is on Wednesday, August 22 and classes start on Monday, August 27. If you are on campus, please feel free to stop by our office in the Student Union building（Suite #200）across from Tommy Trojan to say “hello” or to ask questions.

Parent Council Co-Presidents David and Ana Galvez Kadin would like to thank all of the parents who have volunteered to welcome new families at freshmen Orientation sessions that started in June. Bouquets of appreciation to Jill Binsley, Barbara Boxley, Larry Castro, Danielle and Gavin Colvert, Liz de la Torre, Jane George Erlbaum, Martha Espinoza, Carmel Gardner, Deborah Ginger, Debbie Habberstad, Rula Hajjar, Marilou Hamill, Lola Hongo, Jill Lagatta, Debbie Liebert, Regina Mack, Gaye Moses, Kathi Nicolard, Millie Nickowitz, Alejandra Oscar, Cindy Patton, Steve Rugo, Laura Sobrino, Maryann Spinella, Bonnie Suffridge, Louise Vallone, Jeannie Mahan Visger, Geetika Walia and Carolyn Ward. Your help is greatly appreciated and reflects your friendly Trojan spirit!

We encourage you all to become involved and join the Parents Council. Applications for new members are due by August 5, 2012. Please access http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/parents/parentassoc.html for the application and more information.

Mark Your Calendar for Trojan Family Weekend -- Thursday, October 18, 2012 - Sunday, October 22, 2012

Registration is open for Trojan Family Weekend 2012! This is a great opportunity for the entire family to share in your student’s educational journey and experience what it means to be a part of our spirited Trojan Family. To register, visit www.usc.edu/parent and click Trojan Family Weekend. If you have any questions or need further information, please call 213.740.6775 or email scparent@usc.edu.

On the Trojan Family Weekend site, please click and read the Before You Register and Football and Tailgate icons on the left of the page. To view the schedule please click the Schedule of Events and then click the day you would like to review. Registration Fees（prior to September 21）:  Adult $55, Grandparent $45 and Child（ages 10 - 17）$40. On September 21, fees change to：Adults $70, Grandparent $60 and Child（ages 10 - 17）$55. On-site fees are：Adults $100, Grandparent $75 and Child（ages 10 - 17）$70.

The Family Pavilion tent（located in Herklotz Plaza）will be open from 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 18 and will re-open at 7:30 am – 4:00 pm on Friday, October 19. We suggest you arrive on campus Thursday, October 18 to maximize your attendance at the engaging variety of programs. The campus-wide breakfast will begin at 8:30am on Friday, October 19. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact STA Travel at 213.254.2662（www.statravel.com）.          

A Message from USC President C. L. Max Nikias on the USC Olympic tradition:

“As you know, USC has a tremendously proud Olympic tradition.  We have produced more Olympians, more Olympic medalists, and more Olympic gold medalists than any other American university. Given our exceptionally distinguished history, and as we look forward to Friday’s opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics, I want to share a list of the Trojan athletes who will be competing.  These stellar athletes represent nations all over the world, and head to London with the Trojan Family’s collective, steadfast support.
 
To offer some historic context, you may be interested to know that since the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis, 396 Trojan athletes have competed in the Olympic Games.  These athletes have brought home 123 gold, 78 silver, and 61 bronze medals.  If USC competed as a country, its 262 total medals would place it seventeenth among all nations in the world.  In terms of gold medals, and again if it were a nation, USC would be twelfth.  To date, USC Olympians have represented 57 different nations and have participated in 28 different sports.

These are remarkable athletic feats, and we take significant pride in the many accomplishments of our athletes. They represent their nations—and our beloved university—with such distinction. In the coming weeks, you can follow our current Olympians at usctrojans.com/london2012/. We all look forward to cheering their performances, and to building on the university’s illustrious Olympic history”.

Important Fall Dates-to-Remember

• Open Class Registration：August 20-24
• URC at Birnkrant Early Move-In and Parent Reception：Monday, August 20
• Move-In Day：Wednesday, August 22
• Office for Parent Programs Move-In Day Welcome Reception：Wednesday August 22（12:30pm – 2:30pm in The Forum Room（#450）in the Ronald Tutor Center
  Pancake Breakfast and New Student Convocation：Thursday, August 23（starts at 7:30am）
• Classes begin：Monday, August 27
• Hawaii v. USC Trojans：Saturday, September 1
• Labor Day：Monday, September 3
• Parents Council Meeting at the Radisson Hotel：Tuesday, September 18
• Trojan Family Weekend：October 18-21
• Parents Council Meeting：Tuesday, November 13
• Thanksgiving：November 21-24
• Classes end：Friday, December 7
• Study Days：December 8-11
• Exams*：December 12-19
• Winter Recess：December 20- January 13

*Students usually leave campus within 24 hours after their last exam.
Access the 2012-2013 Academic Calendar at http://academics.usc.edu/calendar/2012-2013/.

News from the Office for Parent Programs

Parent’s Move-In Day Welcome Reception on August 22

Take a break from Move-In Day! Drop into the USC Parents Council and Office for Parent Programs Parents Welcome Reception from 12:30pm - 2:30pm in the Forum Room（#450）at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center on Wednesday, August 22. Light refreshments will be provided. You will also have a chance to write a letter of good wishes to your student and the Office of Parent Programs will deliver it. No RSVP is required. Contact Maria Riley at mariaril@usc.edu or call 213.740.2080 for more information.

 

Parent On-Campus Volunteer Opportunities for Move-In Day on August 22

Welcome new parents to campus with your Trojan spirit! Volunteer opportunities are now available to greet and assist new parents and students on Move-In Day in three hour shifts starting at 7:30 am. Please contact mariaril@usc.edu for more information or to sign-up for a volunteer shift.

 

Register for the Parents Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 18

All parents are invited to attend the Parents Council meeting on Tuesday, September 18 at the Radisson Hotel（on Figueroa, across from campus）. The parent social starts at 5:30pm and the dinner meeting will begin at 6pm. LAPD Commander Robert Green and USC DPS Chief Carey Drayton will be the featured speakers.

Registration is $25 until Monday, September 10. After September 10, registration is $30. No registrations will be accepted after 5pm on Thursday, September 13. Discounted campus parking will be available to parents who RSVP by 5pm on Monday, September 10. To RSVP, please register at http://sait.usc.edu/parent/UpcomingEvents.asp.

 

Wisconsin Trojan Families Are Invited to a Game Watch on September 8

The Milwaukee Trojan Group invites new Trojan parents and families in the Wisconsin area to join the group and meet for fun gatherings a few times a year. The next get-together is at 2:30pm on Saturday, September 8 at Champps Sports Bar and Grill in Brookfield, Wisconsin for the USC vs. Syracuse game. All Trojan families and alumni are welcome. Please contact Kavita Gupta at kavi10gupta@yahoo.com for more information.

Parent Information:

The USC Alumni Clubs invite you to a USC SCend Off!

Each summer, USC Alumni Clubs around the world host SCend Off receptions to welcome incoming USC students and family members to the Trojan Family. SCend Offs help connect new students, their families and friends to local alumni and alumni groups. On occasion, USC faculty or administration guests also attend SCend Offs to greet and welcome new students and their families. Find the nearest SCend Off to you at http://alumnigroups.usc.edu/scendoffs/.

 

URC at Birnkrant Welcomes Parents at An Early Move-In Reception on August 20

The University Residential College at Birnkrant will offer a Friends, Family & Residents Welcome Reception from 3:30pm- 4:30pm on Monday, August 20. Be introduced to the North Area Residential Education Staff and Faculty Masters and learn about events and activities planned for this year. The reception will be in the area behind Leavey Library. An RSVP is not required.

 

Fall 2012 Move-In Day is Fast Approaching

Move-In Day is on Wednesday, August 22, 2012. Current students, staff and alumni will be present to welcome new students to the Trojan family and assist with the move-in process. Please access http://housing.usc.edu/forms/checkin_2012.pdf for practical information on Move-In Day. This guide also answers common check-in questions, important contact information and what your student should bring to campus.

There will also be several events for parents and students on Move-In Day including（in chronological order）:

• All parents and their students are invited to attend the Move-In-Day reception and tours at the new Our Savior Church and USC Caruso Catholic Center and enjoy a buffet lunch from 11am- 1pm. The church and Catholic Center are located at 844 Thirty Second Street at Hoover（just north of campus）. Please contact Rose at 213.743-2392 for more information or RSVP to Gregg Gipe at gregg@catholictrojan.org.
• Parent’s Move-In Day Welcome Reception（see info under “News from the Office of Parent Programs” above）from 12:30pm - 2:30pm at the Forum Room（#450）in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center.
• New & North Residential Colleges welcome freshmen residents, their friends and family at a reception from 3:30pm - 4:30pm at the New & North Courtyard! You will be introduced to the North Area Residential Education Staff and Faculty Masters. They are excited to meet everyone and share with you some of the exciting events and activities planned for this year.  An RSVP is not required.
• Join USC Price for Welcome Reception and an opportunity to meet the School’s faculty, staff, and fellow parents from 4pm - 5pm at the Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall（Room #308）. This will also be a great opportunity to learn about the school’s programs and upcoming events. Please RSVP by Friday, August 17 to Glenda Silva at glendasi@usc.edu or contact 213.821.8182.
• Please join Dean Rochelle Steiner and the USC Roski School of Fine Arts faculty and staff as they welcome their freshman, returning students and their families to campus.  The Welcome Reception will be held from 4pm - 5pm at Watt Hall（Room #118）. Remarks will begin at 4:15pm and light refreshments will be served.  Please contact Kate Strand at kstrand@usc.edu with any questions. 
• Welcome USC Viterbi School of Engineering freshmen parents! Meet the USC Viterbi School of Engineering’s dean, faculty and staff as well as learn more about the USC Viterbi School and what lies ahead for your student as future engineers at 4pm on Wednesday, August 22 at Archimedes Plaza. RSVP at viterbi.usc.edu/parent_reception or call 213.740.2502.
• Stop by and join fellow South Asian Parent Circle（SAPC） parents for a no-host mixer/dinner at The Lab restaurant（on Figueroa, next to the Radisson）from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Meet the steering committee and members of this new group along with new USC parents. For more information, email Geetika Walia at uscsouthasianparentcircle@gmail.com.
• New Jewish Trojan families are invited to a reception from 7pm - 9pm on Wednesday, August 22. This special event will feature remarks from Dr. Bruce Zuckerman about Jewish life on campus, his role at the USC Casden Institute for the Study of the Jewish Role in American Life and to hear about his innovative work on the Dead Sea Scrolls at USC Hillel. To RSVP and for more information（including location）, contact Alison at Alison@uschillel.org.

 

Help Your Student “Be Well” at USC

Research shows that more and more students are coming to college as non-drinkers. The reality is that most of these students will be confronted with alcohol once they arrive on campus. In order to prepare students for this transition, USC requires every incoming student to take AlcoholEdu for College, an online course designed to reduce the risks surrounding alcohol. All incoming undergraduate students will receive an informational email about the course, which they must complete before arriving on campus. Since parents play such a large role in influencing student alcohol use, USC also offers AlcoholEdu for Parents（visit http://parents.alcoholedu.com and use the following Login ID:  P123961PARENT）. Parents are encouraged to take this course and discuss alcohol use with their student before and after he or she arrives on campus.
In addition to alcohol, there are many other health and wellness issues that students may experience as they transition to college. From sleep and stress to nutrition and healthy relationships, USC is committed to addressing all areas of health and wellness. In 2011, the Division of Student Affairs unveiled “BeWellUSC,” an initiative aimed at improving student wellness through campus resources, programming, and healthy messages.

For more information about how parents can help their students “Be Well” at USC, contact the Office for Wellness and Health Promotion at 213.740.4777.

 

Don’t Forget…Request a Waiver of Health Insurance for Your Student

Student Health insurance is automatically added to the fee bills of domestic students enrolled in six units or more, international students enrolled in any number of units and all Health Science campus students enrolled in any class. If your student is covered by private health insurance which meets USC requirements, parents may request a Waiver of Health Insurance from the USC Student Health Service on a yearly basis. If the form is not filled out, the student will be billed for health insurance on their semester fee bill. Please access http://www.usc.edu/uphc（under Health Insurance）for waiver criteria.

 

And Finally for First-Time USC Parents….

If you have any questions about your student’s fee bill or need further information on financial items, please call the USC Cashier’s Office at 213.740.7471. Also visit http://www.usc.edu/academics/classes/term_20123/services/cashiers_office.html.

Student Information:

FRESHFEST 2012 for Incoming Jewish Trojans on August 20-21

FRESHFEST is a retreat for incoming Jewish Trojans to meet fellow USC students, get tips from upperclassmen about campus life, move into the residence halls early and get a head start at USC. Check out the FAQ YouTube videos to help answer more specific questions, at www.uschillel.org/freshfest or contact Alison Levine for more information at alison@uschillel.org

 

Join Project ReMix：New Student Symposium on August 26

Project ReMix：New Student Symposium is a personalized student welcome from 10am - 4:30pm on Sunday, August 26 at Founder’s Park for incoming underrepresented ethnic and sexual minority students and their allies – Latino, Black, Asian American, Pacific Islander, LGBT or any combination of the above. This is an opportunity to meet incoming students and learn about specific campus involvement opportunities and resources to help achieve success during the first year at USC. The symposium includes an involvement fair with over 75 student and community organizations, interactive workshops to get connected to current students, faculty and staff along with a free lunch. Following the symposium, all are invited to attend the Welcome Back Barbeques hosted by the Asian Pacific American Student Assembly（APASA）and the Queer & Ally Student Assembly（QuASA）.

This event is sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Student Services, Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs, El Centro Chicano, and the LGBT Resource Center.
Register at http://tinyurl.com/projectremix.

 

Sorority and Fraternity Recruitment Begins on August 25

Sorority recruitment begins on Saturday, August 25.The last day to register for recruitment is on Friday, August 24 by 11:59pm at www.uscpanhellenic.com. Please contact 213.740.7740 or email trojansgogreek@gmail.com with any questions.

Fraternity recruitment also starts on Saturday, August 25. Register online at www.usc.greekrecruitment.com.

LGBTQ and Ally Welcome Back Barbeque on August 26

The Queer & Ally Student Assembly（QuASA）and the LGBT Resource Center invite students to attend the Annual LGBTQ and Ally Welcome Back Barbeque to meet fellow LGBTQ and Ally students, faculty and staff. The event will be held at 4pm on Sunday, August 26 at Alumni Park. Come enjoy free food, music and company and make connections that will last throughout the college experience! For more information, please visit www.usc.edu/lgbt or www.facebook.com/usclgbt.

 

Order 2012-2013 El Rodeo Yearbooks Now and Save!

Place your order now for the 2012-2013 El Rodeo yearbook and save $20 by purchasing early! Access www.uscelrodeo.com for more information.

2011-2012 El Rodeo yearbooks are still available for pickup from 9am - Noon and from 1pm - 5pm Monday through Friday in Student Union, Room 404. There is also a limited quantity available for purchase for $70 each.

 

Check out these upcoming events:

Help The Ostrow School of Dentistry Win a Car on August 4

The Ostrow School of Dentistry’s Community Oral Health Program is a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good campaign. Each day for 100 days, five nonprofits compete with short videos explaining why they need a new car. The program’s voting day is Saturday, August 4. With a simple mouse click, you can help the program continue providing free dental care and education to underserved communities. The school hopes to win a Toyota Sienna Mobility, equipped with a wheelchair lift, to make it easier to care for handicapped individuals.

Preview the video at tinyurl.com/ostrowcares and mark your calendars to vote August 4（you can only vote one day）. To vote, visit 100carsforgood.com on August 4 and select “USC Ostrow School of Dentistry”.
Experience USC Dornsife Saturdays at the Lab on the Catalina Island Campus

The USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies（based in USC Dornsife）invites your entire family and friends for an inside look at the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. Join Wrigley Institute staff, volunteers and studentsfor “Saturdays at the Lab” to learn about this state-of-the-art research center and teaching facility, including Big Fisherman’s Cove and its status as a no-take marine reserve. Explore the center’s marine labs and classrooms, hyperbaric chamber and touch tank with those who know the facilities best. This free program runs every Saturday through Labor Day weekend. For additional information on Saturdays at the Lab and other Wrigley Institute tours and programs, please contact Katie Chvostal at chvostal@usc.edu or 310.510.0811.To learn more about the Wrigley Institute please visit http://dornsife.usc.edu/wrigley/education/sat_labs.cfm.

 

Hula Down to the OC for the “USC Summer Luau!” on August 11

Join the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association and the USC Alumni Club of South Orange County for some Trojan fun at the “USC Summer Luau!” from 4pm - 8pm on Saturday, August 11 at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California. Wear your favorite aloha attire and enjoy an authentic Hawaiian dinner and traditional entertainment featuring hula dancers, Tahitian dancers and drummers and a live musical performance by Aunty Geri & Mehana. Fun activities for the whole family include learning how to hula, lei making and island-themed games. There will also be a silent auction supporting the USC Alumni Club of South Orange County Scholarship Fund. Contact 213.740.4937 for more information. RSVP at http://alumni.usc.edu/ocluau.

 

Catholic Trojan Parent Association Dinner Meeting on August 13

All parents are invited to attend the upcoming Catholic Trojan Parent Association planning meeting scheduled at 6:30 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012. Fr. Lawrence Seyer and Lisa and Gregg Gipe will take the helm during a dinner discussion about the continuing development of the Catholic Campus Ministry programs at the new Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center.  Meet at the new USC Caruso Catholic Center at 844 Thirty Second St. just north of campus（at the corner of Hoover and 32nd.）  Please RSVP to Lisa and Gregg Gipe at gregg@catholictrojan.org or for more information contact Rose at 213.743.2392.

‘SC Family Night：A Conversation About the Trojan Family in Honolulu on August 16

Join fellow Trojans and friends for an informative and inspiring program about today’s college experience and culture, both on the national level and at USC at 6pm on Thursday, August 16 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. USC Dean of Admission Tim Brunold will first give an overview of national college admission and enrollment trends in today’s hyper-competitive environment. He’ll then join USC Alumni Association Board of Governors President Mitchell Lew ’83, MD ’87, Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha  EdD ’06 and Oahu Country Club CFO Owen Sekimura for an engaging discussion about what it means to be a Trojan, whether you’re a student, alum or parent. Tickets are $15 and include a hosted reception. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Trojans and renew your ties to ‘SC. To RSVP and for more information, email Erin Jebavy at erinwil@usc.edu.

 

USC Alumni and Friends Invited to North Texas Events

The USC Alumni Club of North Texas will host the USC DFW Alumni Fall Calendar Kick-Off Mixer at The Cedars Social in Dallas starting at 6pm on Thursday, August 16. Brian Williams, owner of The Cedar Social, is a former member of the USC football team and Super Bowl XXXI champion with the Green Bay Packers. Please stop by and enjoy complimentary appetizers and reconnect with old friends.

Enjoy the start of the USC football season with game watching parties! The USC Alumni Club of North Texas will have a Hawaii vs. USC game watch at St. John’s Tavern in Dallas starting at 6:30pm on Saturday, September 1 and a USC vs. Syracuse game watch at 2:30pm on Saturday, September 8. Contact Alumni Club President Fallyn Gray with any questions at fallyn.gray@gmail.com.

Also, starting at 2pm on Saturday, September 8, the North Texas Parents will have a game watching party（USC vs. Syracuse）and cookie exchange to send to their USC students. For more information on the cookie exchange, location and to RSVP, email parentliaison@dfwtrojans.org.

 

Family Fun at the Trojan Family Picnic in Sacramento on August 18

Join the USC Alumni Club of Sacramento for food, fun and games at the Trojan Family Picnic and Alumni Open House starting at 11:30am on Saturday, August 18 at Howe Park Picnic Area in Sacramento. The fun includes a picnic featuring food, games and raffles. All USC alumni, friends and family are welcome. Tickets are $5 for an individual or $10 per family. Contact Karin at 916.717.5112 with questions. RSVP at https://secure.www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/SCA/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=131434.

The USC Alumni Club of Sacramento also offers a bus trip to Palo Alto as the USC Trojans take on the Stanford Cardinal on September 15. For $100 each person, the day includes a round-trip bus ride to the Stanford game, a game ticket and a lunch bag tailgate. RSVP to Art Campos at artiec17@yahoo.com or call 916.489.0309.

 

Football Kick Off with Austin Trojans on August 22

Celebrate the beginning of USC’s 2012-2013 football season with delicious appetizers, happy hour prices and plenty of spirited Trojan football discussion from 6pm – 8pm on Wednesday, August 22 at Z-Tejas（Arboretum）in Austin, Texas. Expect a fun-filled atmosphere to meet fellow alumni and friends and enjoy specially-priced happy hour fare at Z-Tejas with a warm welcome from all members of the Austin Trojan Family! Find Austin Trojans on Facebook（www.facebook.com/austintrojans）or email at austinusctrojans@gmail.com for future event information.

 

Interfraternity Parents Council Meeting to be held August 24

The next USC Interfraternity Parents Council（IFPC）meeting will be held from 9am - Noon on Friday, August 24 at the Widney Alumni House on campus. All parents representing USC greek fraternities are encouraged to attend. Ideas will be shared for Trojan Family Weekend and topics, including how to develop a stronger Parent Club, will be discussed. Please contact Sara Pfirrmann, IFPC President, at sarapf@aol.com with any questions or to RSVP.

Upcoming Save-The-Dates…

• Saturday, September 1- USC Wrigley Marine Science Center Tour
• Saturday, September 8- Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks and the USC Marching Band at the Hollywood Bowl
• Friday, October 5- 9th Annual APASS Golf Classic
• Friday, October 12- USC LGBT Resource Center Hosts EDGY Conference

Additional News:

Plan Your 2012 Weekend Calendar with USC Football

Make sure to order your tickets to watch the USC Trojans on their quest for a top spot in the BCS. Contact the USC Ticket Office for more information at 213-740-GOSC.

There are four Weekenders planned for the 2012 football season：Syracuse（Saturday, 9/8）, Stanford（Saturday, 9/15）, Washington（Saturday, October 13）and Arizona（Saturday, October 27）. Access http://alumni.usc.edu/events/football/football.html for the most up-to-date information on the Weekenders.