Written by Sian Salazar | December 18, 2024
Navigating graduation is difficult for everyone, but it can be even more confusing for December graduates because they need to figure everything out on a completely different schedule than the rest of the school. I’m Sian Salazar, a senior on the verge of graduating with dual degrees in Political Science and Global Health (plus I managed to sneak in a minor in French).
I decided to graduate a semester early pretty last-minute. A course substitution request that I had put in early in my junior year came through at the last minute. Because this substitution covered a GE, a class for my minor, and a class for one of my majors, it ended up cutting all of my last spring semester off (though it did mean I had to take 20 units during my last semester).
Because I had to deal with the graduation scramble for sash, dress, photos, diploma, etc. a whole semester before all my friends did, I kind of had to figure it out on my own. So I decided to put together a quick guide so that any future seniors, whether it’s next semester or years in the future, will be able to figure out everything they need to know.
1. Double-check your graduation requirements.
There’s nothing worse than realizing you might be forced to stay an extra semester (or two) than what you were planning for. I know it sounds silly, but this has happened to more than one person I know. Do me a favor and email your counselors, double-check your STARS report, and make sure everything is in order. All of your course requirements on STARS should be blue—if you see anything flagged in red, this might mean you are ineligible to graduate! Reach out to your counselor about this. Nobody wants to stay longer than they’re supposed to, and I know your parents won’t be happy about it, either.
2. Apply for any recognitions you may be eligible for (e.g. Renaissance Scholar).
Are you double majoring or minoring in vastly different fields? You may be eligible for certain honors and recognitions, such as the Renaissance Scholar Recognition from USC (check out the requirements here). It’s a fun little distinction you get on your diploma. Plus, you get a medal to wear at graduation, which will help if you want to be the most decked-out person walking the field.
Renaissance Scholars are also eligible to apply for the Renaissance Scholar Award, which is $10,000 for further education. That’s a pretty big deal.
If you don’t qualify for any of these recognitions, or a sash isn’t your thing, don’t worry about it. A USC diploma is the most important thing anyone could ever need, and we’re all walking off the commencement stage with one.
3. Pick up your cords!
If you’ve still managed to hang onto the coveted Dean’s List recognition, you’re probably eligible for honor cords. Check your email and grab them while you can! Take them to your grad photoshoots, hang them on your wall, make full use of everything. This, a fully-embroidered USC sash, and a Renaissance Scholar medal will make you the most formidable person graduating at USC.
4. Invite your family and friends.
If you’re like me, then your family is scattered not only all across the country, but across the world. Let them know now the dates of your graduation so they can make all the necessary arrangements: Booking flights. Finding a suitable hotel room. Renting a car. Trust me, your family will thank you if you get on top of it now rather than later.
5. Book your photos ahead of time.
Some things for you to consider:
- Are your friends going to join you in your photos? Your roommates?
- Plan ahead! Do you want that beautiful golden-hour glow? If so, book earlier in the season: Come spring, every day around 5 PM, I promise that every spot you want to take pictures at will be crowded with other graduates, all neatly lined up and waiting for their turn. If you don’t want to wait, be proactive and book an earlier photoshoot.
- Who’s going to take your photos? Find a photographer you like — this includes a lot of things, like editing style, price point, availability, and level of comfortability. Try asking around with friends who have graduated to see who they used, or use your Instagram stalking skills to see who took your favorite photos from last graduation season.
- Remember, popping champagne on campus is strictly prohibited. Additionally, please help keep campus clean by cleaning up any props you may be using for photos (glitter, confetti, etc.)
6. Find your ‘fits: Figure out what you’re going to wear to those photos.
- Get your graduation sash.
During peak times, these sashes can take a while to make. Most people like to customize their sashes to the brim, but remember that this takes time, and that it takes even longer when all 5,000 USC grads are rushing to the bookstore to get them done at the same time. If you want to save some money, consider buying a blank sash at the USC bookstore for $55 and getting them embroidered off-campus (try Patsy’s). If you’re not feeling too adventurous, PrideSash is USC’s official provider, and they do a good job, too. They have all the custom presets for whatever you might need from USC, and they will do any type of personalization you need, from E-Board position to Greek letters.
- Get shopping: Dress and heels (or suit and tie, or whatever you prefer).
I’m pretty picky when it comes to this stuff, so it took me over a month to find the perfect dress-and-heels pairing that I absolutely loved. I went in-person to pretty much every mall in the LA area and I still wasn’t satisfied, so I ended up ordering online (and returning many, many dresses). Don’t be afraid if it takes you a while to find the perfect outfit, but remember to account for that extra time if you need it.
7. Find the perfect Instagram caption.
I’m only partially joking. You don’t want to post those grad photos with the same caption as everyone else! Get creative, and start thinking, now, so you can be the most quirky USC graduate of Spring 2024.
Best of luck and fight on, Trojans! See you during commencement in the Spring.