Viterbi School of Engineering

Commencement 2025

Viterbi PhD Hooding Information

For Viterbi PhD graduates interested in participating in the 2025 PhD Hooding Ceremony, please complete the 2025 Viterbi PhD Hooding Ceremony Student Participation Form before March 15.

Your participation in the hooding ceremony is subject to your dissertation chair's approval.

If you are approved, you will then receive further instructions from the Viterbi commencement registration platform, Tassel (formally known as Marching Order), to complete your ceremony registration. 

7:30-8:00 AM: Graduate check-in

8:00-8:30 AM: Doors open for graduates and guests, graduates will sit in assigned seats, guests will have general seating.

8:30-10:30 AM: PhD Hooding Ceremony

10:30 AM -12:30 PM: PhD Hooding Reception

Students have the option to purchase or rent their cap and gown (regalia), please visit the USC Bookstore website for more information.

Rent Regalia. Students who rent regalia may keep the cap and tassel. The gown and hood should be returned immediately following the ceremony at the USC Bookstore.

Purchase Regalia

  • PhD Hoods are dark blue.
  • Graduates must be wearing robes and caps in order to enter the venue. Graduates are advised to bring their doctoral hood with the button unfastened.
  • Tassels should be worn on the right side of the cap.

Reception with light refreshments following the ceremony at Associates Park, behind Bovard Auditorium.

Wednesday, May 14
10:30 AM -12:30 PM

Associates Park North and South
3551 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089

Contact Us

For all inquiries regarding Viterbi Commencement ceremonies please contact us here.
Published on March 1st, 2019Last updated on February 25th, 2025