The USC Undergraduate Student Government is excited to support the inauguration of Dr. Carol L. Folt as USC’s 12th president, and would like to remind students of the slate of events celebrating the university’s faculty and students.
WHO IS DR. CAROL FOLT?
Dr. Folt most recently led the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she served for 6 years. Although she took the helm at USC in July, she will be formally installed in office Friday. She is an accomplished academic leader, life scientist, and teacher, and holds faculty appointments in marine and environmental biology, civil and environmental engineering, and preventive medicine.
Dr. Folt is known for placing students first and emphasizing academic excellence and innovation among the university’s faculty and staff, and USG is excited to work with her in the coming years to improve and enhance the student experience at USC.
FACULTY SYMPOSIUMS
Among the key events marking the inauguration are two faculty presentations that will highlight innovative work across diverse fields of study. Faculty presenters will focus on the themes of discovery, creativity and innovation in a TED Talks-like format:
University Park Campus symposium: Featured topics include how USC is addressing sustainability, uses of artificial intelligence in social work, air pollution and migration, and the place of chamber music and dance in the digital age.
When: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, 9/19
Where: Bovard Auditorium
Health Sciences Campus symposium: Featured topics include stroke rehabilitation, eliminating diabetes-related amputations, using models to develop better cancer treatment strategies and protecting patients from surprise medical bills.
When: 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, 9/18
Where: Mayer Auditorium, in the Keith Administration Building
ARTS SHOWCASE
Wednesday evening will feature a program of performances and exhibitions showcasing the USC arts schools and their students. The showcase, feature student work as well as multidisciplinary collaborations, will include musical performances, dance and theatrical presentations, standup comedy, short films and an art exhibition.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 9/19
Where: Bovard Auditorium
INAUGURATION CEREMONY
The formal inauguration takes place in Alumni Memorial Park with the processional and official ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. Friday. As with USC’s annual commencement ceremony, the event is outdoors and will proceed regardless of weather.
When: 10 a.m. Friday, 9/20
Where: Alumni Memorial Park
If you’re planning to attend: The event is open the public and several thousand guests are expected. Parking for inauguration events is complimentary, though you must get a parking permit from the attendant at the entrance; tell the attendant you are arriving for inauguration. General information for attendees is on the USC inauguration website.
If you’re marching in the processional: Delegates who have been invited to participate in the processional should assemble on campus between 8:30-9 a.m. Those participants can learn more on the inauguration website.
To view the livestream: A livestream of the inauguration ceremony will be available via usc.edu.
UNIVERSITY-WIDE LUNCHEON
Following the inauguration ceremonies, a celebratory luncheon for students, faculty, staff and friends of the university will take place at locations across the University Park Campus. In keeping with Folt’s emphasis on sustainability as a university priority, the luncheon will be a zero-waste event.
When: Noon-2 p.m. Friday.
Where: McCarthy Quad, Argue Plaza and the West Leavey Lawn.
FOOTBALL FESTIVITIES
Folt’s inauguration date coincides with the USC Trojans’ football game against Pac-12 rival Utah. The newly inaugurated president is scheduled to oversee the coin toss before the game and, during halftime, the Trojan Marching Band is also scheduled to present a presidential celebration.
When: Kickoff 6 p.m. Friday, 9/20
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
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CONTACT
Truman Fritz
USG Senior Director of Communications
(503) 828-6405
usgsdoc@usc.edu