Campus Access

1. Policy

Issued: January 14, 2013 
Last Revised: April 4, 2024 
Last Reviewed: March 6, 2025  

Applies to:​ Faculty (including part-time, adjunct and visiting faculty), postdoctoral scholars, staff and students (including graduate/undergraduate student workers and graduate assistants) employed by University of Southern California (“USC“ or the “University“) and including those working for the University’s health system (“USC Employees”). This policy continues to apply to individuals who are on sabbatical or other leaves, or who are visiting other institutions.  

2. Policy Purpose

Establish appropriate parameters for access to University of Southern California (“USC”) campuses and other university properties to help ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and guests.

3. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all USC students, faculty, staff, and visitors accessing USC campuses and other university properties. 

4. Definitions

N/A

5. Policy Details

As a private institution of higher education, USC reserves the right to restrict or prohibit access to university property; specific examples as follows: 

  • Access to the University Park Campus (UPC) is restricted to students, faculty, staff, and registered guests. Faculty and staff are required to scan their USC ID (USCard) when entering campus; visitors must be pre-registered or show their government-issued identification to enter. Please see Procedures section for link to detailed information, including access protocols for alumni, vendors, and those coming to UPC for a medical or dental appointment. Additionally, within a USC campus, certain buildings or locations may be restricted to certain individuals associated with the university or their guests. 
  • USC may close the UPC campus perimeter or further restrict access to certain areas of the campus and/or campus buildings or other university property, with or without notice, in the event of an unusual occurrence or emergency that poses a threat to the safety of persons or property on the campus. 
  • USC Village is open to the public during normal business hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; after-hours access is restricted to students, faculty and staff, and registered guests only. 
  • USC may prohibit access to the campus or specified university property by any individual who engages in conduct that violates university policies (e.g., the Violence-Free Campus and Workplace policy). 
  • USC may establish special health-related requirements for access to the campus or specified buildings, or university-sponsored events or activities, to support the health and safety of the university community. These requirements may be equal to or exceed guidelines issued by public health authorities. 
  • As described in the USC Freedom of Expression website and Political Activities Policy, the university, in exercising its responsibility to provide and maintain an atmosphere of free inquiry and expression, may establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions (when USC facilities are permitted to be used for political activities) for the purpose of avoiding disruption to or substantial interference with its regular and essential operations and activities. 

USC reserves the right to prohibit certain activities on university property, specifically: 

  • Unauthorized Food Vendors: food may not be sold or distributed by unauthorized vendors on university property (e.g., food carts pushed onto campus). 
  • Unauthorized Merchandise Vendors: unauthorized merchandise may not be sold on university property at any time, including on campus during game days. 
  • Unauthorized Product Sales: vendors may not buy books from students or sell other merchandise items on university property without university authorization. 
  • Trash Scavenging: searching through university trash containers for recyclables or other items is prohibited. Individuals found searching trash containers will be asked to leave and will be subject to arrest for trespassing if they persist. 

Anyone witnessing unauthorized activities should immediately notify DPS: 

  • University Park Campus (213) 740-6000 
  • Health Sciences Campus (323) 442-120 

6. Procedures

How to Access Campus 

7. Forms

University Park Campus – Visitor Registration Form 

8. Responsibilities

POSITION or OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES 
Students, Faculty, Staff and Visitors Required to comply with this policy; violations should be reported to USC Department of Public Safety (DPS). 
USC DPS and Campus Welcome Services Management and enforcement of this policy in coordination with USC schools and departments. 

9. Related Information

10. Contacts

Please direct any questions regarding this policy to: 

OFFICE PHONE EMAIL 
USC DPS (213) 740-6000  https://dps.usc.edu/contact/   
Campus Welcome Services (213) 740-1027 campusaccess@usc.edu 

Health and SafetyPublic Policy