Reserving Space
The first step in planning an event is to submit a request to reserve your event space. Most University Park Campus (UPC) outdoor space is reserved via Trojan Event Services. Reservation request forms are available online at https://trojanevents.usc.edu/. For Health Sciences Campus (HSC) events, or if a University Park Campus venue is not overseen by Trojan Event Services, organizers will be referred to the appropriate school or building manager.
Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis according to organization type. The university cannot and does not guarantee that facilities suitable for all group needs will be provided. Requests should be made early enough — generally at least three to six weeks in advance — to allow adequate time for processing the request, planning the event, payment of fees and advertising. Trojan Event Services has the requested date deadlines on its website.
In the event that a request to reserve space has not been timely submitted, the university may nevertheless consider a UEPA. If the following conditions apply, a Last-Minute Exception request may be submitted as part of the UEPA:
- there was no reasonable way to anticipate the need for the event in time to reserve the space with the advance time ordinarily required (e.g., a vigil or demonstration about a matter that occurred only a few days earlier);
- the time, place, and manner of the event would not interfere with any other scheduled events or university functions; and
- the UEPA has been submitted sufficiently in advance of the event (typically at least 48 hours) to allow the university to address any health, safety, or logistical issues or concerns.
No advertisement can take place before written confirmation is received.
University Event Permit Application
Once Trojan Event Services or the applicable facilities manager has confirmed that space is available, event organizers are required to submit a University Event Permit Application (UEPA) at least three weeks prior to the event date. UEPAs will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate USC departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is defined as an event/gathering?
Any scheduled gathering of 25 or more people. Or any situation that involves external vendors (tent set up by rental company, catering, etc.)
- NCAA Athletics competitions, meets and games, commonly played in stadiums, fields or arenas, are not considered USC events though they are still beholden to other USC policies.
- Classes that are part of the university curriculum are not considered university events**
- Most meetings that support the academic or business mission are not considered university events. Some meetings may qualify as events**
**See event permit question for further details.
What qualifies as a university-sponsored event?
Any event that is organized, sponsored or funded by the university, USC students, faculty, staff, schools, departments, units or a university sponsor would qualify. This includes events on USC’s campuses and buildings, and at all off-campus locations/facilities, whether owned by USC or a third party.
What events require an event permit?
All events & gatherings (see definition) must apply for a USC event permit and be approved prior to moving forward.
USC Events Permit Application
- All events will be evaluated, reviewed and approved by the USC Events Committee.
- All events will require the submission of a diagram and event timeline to be considered for permit approval 4 weeks prior to the scheduled event date.
Some meetings and classes may require permits:
- Meetings where no food or beverage is served are considered meetings and not gatherings or events, and do not require a permit, unless it meets specific criteria
- Meetings where food is served to 25 or more people require a permit. Those with less than 25 people do not require a permit.
- Meetings that have snacks (limited food & beverages such as donuts, coffee, cookies or other simple snacks) do not require a permit.
- Classes that are part of the university curriculum do not require an event permit unless they have a visiting dignitary, celebrity, or guest of notoriety.
Can I set up an information table on campus?
Yes, tabling is allowed.
Who should I contact if I have event-related questions?
Please email
events@usc.edu if you have any questions and/or concerns.
Who can reserve space?
Campus spaces are reservable by USC Students, Faculty and Staff. USC Students must be part of an approved Registered Student Organization (RSO) to make a reservation. All venues used for events must be reserved and approved through the appropriate venue owner.
What outdoor spaces are available around University Park Campus?
Are indoor spaces available at the University Park Campus?
Yes, indoor spaces are available for events. Spaces must be reserved, and an
event permit must be requested and approved for all events.
What outdoor and indoor spaces are available around the Health Sciences Campus?
Indoor and outdoor spaces are available for events. Spaces must be reserved, and an
event permit must be requested and approved for all events.
How do I make a reservation for an outdoor recreation venue?
Visit and log into
myrecsports.usc.edu using your USC NetID credentials. Detailed instructions on how to use the system
are here. You will receive an email confirmation for your reservation.
Aren't the health policies just for COVID?
Phase 5 health policies are still in effect. Protocols are closely aligned with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines and recommendations. A this time, the prevailing protocol is: If you're sick, then stay home. This helps minimize community transmission.