Student-Athlete
Handbook
2021-2022
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
2
Table of Contents
3 Emergency Contacts
5 Athletic Department Mission Statement
5 Student-Athlete Code of Conduct
6 Trojan Family Code
7 Athletic Department Policies
7 Hazing
8 Sexual Harassment
8 Student Conduct
9 Academic Integrity
9 Student Grievances
10 Student Athlete Academic Services
10 Staff
10 Hours and Location
11 SAAS Mission Statement
11 Commitment to Academic Excellence
13 Commitment to Personal Development
14 Student Recognition
14 Awards
15 Postgraduate Scholarships
16 Stevens Academic Center Policies
19 Trojan Athletic Senate (TAS)
21 Athletic Medicine
21 Staff
21 Mission Statement
21 Insurance Coverage
22 Nutritional Supplements
22 NCAA Banned Drugs
24 Concussion Education
26 Counseling Services
28 Performance Nutrition
28 Staff
30 Grocery List
31 Strength and Conditioning
31 Staff
32 Strength & Conditioning Policies and
Procedures
34 Media Relations
34 Staff
35 The Media
35 Interviews
37 Social Media
40 Student Services
40 Staff
40 Athletic Scholarships
44 University Aid/Outside Awards
44 Stipend Checks
45 Meal Plans
46 Text Books
46 Summer School
47 Former Athlete Degree Achievement
Program
48 USC Academic Policies
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
3
Emergency Contacts
University Park Campus
EMERGENCY (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 213-740-4321
Public Safety (Non-emergencies) 213-740-6000
University Park Health Center 213-740-9355
Safety Office 213-740-6448
Facilities Customer Resource Center 213-740-6833
Health Sciences Campus
EMERGENCY (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 323-442-1000
Public Safety 323-442-1200
USC Student Health 323-442-5980
Safety Office 323-442-2200
Facilities Management Services 323-224-7001
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
4
Mission Statement
To attract and develop student-athletes who will perform successfully in the classroom and
compete at the championship level in every sport while in compliance with the letter and spirit of
all NCAA and Pac-12 rules. To operate under an administrative structure managed in an open
and fiscally sound manner, supporting equitable opportunity for all students and staff, and
committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Decision-making of the Athletics
Department will follow four basic principles: promoting the well-being of student participants;
attaining and maintaining competitive excellence; administering clearly, openly and responsibly;
and supporting the overall goals of the USC community.
Specifically, the goals for USC Athletics are: to graduate every student-athlete who completes
athletic eligibility at USC; to compete successfully in every sport, striving to be in the top l0
nationally, with the ultimate goal of winning national championships; to provide an environment
conducive to positive growth and development of student-athletes and Athletics Department
staff; to encourage a real, complete and robust college experience, not just an athletic
experience; to provide adequate financial support within the department to ensure continuing
development of each sport program without university subsidization; and to do all the above
while complying fully with all NCAA and Pac-l2 regulations.
* * * *
The central mission of the University of Southern California is the development of human beings
and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. The
principal means by which that mission is accomplished consists of teaching, research, artistic
creation, professional practice and selected forms of public service. The first priority of faculty
and staff is the education of students through a broad array of academic, professional,
extracurricular and athletic programs of the first rank. The university strives constantly for
excellence in teaching knowledge and skills, while at the same time helping students acquire
wisdom and insight, love of truth and beauty, moral discernment, understanding of self, and
respect and appreciation for others
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
5
USC Student-Athlete Code of Conduct 2020-2021
Mission Statement
“It matters how I present myself when I represent more than myself”
When you become a USC student-athlete you become a member of a family that carries with it
an enormous amount of responsibility. As a student-athlete you and your behavior will be
watched and judged while you are both on campus (classroom, bookstore, dorms) and off-
campus (movies, mall, bank). It is important that you carry and conduct yourself with respect
to the University and the Athletic Department along with your parents and teammates.
I. Student policy concerning USC Athletics (adopted from University policy and governance)
USC student-athletes may be held responsible for the acts of other USC athletes. Acts include
but not limited to the following types of circumstances:
1. when a member of a USC athletic team is violating state or university standards and
you fail to indicate your disapproval, or your continued presence without objection
condones the behavior;
2. when the act grows out of a USC athletic activity or environment created by USC;
3. when the acts are those of guests of yours or of USC athletics;
4. when a USC athletic team imposes any hazing on new athletes
II. Policy concerning student-athlete conduct and behavior
As ambassadors of the university, USC student-athletes are expected to comply with the
following guidelines:
1. abide by all federal, state and local ordinances and university regulation
2. gambling, betting in any form on any athletic activity is prohibited.
3. cheating, plagiarism, submitting other’s work, and forging signatures is prohibited
4. alcohol consumption is not permitted on road trips
5. make positive contributions to their teams
6. make a commitment to support your team
7. respect USC property and facilities
8. never place yourself in a compromising position while under the influence of alcohol
9. attend all classes and complete all assignments on time
III. Policy regarding Facebook, Twitter, Badjocks.com and the Internet.
The profiles you create on Facebook, Twitter, etc. can be seen by anyone and everyone. Your
profiles are a representation of you, the Athletic Department and this University. You will be
held responsible for anything that appears under your profile, which includes things that you
write and photos that you post. The Athletic Department guidelines that govern your actions
while on and off-campus will also apply to your profiles on the Internet. You could be held
responsible for anything that is deemed improper or unacceptable according to University
policies governing student conduct and behavior.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
6
The Trojan Family Code
As a TROJAN, I will always do WHAT IS RIGHT! I will act ethically, honestly, and fairly, and respect the
rights and dignity of all people, at all times.
As a TROJAN,
• I will not lie, cheat, or steal.
• I will not bully, haze, mistreat, harm or take unfair advantage of anyone.
• I will not harass anyone about their race, ethnicity, religion, physical condition or sexual orientation.
• I will not take sexual advantage of anyone, by any means or manner (including alcohol, drugs, force or
coercion).
• I will not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, nor will I get in the vehicle of an impaired driver.
• I will not stand by and allow a Trojan to ignore the Trojan Family Code.
I WILL always protect the TROJAN Family and . . .
• DO what is RIGHT.
• STOP what is WRONG.
• TEACH fellow Trojans to follow the Trojan Family Code and RESPECT the Trojan Family.
• Responsibly REPORT any unethical, dishonest, disrespectful or wrongful behavior.
DOING THE RIGHT THING ISN’T ALWAYS EASY,
BUT IT’S ALWAYS RIGHT.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
7
Athletic Department Policies
Hazing
University Policy against Hazing
The University of Southern California expects that all members of the university community
will observe and fully comply with the State of California Education Code requirements on
hazing. In addition, all students are expected to adhere to related regulations set forth by
their respective international, regional or local organizations and university policies
concerning practices commonly referred to as hazing. It is the responsibility of the officers of
organizations to be informed of all the above-mentioned regulations and to see that they are
brought to the attention of the rest of the membership.
USC Athletic Department Hazing Protocol
The athletics department procedures for hazing occurrences will be the following:
Ascertain all facts, sports, and specific student-athlete involvement in the hazing incident.
Student-athletes will be required to meet with his/her sport administrator to provide details
regarding the hazing incident. The student’s sport administrator will draft a report
explicating the information provided by the parties involved in the incident. Subsequently,
the respective head coach will be notified and provided pertinent details regarding the
hazing case. The USC Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards Office (SJACS)
will also be contacted regarding the suspected hazing violation.
A meeting with the sport administrator, the head coach, and the involved student-athletes’
will be conducted to discuss appropriate consequences and punishments for the suspected
hazing violation (i.e. suspension from practice, competition, and organized team activities).
Pending the severity of the violation, Pat Haden (Director of Athletics) may be actively
involved in the punitive process.
After serving the determined penalty for the hazing infraction, a follow-up meeting with the
sport administrator will be conducted with the student-athletes’/team involved in the hazing
violation. In this meeting, the sport administrator will review the USC Anti-Hazing Policy, as
well as provide clear examples of acceptable initiation activities. A representative from
(SJACS) will also be in attendance.
State of California Education Code 32051
No student, or any other person in attendance at any public, private, parochial, or military
school, community college, college, or other educational institution, shall conspire to engage in
hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger,
physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any
fellow student or person attending the institution.
Procedures for Dealing with a Hazing Incident
Anyone with information about a hazing incident which violates university policy has a
responsibility to report it to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards, the
Greek Life staff, Campus Activities or the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
For more information visit: http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/SCAMPUS/governance/gov25.html
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
8
Sexual Harassment
University Policy on Sexual Harassment
The University of Southern California is committed to maintaining an environment that is
conducive to learning and scholarship and free from sexual harassment. To this end, a
formal written policy has been developed that specifies certain behaviors by employees of
the university, acting under the aegis of the university, which fall within the definition of
sexual harassment and which are therefore subject to sanction. In addition, even though
students are not covered by the public laws on this subject, behavior by students that falls
within the definition of sexual harassment is also subject to sanction by the university. In
addition, the university president has issued statements on sexual harassment and on
tolerance, and USC has policies: (1) prohibiting sexual harassment by students, (2)
committing the university to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination, (3) providing for
resolution of grievances, and (4) manifesting the university’s commitment to academic
freedom, academic tenure and full academic due process.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Conduct is sexual harassment if it is an unwelcome sexual advance; request for sexual
favors; or any other verbal, physical or visual behavior of a sexual nature.
Complaint Procedures
Copies of the detailed procedures followed by the university in the event of a complaint being
made against a faculty or staff member, or against a student, may be obtained from the Office
of Equity and Diversity, Figueroa Building 202, (213) 740-5086; or from the Center for Women
and Men, Student Union 202, (213) 740-4900.
For more in depth information visit:
http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/SCAMPUS/governance/gov23.html
Student Conduct
University Policy on Student Conduct
Sanctions for violations of the University of Student Conduct Code are assessed appropriately
for the cited violation. Sanctions will be considered in light of students’ entire conduct records
at the university and will be designed to hold students accountable for their actions and the
resulting or potential consequences of such actions, to promote the educational well being of
students and to protect the educational environment of the university and the safety of its
community.
Sportsmanship
NCAA
USC adheres to the principles of sportsmanship as defined by both the NCAA and Pac-12
conference. In 1997, the NCAA’s member schools and conferences established a Committee
on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct, representing educational institutions from all three
Divisions. The committee’s mission is to improve the condition of sportsmanship and ethical
conduct in all aspects of intercollegiate athletics by developing and implementing strategies
that foster greater acceptance of the value of respect, fairness, civility, honesty and
responsibility.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
9
Pac-12 Conference
The Constitution of the Pacific-12 Conference cites as a purpose of the Conference that its
members shall participate in its athletics program on the basis of mutual trust and confidence
and based upon high standards, scholarship, and sportsmanship. It adds that the members
value quality competitive opportunities for student athletes, compliance with the rules of fair
play, and sportsmanship. Understanding that realization of those goals requires that opponents
respect each other and admire earnest effort made fairly in pursuit of victory, the Conference
shall require adherence to the standards it has adopted or which are set forth in the respective
playing rules. It will require ethical conduct worthy of the educational stature and the standards
of its member institutions. While victory shall be the expected goal of every competitor, defeat
is not a disgrace, and the prospect of defeat is never an excuse for unethical behavior or a lack
of sportsmanship. Adherence to these principles will maximize the benefits and enjoyment of
intercollegiate competition for all—participants, coaches, and spectators.
Academic Integrity
University Policy on Academic Integrity
General principles of academic honesty include and incorporate the concept of respect for the
intellectual property of others, the expectation that individual work will be submitted unless
otherwise allowed by an instructor, and the obligations both to protect one’s own academic
work from misuse by others as well as to avoid using another’s work as one’s own. All
students are expected to understand and abide by these principles.
Student Grievances
University Policy on Student Grievances
The University of Southern California is committed to treating all students equitably and
fairly. Consequently, in its interactions with students, the university does not differentiate
between students on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual
orientation, national origin, disability, medical condition or veteran status. Likewise, in
creating and maintaining a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, one
element of maintaining such an environment is ensuring that students are free from the
effects of misconduct by other members of the university community, including faculty
members.
Definition
A grievance arises when a student believes, based on established administrative policies and
procedures, that he or she has been treated in an arbitrary, capricious or discriminatory
manner by a university department or a representative of the university.
Formal Grievance Resolution
Should a situation arise in which a student is unable to resolve his or her grievance
informally, the university’s formal grievance process may be employed. This process,
outlined in SCampus, should also be initiated within 30 days of the failed informal
resolution if applicable. For more information visit:
http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/SCAMPUS/governance/gov24.html
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
10
Student-Athlete Academic Services
Dr. Denise Kwok Heather Bell Dr. Kevin Bolen Dr. Cory Buckner
Director of SAAS Director of Academic Asst. Director of Asst. Director of
[email protected] Academic Advising Academic Support Academic Support
Mimi Butler Susie Cognetta Ricky Coles Howard Croom
Director of Academic Advisor Academic Advisor Academic Advisor
Academic Support WGO, WSO, MPO WCR, MVB, WVB MFB, WBV
Kim Gross Dr. Martin Jauregui Monica Morita Angela Munger-Rivera
Academic Advisor Sr. Learning Specialist Director of ACT Programs Assoc. Director of
[email protected] MFB, MTR, WTR
Kimberly Olson Dr. Nisha Parmar Whitney Rotrock Marisa Samaniego
Learning Specialist Learning Specialist Director of Sr. Learning Specialist
LAX, MTE, WTE
Rosie Sese Toni VanEck Dr. Jonathon Young
Learning Specialist Eligibility and Data Director of Technical
Location: Hours:
Stevens Academic Center Monday - 8:00am - 9:00pm
940 W. 35
th
St. Tuesday - 8:00am - 9:00pm
Los Angeles, CA 90089 Wednesday - 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday - 8:00am - 9:00pm
Website: Friday - 8:00am - 5:00pm
www.usc.edu/saas Saturday - Closed
Sunday 5:00pm - 9:00pm
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
11
Mission Statement
The USC Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) Program is committed to providing the
necessary support to assist all student-athletes in reaching their full potential academically,
personally, and professionally. The SAAS Program is fully integrated with the University. Our
program includes academic advising, personal and career development, tutorial programs, and
learning specialists, which are all aimed at promoting a philosophy of individual responsibility
so as to encourage each student-athlete to value their educational experience. In providing
such services, student-athletes will be afforded the opportunity to develop the skills needed to
persist towards graduation, become leaders within the community, and lead successful and
productive lives.
Commitment to Academic Excellence
Degree Progress & Graduation Monitoring
SAAS Academic Counselors are responsible for monitoring the academic progress of each
student-athlete to promote effective communication between the student, academic counselor,
coaches, and faculty members. All information gathered encourages the student-athletes to
take ownership of their academic program and make appropriate decisions regarding their
future. Academic progress updates are also provided to the coaches on a regular basis to
ensure that the coaching staff is fully aware of how their students are progressing in their
courses and how their progress may affect their eligibility status.
Priority Scheduling
All student-athletes are given priority scheduling to allow them the opportunity to register for
courses they need at the times requested and enable them to stay on a steady graduation
plan. Students must be proactive about receiving advisement and clearing holds prior to the
priority registration date.
Academic Progress Reports
Throughout the semester, faculty submit midterm grade reports with detailed information on
academic performance including current grade, attitude, and attendance. In addition, emails
are sent to instructors seeking academic progress information on student-athletes as needed.
Tutorial Services
All student-athletes have access to free tutorial services provided by qualified undergraduate
and graduate students in a variety of subject areas, subject to tutor availability. Tutoring is
offered either on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting and all sessions take place inside
the Stevens Academic Center. Upon the completion of each tutorial session, the tutor fills
out a feedback form that evaluates the student's comprehension of the course material,
provides suggestions for learning strategies, and outlines new grade information. Although
tutoring services are free, student-athletes will be charged $10 for each unexcused miss of a
tutorial session. Debt may not exceed $30 or access to tutorial services will be subject to
suspension.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
12
Learning Specialists/Assistants
These individuals work one-on-one with student-athletes to expand their academic skills and
further develop essential college learning modalities. Some areas of focus include time
management, reading, writing, note taking, test taking, and critical thinking strategies. In
addition, special attention is paid to transitioning freshmen and student-athletes with
Education-Impacting Disabilities.
Travel Excuse Letters
One week prior to each competition, academic counselors are responsible for providing each
competing student-athlete with a competition excuse letter for the classes they will be missing
while on the road. The purpose of the excuse letter is to make the instructor aware of any
absences that may occur due to university-sponsored athletic events.
The letter will include the following information provided by Compliance:
1) competitor(s),
2) competition site,
3) competition date(s),
4) excuse dates, and
5) a list of those student-athletes who will be traveling for the specific competition.
It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to provide each instructor with the letter at least
one week prior to the competition and arranging to make-up any missed assignments or
exams.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
13
Commitment to Personal Development
New Student-Athlete & Parent Orientation
All freshman & transfer student-athletes are invited and mandated to attend an in-person
orientation program during Welcome Week. This program introduces student-athletes and
parents to athletic department and university resources and educates them on health and
wellness topics relevant to the student-athlete experience.
PHED 165a
During a student-athlete's first year at USC, he/she is required to take PHED 165, a
semester long course designed to address the current issues affecting the personal
development of the student-athlete. Discussion topics include study skills and strategies, test
taking and library research, health and wellness, interpersonal communication, financial
management, media relations, selecting a major, career development and campus
resources. This one unit course is facilitated by SAAS Staff with guest speakers from SAAS,
former student-athletes, and various student service departments across campus.
P.O.W.E.R. Programs
Each semester student-athletes attend various presentations featuring a well-known keynote
speaker, who will address personal development issues, such as alcohol and drug abuse,
sexual responsibility, diversity, leadership, life after sports, financial literacy and more.
USC Career Center
The Career Center is the one-stop resource for career services on the USC campus.
Whether students need assistance with selecting a major, looking for an internship, resume
development, mock interviews, or pursuing a professional position, the Career Center is an
excellent resource. Each semester, the Career Center hosts a variety of career fairs for
students in all majors and disciplines. The Career Center also maintains the “Trojan
Network”, an alumni database connecting students with alumni to gain information about
career fields, companies, and organizational cultures, and “ConnectSC”, a job database
containing listings for full-time, part-time as well as internship, summer, and work study
positions.
Career Month
Each year a month long series of events is planned to assist student-athletes prepare and
apply for internships and full time employment opportunities. Included in the month are
graduate school workshops, career readiness workshops, resume critiques, a career fair,
alumni panels, and more.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
14
Student Recognition & Awards
Student-Athlete of the Month
Each month during the regular academic year, the SAAS staff is responsible for selecting six
student-athletes (3 male and 3 female) who are believed to exemplify high academic
standards. This can be either through outstanding performance in the classroom or
dedication to study hall or tutorial sessions.
USC Senior Recognition
Each spring, the USC Student Recognition Award Committee organizes the Senior and
Graduate Award Recognition Ceremony to honor student leaders who have demonstrated a
noteworthy level of commitment to leadership, involvement, service, and scholarship at USC.
Marks Scholars
Each May, the Daniel X. Marks Foundation, in conjunction with the USC Athletics Department,
hosts the Marks Luncheon. The purpose of this luncheon is to honor those student-athletes
who have excelled in the classroom. Specifically, scholarship students (non-scholarship/walk-
ons do not qualify) are invited to the luncheon if they have at least a 3.0 cum GPA (or are in
the top 10% of their team and have a 2.75 cum GPA or better).
Athletic Department Senior Graduation Reception
At the conclusion of every school year, the athletic department recognizes the academic
pursuits of it graduating seniors by hosting a graduation ceremony and reception during
commencement week. Students and their families are encouraged to attend and celebrate
their achievements with the athletic department. During this reception, three annual awards will
be given out to the year’s most outstanding seniors.
These awards include:
Trojaneer Diamond Award recognizes the student-athlete who brought the most fame and
distinction to the university.
Gimbel Award recognizes the student-athlete who was deemed ‘most cooperative’.
Willis O’Hunter Award is awarded to the senior who has the highest cumulative grade point
average.
Stevens Scholars
Each May, graduating student-athletes who have achieved a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher are
awards with a Stevens Scholar medallion during our Student-Athlete Graduation Celebration.
Varsity Award
A one-time only Varsity Award will be given to a student-athlete who fulfills the Varsity Letter
winner award criteria set forth by each sports Head Coach. This award could be given during
any of the years a student-athlete participates in their respective intercollegiate sport. Their
coach will inform a student-athlete that they have been awarded such an award and will then be
asked to choose from a Varsity Letter Jacket or Varsity Blanket. The athletic department will
also award watches to members of team conference champions and rings to NCAA National
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
15
Champions.
Postgraduate Scholarships
Pac-12 Post Graduate Scholarships
Each spring, the Pac-12 awards two $9,000 scholarships per institution (one man and one
woman) to be used for graduate study. Academic and athletic achievements are weighed
equally. In order to qualify for the award, the student-athlete must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA,
have competed in their final year of athletic eligibility, and must have been admitted into a
graduate program.
NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships
The NCAA awards 174 scholarships to student-athletes who have excelled both academically
and athletically. The award is a one-time grant of $7,000 to be used toward graduate study
within three years. To qualify, the student-athlete must have a minimum of a 3.2 cumulative
GPA, competed in their final year of eligibility, performed with distinction on their varsity team,
and be seriously considering graduate study. Students must apply during their final season.
Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship
A $24,000 award given to one male and one female student-athlete nationally by the NCAA.
Applicants must have above 3.5 cumulative GPA and have competed in their final year of
athletic eligibility.
Jim McKay Scholarship
A $10,000 award given to one male and one female student-athlete or former student-athlete
annually by the NCAA. To be eligible the student-athlete shall have a cumulative
undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better, be enrolled in a graduate study program or intend to enroll
within 5 years of receiving the award, demonstrate the potential to make a contribution to the
sports communication industry, and have an understanding and appreciation of Jim McKay
and his contributions to sports broadcasting.
Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in
Athletics
The NCAA awards 13 scholarships to ethnic minorities and 13 scholarships to female college
graduates who will be entering their initial year of postgraduate studies. The applicant must be
seeking admission or have been accepted into a sports administration or other program that
will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics, such as athletics
administrator, coach, athletic trainer or other career that provides a direct service to
intercollegiate athletics.
International Fellowships
Competitive international and national fellowships can be an incredible way to enhance your
knowledge in your area of study, while also giving you a competitive edge on any graduate
programs you may apply to in the future. Fellowships are available to support research, study
at a foreign university, teach English, or take part in an internship abroad. Fellowships can be
for graduate and/or undergraduate students, and vary by location, length, and field of study.
To learn more about international fellowships such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, and
Fulbright contact USC Academic Recognition Programs at (213) 740-9116 or go to
http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/arp//fellowships.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
16
SAAS Policies
General Policies
Food
With the exception of bottled water, food and drinks are prohibited inside Stevens Academic
Center. Food and drink are permitted on the patio provided students are responsible for proper
disposal. No tobacco products are allowed in the facility.
Vehicles/Transportation
All forms of transportation outside of the approved list from the Athletic Medicine/Trainers are
strictly prohibited in the Stevens Academic Center. Examples of prohibited
vehicles/accessories/equipment include but not limited to: rollerblades, roller skates, scooters,
electric one-wheel scooters, two-wheel balancing scooters, skateboards, etc.
Phone Calls and Music
To ensure a quiet learning environment for all students, making or receiving calls on cell
phones is prohibited in all tutorial and study areas inside of the Stevens Academic Center.
If listening to music, headphones should be set to a volume so that only you can hear it.
Pets
Pets are prohibited from all areas inside and outside of the Stevens Academic Center. Service
or Assistance Animals may be required to show documentation from Disability Services and
Programs in order to be in facilities.
Student Dress Code
In order to maintain a professional and hygienic environment within the academic facilities
where student-athletes can focus and concentrate during their tutorial session, student-
athletes are expected to follow the below dress code while using the Stevens Academic
Center. In addition, Student-athletes are required to shower after practice or workouts before
entering Stevens Academic Center.
• No cleats
• No exposed midriffs, ‘crop tops’
• No spandex shorts
• No visible undergarments (pants/shorts around waist)
• No spaghetti straps
• No excessively short skirts or shorts
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
17
• No excessively low or cut off top
Appointments
Student-athletes who are coming to speak with an SAAS staff member,
sho
uld
sched
ule an
appointment. If the SAAS staff member is unavailable, student-athletes should wait outside of
the staff member’s office and not interrupt any student-athlete in tutorial or studying.
Computer Labs
All student-athletes are welcome to utilize the two computer labs at JMC as long as it pertains
to their studies. The main lab features 10 DELL PCs and 22 Apple iMacs. In order to provide
students with the necessary computing resources and maintain an academic setting, the
following guidelines have been set.
Enforcement of the Computer Labs
The Lab Administrator, Staff and Student workers monitor all rules.
Rules of Conduct
Absolutely NO FOOD or DRINKS are allowed in the computer labs.
When using the lab please:
• Respect fellow student-athletes.
• Do not engage in any disruptive behavior.
• Set cell phones to vibrate or silent or turn them off.
• Use headphones and set the volume so that only you can hear it.
• Speak quietly.
• Refrain from using tobacco inside the building.
• Log out of the computer after finishing a session. SAAS is not responsible for any work
that was lost. Students who did not log out are also liable if others copy their work.
Technical Assistance
Student workers are available to assist students with the following:
• Navigating to find applications
• Opening of documents
• Force closing applications that aren’t responding
• Saving documents to flash drive
• Scanning of papers to be uploaded to Blackboard
Contact the Lab Administrator for further assistance.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
18
Printing procedures
The printing procedure is different for each lab.
Main Lab
• Select print.
• Paper will go into a printing queue located at the Print Release Station (PRS) and
will be appended to your USC Username.
• On the touch screen panel at the PRS, select your name and click print.
Small Lab
• Select print.
• Pick up your paper from the shared network printer in the lab.
Wireless Printing
1. Visit https://LabPrint.usc.edu
2. Click “Athletics (JMC)”
3. Select Printer A or B
4. Upload file and select amount of copies
5. Continue with print options
6. Wait for completion
7. Release print job from Print Station A or B
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
19
Trojan Athletic Senate
What is the Trojan Athletic Senate?
The USC Trojan Athletic Senate (TAS) is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled
to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. Members of the TAS have the opportunity
to address issues affecting student-athletes at USC and have the opportunity to offer input on
issues, at the campus, conference, and national level.
Purpose of TAS at USC
The USC Trojan Athletic Senate (TAS) was formed for the purpose of:
• Serving as a line of communication between the student-athletes and the USC Athletic
Department.
• Providing the student-athlete population with an opportunity to more effectively
communicate with USC athletic administrators and offer suggestions on programs
designed to serve student-athlete needs.
• Staying abreast of and acting on issues facing student-athletes, Athletics Department
policy, University rules and regulations, and NCAA rules to protect the interest of all
student-athletes.
• Designing programs that will encourage academic achievement, social responsibility,
health promotion, and general awareness.
• Encouraging student-athletes to become more involved in campus and community
projects.
• Build a sense of community and cohesion within the athletics program involving all
athletics teams.
• Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus and in the community.
Who can participate in TAS?
TAS is comprised of two senators from each athletic team. In order to be eligible to serve as a
senator, you must be listed as a current member on the official team roster and be in good
academic standing (2.0 cumulative GPA or higher). Each team will be responsible for choosing
its representatives and all representative appointments to TAS are for one year beginning in
the Fall semester.
Annual Events
Welcome Back BBQ - As a means of promoting better communication and cohesion between
teams, this event is held during the first week of Fall semester for all student-athletes and
athletics department staff. At the event, student-athletes have an opportunity to catch up with
friends, meet new student-athletes, participate in fun and interactive games and enjoy a BBQ
dinner.
Contacts
Whitney Rotrock – [email protected]
Darcy Couch – [email protected]
Denise Kwok – [email protected]
Sam Adams – [email protected]
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
20
Trojan Scholars - Academic Excellence Celebration - TAS hosts a social to honor all those
student-athletes who have consistently excelled in the classroom and gives an academic gift
to all student-athletes who’ve achieved a 3.0 semester or cumulative GPA, or who have
been honored as a Student-Athlete of the Month.
Pac-12 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee - Each semester, TAS representatives have
the opportunity to participate in the Pac-12 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Meetings,
which is a forum designed to address issues affecting student-athletes at the institutional,
conference, and national levels. In addition to the in-person meetings, members of the Pac-12
SAAC participate in monthly conference calls to keep their institutions abreast on the
conference and national office news.
Community Service Programs and Events - By participating in community service projects,
student-athletes can enhance their leadership and communication skills, while serving as role
models and building positive relationships with community members. During the 2010-11
academic year, the athletic department exceeded their community Service goal of 3,000 hours.
Faculty Appreciation Dinner – TAS & SAAS have arranged an annual Faculty Appreciation
Dinner. This event offers USC student-athletes a chance to network with faculty while giving
the professors a taste of what it’s like to be a student-athlete at USC.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
21
Athletic Medicine
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary, student-athlete centered care for
the University of Southern California. Our objective is to deliver the best possible health care,
both physiological and psychological, through prevention, education, evaluation, management,
and rehabilitation. We utilize evidence-based practices to ensure student-athletes can perform
safely and at their highest possible level.
Insurance Coverage
All USC Students must show proof of health insurance coverage at the beginning of the
academic year. Students who are enrolled in a private health insurance plan may waive
enrollment in the USC Student Insurance program by completing the waiver form and
providing proof of insurance to the Student Health Insurance Office. A student who does not
have health insurance or does not waive out of the USC Student Health Insurance Plan, will be
automatically enrolled in that plan. All student athletes must provide their insurance information
to the Department of Athletic Medicine prior to participation. This process is the responsibility
of the student athletes.
The USC Athletic Department will cover medical costs for injuries or illnesses in which the
athletic medicine staff coordinates the necessary services, as determined by USC Team
Physicians. The student athlete’s primary insurance policy will be billed first and all subsequent
costs that are not covered by the primary insurance will be paid by the USC Athletic
Department. Referrals to outside health care providers without prior approval from the USC
athletic medicine staff may not be financially covered. Student athletes should not discontinue
Russ Romano Lauren Crawford Paul Diaz Karin Dowen
Head Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Assoc. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer
Catherine Hill Shawn McMannes Corey Newton Lisa Noceti-DeWit Asst.
Assoc. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Rehab Coordinator
Sandra Olsen Dunford Rodill Jared Rosen Justin Shibel
Sr. Assoc. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer
Andrew Tai Winnie Voong Jon Yonamine
Rehab Coordinator Asst. Athletic Trainer Assoc. Athletic Trainer
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
22
their insurance coverage assuming that the USC Department of Athletics will assume financial
responsibility for all medical costs. The USC Athletic Department is only responsible for
medical costs associated with athletic related injuries or illnesses. The USC Athletic
Department is not financially responsible for non-athletic related injuries or illnesses.
***It is important to note that if you have outside health insurance and do not want the USC
Student Health Insurance you must fill out the online waiver form. If you do not waive the
university health insurance each year you will be charged for it. Your athletic scholarship WILL
NOT cover this.
Physical Examination
All student-athletes at USC must have a pre-participation physical examination to determine
their current state of health. No student-athlete can practice or compete without medical
clearance from the USC Department of Athletic Medicine. Physicals are scheduled prior to
or during the fall semester each year. Athletes who attempt to walk on must be invited by
the head coach and obtain a physical examination on their own and present documentation
prior to tryouts. Once they have made the team, they must obtain another physical
examination from the Department of Athletic Medicine.
Reporting Injuries and Illnesses
All athletic related injuries and illnesses are to be directed to a department of athletic medicine
staff member. When special medical services are required, the athletic medicine staff member
will coordinate the scheduling of all appointment(s) with the appropriate team physician and/or
consultants. Consultants are appointed according to their expertise and selected by the
Department of Athletic Medicine.
Nutritional Supplements
Due to the lack of federal regulation, nutritional supplements are potentially dangerous. With
there being no guarantee that what is on the label is acutely in the product the student-athlete
may be subject to a positive drug test, which could cause them to lose eligibility. For that
reason, the USC department of athletics does not endorse the use of nutritional supplements
other than Powerade and Collegiate Muscle Milk.
If a student-athlete has a question of whether or not a particular supplement is safe, they can
ask a member of the athletic medical staff or access the Resource Exchange Center (REC) for
more information free of charge at www.drugfreesport.com/rec/ (password: NCAA1). In
addition, all USC student-athletes will have access to the Aegis Shield database for
supplement research via the web or mobile phone app. Login and password is available from
each individual sports athletic trainer.
Ultimately, the student athlete is responsible for what they put into their body. Ignorance is not
an excuse.
NCAA Banned Drugs
The NCAA conducts random drug tests to ensure safety and fairness of competition. If there is
a concern of whether a medication could be banned, the student athlete should consult a
member of the athletic medicine staff immediately. A positive drug test could result in loss of
eligibility for one calendar year. A list of NCAA banned substances can be found on their
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
23
website:http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/NCAA/Student-
Athlete+Experience/NCAA+banned+drugs+list
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is treated with stimulant medication that may
be banned. As with all medications, it should be documented in the student athlete’s medical
chart. Additionally, the student athlete who is taking ADHD Medication is responsible for
signing the Athletic Departments Stimulant Medication Policy and following the checklist
provided. In the event of an NCAA positive drug test for that medication, a medical exception
petition may be generated if the student athlete followed the departmental ADHD Policy.
Having prescription medication, taking prescription medication without a prescription, or
sharing prescription medication is illegal and dangerous.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
24
CONCUSSION EDUCATION—HANDOUT FOR USC STUDENT-ATHLETES
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that range from mild (mTBI) to severe. You can have a concussion
without being knocked out and even a hit or jolt that does not seem severe can cause brain injury. Concussions
can happen during drills, practice, or games, and ones that occur during practice can be just as serious as those
that happen during games. The USC Medical staff treats seriously all concussions, and all signs and symptoms of
concussions.
Concussions come with many possible signs and symptoms; it is very important that you recognize these signs
and symptoms and report these immediately. Symptoms may be subtle and can last for days, weeks, or even
longer. The following are common symptoms caused by head injuries; while someone with a head injury
would not have all or even most of these symptoms, any of these symptoms could indicate a head injury, and
must be reported to the USC Medical staff:
Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussion
Loss of consciousness (LOC) Confusion
Disorientation
Delayed verbal and motor responses
Inability to focus Vacant stare Slurred/incoherent speech Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Balance Problems/Dizziness
Fatigue
Trouble Falling Asleep Sleeping More Than Usual Drowsiness
Sensitivity to Light and Noise
Sadness Nervousness Numbness/Tingling Feeling Slowed Down Feeling Like in a “Fog” Difficulty Concentrating
Difficulty Remembering Stiff neck
Difficulty walking, speaking, or using your arms
Convulsions
Unusual or erratic behavior
NCAA and USC rules require student athletes to report any of these signs and symptoms to their medical staff
immediately. It is extremely important that student athletes be truthful about their symptoms and follow the
treatment instructions of USC medical staff. Do not try to diagnose or treat your symptoms yourself and do
not continue athletic activity until authorized to do so by a team physician or their designee. If you notice
these signs or symptoms in other student athletes, tell the USC medical staff immediately.
Although you cannot completely eliminate the risk of concussion, you play an important role in reducing the risk
of concussion by using proper equipment, including personal protective equipment, at all times, by playing
within the rules of your game, by choosing a style of play that reduces the risk of impacts to your head, and by
immediately reporting signs and symptoms of concussion to USC Medical staff and following their treatment
instructions.
Even with all of these protective mechanisms in place, the risks of head injuries cannot be eliminated. These
risks can be short-term, such as bleeding in the brain and paralysis, and long-term, such as Alzheimer’s
disease, Parkinson’s disease, other brain disorders that become more prevalent with age, and death.
Concussions can also cause brain changes affecting physical abilities (such as extremity function and headaches),
thinking abilities (such as memory and reasoning), sensation abilities (such as touch, taste, and smell), language
skills (such as communications, expression, and understanding), and emotional traits (such as depression,
anxiety, personality changes, aggression, and social inappropriateness). Ongoing research is investigating
repeated brain injuries and the risks of depression, CTE, memory problems and early dementia.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
25
If you have any questions or concerns at any time, contact your staff athletic trainer or team physician. As a
reminder, you need to be informed about the signs and symptoms of concussions, and you are required by the
NCAA and USC to report these immediately and follow the guidelines that the medical staff explains to you.
The undersigned USC student-athlete acknowledges that he/she has received and reviewed a copy of this
Concussion Education Handout for USC Student-Athletes.
Student-Athlete Signature Date
Printed Name Sport
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2021-2022
26
Counseling Services
USC Student-Athletes are the largest consumers of the counseling services at Counseling and
Mental Health (CMH) of any student group on USC’s campus. The athletic department has three
clinical sport psychologists, one postdoctoral fellow, and one part-time psychiatrist on staff to
accommodate the many reasons athletes may come in for counseling.
Locations:
Counseling and Mental Health
Engemann Student Health Center
3
rd
Floor
Sport Psychology Offices
Heritage Hall
Basement Rooms 111 & 113
Phone Number: 213-740-7711
When Calling CMH: First, identify yourself as a student-athlete, then ask to speak with
the clinical sport psychology team at USC who work exclusively
with the student-athletes:
Robin Scholefield Niki Sims Dylan Firsick
[email protected]c.edu Nichole.Sims@med.usc.edu Dylan.Firsick@med.usc.edu
Robby Rhodes KE’Marvin Pitts
Robert.Rho[email protected]c.edu kemarvin@ sc.edu
Website: https://usctrojans.com/sports/2019/6/7/usc-athletics-sport-psychology.aspx
Student-athletes typically come in for the same reasons any university student would, such as:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-Improvement
• Eating Problems
• Homesickness
• Relationship Concerns (roommate,
romantic partner, family, etc.)
• Identity Issues
• Academic Problems
• Substance Abuse
• Loneliness
• Grief & Loss
Additionally, they also utilize services for issues specific to student-athletes, including:
• Performance Enhancement
• Performance Anxiety
• Improve Relationship with Coaches
• Managing Pressure/Expectations
• Being a better teammate
• Managing stress from managing a
full academic and athletic schedule
• Change in athletic status; Retirement
USC Sport Psychology Mission Statement
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
27
The University of Southern California is a committed to providing student-athletes overall support
for their wellbeing. For the past 20 years USC’s Sport Psychology department has provided
programming, individual therapy, and educational training to help student-athletes become a
“whole healthy person.” It is our philosophy that the healthier you are as a whole person the
better you will perform.
Services
Individual, Couples, and Group counseling are offered to all student-athletes who are enrolled
in classes. Sport Psych also works with teams and provides consultation to coaches and
administration. Groups offered include the following: Injured Athlete group, Relationship Group,
Social Confidence Group, Mindful Well-Being, Living with Loss, New Choices (Substance Use).
During the summer, if a student athlete is not enrolled in summer school, they must pay a one-
time student health fee for counseling services.
*Student-athletes are offered unlimited number of weekly sessions during their time at USC.
*Student-athletes do not have a waiting list to get in to see a counselor, can often make same
day appointments, or can be seen within the same week (as long as they identify that they are
a student-athlete when calling to schedule an appointment).
*USC Counseling & Sport Psychology offers confidential services to student-athletes
on campus. Consistent with state law, counselors will not speak with anyone, including your
coach or parents (if you are 18 & older), for any reason without your written consent.
There are three exceptions to confidentiality: 1) if you are suicidal, 2) if you are homicidal, or
3) if you report child/elder abuse. Even in these instances, we are respectful of your privacy and
inform only those who need to know to help keep you and/or others safe.
Mental Health Emergency Card (**take a picture on your phone!)
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
28
Performance Nutrition
Nutrition is a vital piece for optimizing a student athlete’s performance. Proper fueling before
and during competition can give you that competitive advantage needed to succeed. Learning
how to fuel your body correctly before and after workouts and throughout the day will enhance
your body's ability to recover from training and maximize your physical development.
A student-athlete’s schedule can be very busy between practices, classes, and schoolwork so
it can be challenging to figure out when and what to eat. Having a plan is crucial, which is why
making an appointment with the sports dietitian is important.
Performance Nutrition Program:
• Your team dietitian will work with you to give you a structured individualized meal plan
based on your sport and your goals. Your plan includes portion sizes, macronutrient
amounts and suggestions for fueling throughout the day using the resources provided.
• Body Composition and Bone Density analysis. Each team will assess body composition
via IDEXA or by an Ultrasound machine to determine how their cells are adapting to
training and how efficient they are at using the energy they are taking in.
• Provides a grocery list as well as easy inexpensive recipe ideas.
• Can schedule a grocery shopping tour with you and help educate you with what the best
products are to buy and which ones to avoid.
• Can help you with ideas on how to stay healthy when traveling and during holiday
breaks
• Presents to teams on a variety of topics and can even schedule a night of cooking with
your team as a team building exercise and can help you learn how to cook healthy and
tasty food
The NCAA allows us to provide two fueling opportunities throughout the day. These fueling
opportunities are intended to increase the athletes’ ability to recover throughout the day. If you
aren’t training, you’re recovering, therefore it is crucial that the resources provided are utilized
in a purposeful manner. Our goal is to provide you with everything that you need for recovery.
This does not mean that you have unlimited access to food. Receiving food is contingent on
receiving nutrition education. The department of athletics will provide you with necessities for
recovery, but it is not an all you can eat buffet.
**ALWAYS have fuel and a water bottle with you to avoid getting dehydrated and going long
hours without eating, which will absolutely affect your performance and energy level**
Kristy Morrell Becci Twombley TBD Krysten McCaughey
Sports Dietitian Sports Dietitian Sports Dietitian Sports Dietitian
213 - 740-7647 213-740-3843 213 – 821 – 6085 213 – 821 - 8848
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
29
You have to ask yourself “are you willing to do whatever it takes to be the best” and if you are,
you have to take what you are putting into your body seriously! There is a lot of research that
shows what you put into your body will give you an advantage over the rest. You are here at
USC because you are a gifted athlete, now you have to motivate yourself to train hard and
ensure you are getting the proper fuel to maximize your performance.
Fuel On!
All current student athletes, scholarship and non-scholarship will have an opportunity to
participate in an enhanced fueling program. Morning fueling will occur in the Galen Dining
Center and the Galen Arena from 7am – 11am Monday through Friday.
Outside of the morning fueling, athletes can use the fueling station in McKay for pretraining
and recovery nutrition during the hours the weight room is open.
The Galen Cafeteria will continue to operate as a retail operation during the lunch period.
Hours of operation will be 11:30am – 1:30pm open to the public.
To manage space and operational challenges in our facilities sports will be assigned a location
for their student athlete’s participation in the enhanced fueling program. Some sports will be
serviced out of the Little Galen Cafeteria, others will be serviced from the newly created
athletic dining station at the Galen Arena. The new athletic dining station is located in the
kitchen space of the previous media workroom. The team assignments are as follows:
Little Galen Cafeteria: M. Water Polo, W. Water Polo, M. Swim & Dive, W. Swim &
Dive, M. Tack & Field, W. Track & Field, Cross Country, M. Tennis, W. Tennis, W.
Soccer, W. Lacrosse, M. Golf, W. Golf, Baseball, Football, W. Rowing.
Galen Arena Athletic Dining Station: M. Basketball, W. Basketball, M. Volleyball, W.
Volleyball, Sand Volleyball.
Athletes may choose to take items to go OR to dine in, but cannot do both. Sports nutrition
staff is present ensure that athletes are making the choices necessary to attain their fueling
goals.
Student athletes will be required to dine in their assigned location and may only check in one
time during each enhanced snack period.
Student Athletes are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and for treating the staff and
resources with respect.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
30
GROCERY LIST
Trader Joe’s
Ralphs
Fresh & Easy Express
Cottage cheese—Low fat. (Great as a snack,
14g protein/half cup)
Chicken breasts/ Lean ground turkey
Chicken breasts/ or other meats (organic)
Greek Style mixed berry nf yogurt WITH
FIBER
Deli turkey FRESH from the Deli
(great as a snack rolled up with string cheese
and whole grain crackers or with fruit)
Instant Oatmeal
Soy corn dogs (I know...soy but they taste
great!)
Egg beaters
Kashi Golean Crunch Cereal
Zone bars/Balance bars/Kashi bars (chocolate
turtle roll) **Greens + Protein Bar peanut
butter & chocolate
100% natural breads Sara Lee or any other
bread that does not contain hydrogenated oils
Hummus
Beef/turkey jerky (snack)
OJ fortified with calcium and Vit D
Kitchen to go meals (variety of flavors)
American-Mexican-Italian and Asian
Egg white salad (great as a snack with
crackers)
Taco seasoning packet (Low sodium)
Chili or spaghetti seasoning packets from
Lawry’s
Ready to go cut up fruit
CEREALS
Kashi Golean Crunch
High Fiber
Honey, Almond & Flax 9 Whole Grain Crunch
Nature’s Path Pumpkin Flax Plus Granola
Barilla high protein and omega fortified pasta
(Best tasting whole grain pasta)
Veggies and pre- made salads
Steamed Lentils ready to eat warm or cold
Brummel and Brown butter made from nf yogurt
Greek yogurt
Microwaveable Asparagus, Broccoli and
Brussels sprouts
Bags of salad greens dark in color
Cottage cheese
Edamame
Ken’s Steak House Lite Raspberry Vin. Dressing
Veggie straw snack chips
Blueberry & Pomegranate Green Tea
Newman’s Own low fat sesame ginger
Flax tortilla chips
Pre-made Salads
Newman’s Own Light Lime
Whole grain tortillas are great to make wrap
sandwiches
Super Sweet Baby Bell Peppers (large zip lock
bag)
Sargento Mexican Light cheese
String cheese
Freeze Dried Strawberries (great as a snack or
to add to cereal/oatmeal
Hummus
Mary’s Gone crackers (flax seed crackers that
tastes great☺ )
Unsalted /roasted almonds (just a handful)
(just a handful of trail mix)
StarKist Lunch To-Go (snack or light meal)
Ideally eat w/ other whole grain crackers
Deli meats
Honey wheat pretzels
Gen Soy- soy nuts (snack or add to salads)
Amy’s organic soups and Chili
Dried Fruit/ Just Mango Chunks (has no sugar
added)
Avocado (healthy fat) great on sandwiches
Amy’s organic pizza
Veggie and Flaxseed Tortilla Chips
Smart Bran cereal (if needing extra fiber)
Variety of seasonings and spices to make your
meals more appealing
Reduced Guilt Air-Popped Popcorn
GeniSoy potato soy crisps
Beef and turkey jerky
All natural almond butter/ peanut butter
Skinny cow ice cream
Whole grain pasta and pasta sauce
Peanut butter filled pretzels (snack)
Swanson all white meat caned chicken
Peanut butter filled prezels
Bambino Pizza Formaggio (cheese one tastes
the best)*make it directly on oven rack!
Laura Scudder peanut butter “all natural”
(pour out most of the oil)
All natural nut butters
Ak-mak 100% whole wheat crackers
Light string cheese
100% fruit jams
Super Grain and Seed Bread
Rhythm kale chips (zesty nacho flavor)
Blueberry Raspberry Oat Bran Muffin
Stoneyfield OIKOS organic greek yogurt
Fiber cake muffins (14 g. fiber)
Beanitos Pinto Bean & Flax Chips
Frozen Turkey Meatballs
Somersaults sunflower seed snack dutch cocoa
Frozen Organic Brown Rice( add flavor☺)
**Chopped basil, cilantro and crushed garlic**
Corazonas tortilla chips (squeeze of lime flavor)
Sweet potato chips (just watch portions)
Food Should Taste Good Chips (sweet potato)
Frozen French toast made with 4 grain bread
LARA Bars
Frozen steelcut oatmeal
KIND Bars
Fat free No Pudge Fudge Brownie Mix (healthy
brownies that you make with yogurt)
LUNA Bars
The chocolate traveler /Dark Chocolate
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
31
Strength and Conditioning
OUR MISSION
The mission of the University of Southern California Strength and Conditioning staff is to
provide a physically and mentally challenging training environment each and every day. USC’s
strength and conditioning facilities are meant to provide the student athletes with the proper
equipment, environment, and instruction facilitated by a skilled and knowledgeable staff. The
Strength and Conditioning staff is available to provide education, teach proper technique,
design individualized sport specific programs, and motivate each student athlete to reach his
or her potential.
OLYMPIC STAFF
Joshua Heidegger Tim Ojeda Darien Pyka Jill Zeller Tatyana McMahon
Director of Strength Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach
and Conditioning WBB, WVB, M/W SW, M/W G, BVB, WSOC, LAX M/WTR, XC, CREW
BASEBALL, MT M/W WP M/W DIVE, WT
Kurtis Schultz
Assistant Coach
MBB, MVB
FOOTBALL STAFF
Aaron Ausmus Darren Mustin Ty Webb Jared Klingenberg Christian Tupou
Head Strength Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach
MFB MFB MFB MFB MFB
Kyle Voigt
Sports Science Coordinator
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
32
Strength & Conditioning Policies and Procedures
Hours of Operation
Spring/Fall 6:00am – 5:00pm
Summer 6:00am – 2:00pm
*Student-Athletes are advised to train with their strength & conditioning coach during their
allotted team training block.
Dress
• Tennis Shoes must be worn and tied
• T-Shirt or Tank Top with USC logo that is visible must be worn
• Shorts, Tights (Full or Half Length), or Sweat Pants must be worn
• Some Sports might require the entire team to dress the same
• No BLUE is to be worn in the weight room at any time (this includes – shoes/cleats,
socks, shorts, shirts, headbands, etc…)
Storage (Backpacks, Personal Items)
• All Backpacks should be placed on the stadium seating area outside of weight room
offices.
• All personal items such as CELL PHONES, IPODS, watches, jewelry, etc. are stored in
your backpack.
Scheduling
• Any sport team planning to use the indoor field turf must schedule through the strength
and conditioning staff.
• All strength training days and times are scheduled with the strength and conditioning
staff.
• Each sport team is expected to attend their scheduled strength training session.
• All scheduled teams will have priority of weight room space and equipment along with
the field turf.
Audio
• Strength and Conditioning Staff controls the music selection and volume of the Weight
Room and Field Turf area.
• All music played will be the clean/edited versions only.
Fueling Station
Products from the fueling station will be distributed by the nutritionist, fueling station student
workers, or strength and conditioning coaches only. All products received from fueling station
are either consumed and disposed of at station or kept sealed and taken out of the weight
room to be consumed later.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
33
Weight Room Offices
Student-Athletes are not permitted to use computers, fax machines, copiers, TV’s, or
telephones located in the weight room offices.
Safety Policies
• All barbell exercises performed have a safety clip fastened around the bar.
• Barbell squatting and pressing movements are performed with a spotter present.
• All Barbells, Dumbbells, Plates, Bumpers, Kettlebells, clips, etc. are returned to their
specific storage space immediately after use.
• Thumbs are wrapped around the bar or dumbbell during use.
Injuries
Student-Athletes must report all injuries to Athletic Medicine prior to attending their scheduled
strength training session.
Weight Room Orientation
All Student-Athletes must attend Weight Room Orientation that will be offered at the beginning
of the year by their assigned strength coach. Weight Room access will only be granted to
Student-Athletes that go through an orientation.
Friends and Family
Friends and Family members of Student-Athletes are not permitted to use the Weight Room
and Field Turf Area.
Etiquette
• Please wipe down equipment after use (especially cardio)
• Organize all racks and DB areas accordingly (Trojan Head Up)
• No Outside Food or Drink
• No Horseplay
• No Spitting
• No Sitting or lying down unless exercise requires you to do so
• Throw away all water cups
• Dispose of used towels to the soiled towel bin
• No Vulgarity
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
34
Media Relations
“Fans judge you as a player according to how you perform on the playing field. They judge you
as a person according to how you perform with the media. If fans develop a good impression
of you through the media, especially when things are not going well on the field, the benefits to
you can be significant.”--NFL Media Relations Handbook
Trojan athletes benefit from tremendous national and local media exposure. And USC
has had an outstanding reputation of positive media rapport over the years. Therefore, it is
important to understand the media, the value of positive media relations and how best to deal
with the media.
The primary way for USC’s fans to find out about you and for you to communicate to
USC’s fans is through the media. The stories of USC’s teams, athletes and coaches are told
to the fans on a daily basis throughout the year by thousands of newspapers, magazines,
Internet sites, radio stations, and television stations.
As a USC athlete, one of your responsibilities is to cooperate with the media--just as
giving 100% on the playing field and in the classroom are your responsibilities. It’s all part of
the package of being a Trojan student-athlete.
Athletes at USC have many more opportunities than those at other schools to do media
interviews because USC is a nationally-prominent university with an unparalleled athletic
heritage situated in one of the world’s major media markets.
The media’s role is not to be a cheerleader for you. However, you’ll find that the more
cooperative you are with the media, the better chance you will have of the media presenting
positive stories about you. You should view your obligation to cooperate with the media as an
opportunity to promote yourself as well as your team and sport.
Media attention also means that your conduct both on and off the field will be under
intense scrutiny because of your position as a Trojan athlete. The last thing you want is to
receive publicity for an unfortunate off-the-field incident.
Tim Tessalone Darcy Couch TBA Jeremy Wu
Director WBB, MPO, MSW, WSW WVB, WLAX, BVB
MFB, MVB WPO, MTE MGO, WGO MFB Stats
Dave Tuttle Jacob Breems Katie Ryan
MBB, MTR, WTR MBA, WSO WTE, WCR, MFB
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
35
The Media
Los Angeles is one of the largest and most complex media markets in the world. The Southern
California area is home to dozens of daily newspapers, seven commercial television stations,
numerous cable networks, scores of radio stations, and the AP wire service. Here’s a more in-
depth look at the types of sports journalists--representing both national and local media--with
whom you’ll come into contact:
Beat Writers: These newspaper and Internet writers cover USC on a daily basis, so they are a
key link between USC and our fans. Primarily, they report the facts in an objective way. While
beat writers may become the most familiar members of the media to you because of the
amount of time they spend with us, they still must remain independent and impartial.
Television News Crews: Although you likely won’t see reporters and camera crews from the
local television stations as often as newspaper beat writers, don’t overlook their impact. Most
people get their news from television.
Television Game Broadcasters: If one of your games will be televised, count on seeing the
announcers—a play-by-play announcer and an analyst—earlier in the week. They’ll come out
to view some of your practices and, along with the TV producer and director might want to
meet with you informally the day before the game. They might also want to do a brief taped
interview. Obviously, you should not discuss game strategy in detail, or share confidential
team information.
Radio Talk Show Hosts: Sports radio talk shows, featuring calls from fans, are very popular.
It’s possible you’ll be asked to be a guest on one of these shows. Most of the interviews are
done live over the phone.
Photographers: Photographers for newspapers and magazines, and TV video camera
operators, must tell their stories visually. You’ll see them ringing the playing field at practice
and games. So, while you must be judicious in your comments to the media, remember that
your actions can be captured on film and video, too.
Campus Media: USC has various campus media outlets, all staffed by fellow students. These
include the Daily Trojan newspaper, KXSC radio, the El Rodeo yearbook and Annenberg TV
News. While these journalists are your campus peers, we have always treated them like any
media member and have extended them every professional courtesy.
Interviews
The main way you will deal with the media is through interviews. Most interview topics
are about your team and you. Interviews should be looked at as part of the educational
experience offered at USC, helping you develop communication skills that can assist you not
only in the classroom but in future professional and business careers. The more interviews you
do, the better you will become at handling them and the more fun they will be.
We encourage you to make yourself available to the media, especially because
student-athletes have been tremendous representatives of USC.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
36
We ask the media to direct all interview requests through the sports information office.
We will contact you and work around your athletic, academic and social schedules. You’ll be
asked to come to the sports information office at an agreed-upon time to be interviewed in
person or to conduct a phone interview. In addition, following the conclusion of games,
coaches and athletes are expected to make themselves available for interviews within a
reasonable period of time (generally after a 10-minute "cooling off" period). These post-game
interviews occur in various forms: a press conference in front of a group of media, a one-on-
one interview with a reporter, or a live interview on radio or TV.
When doing interviews:
• Be smart and think before you speak.
• Respect your opponents, teammates, coaches and university.
• Be positive.
• Be humble.
• Don’t make predictions.
• Smile and have fun.
• Look presentable (appearance can say more than words), so take off your hat, spit out
your gum, and get rid of gaudy jewelry.
• It’s easy to talk to the media after good times, but your true character comes out after
tough times and adversity (so be accountable and available).
• You don’t have to answer every question or do every interview, but be polite when
declining.
• Anticipate tough questions and prepare answers beforehand.
• Have message points you’d like to make.
• Turn a negative question into a positive answer.
• Don’t go “off the record” or say “No comment.”
• Don’t use slang.
• Remember, you can’t control the questions, but you CAN control the answers.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
37
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is a fun and useful tool…but it can also spread information in a negative way that
exposes your personal life to the world. USC supports an individual's expression of First
Amendment rights of free speech. We do not place restrictions on the use of social media by
our student-athletes. HOWEVER, please remember that you represent USC, the athletic
department and your team at all times. Because the Internet can be accessed by anyone, it is
recommended that student-athletes do not post information--including photographs and text--
and/or join “groups” that do not promote positive behavior. Remember that the general public,
coaches, athletic department administrators, media, opponents, NCAA, law enforcement
agencies and future employers have access to your social media. Inappropriate language,
behavior or postings, as well as postings that violate NCAA rules, could lead to repercussions
from the USC athletic department.
It is HIGHLY recommended that you do not post any personal information, including your
address or phone number. Put your viewing setting on “Private” so only your friends can see
your postings. As a student-athlete, you are highly visible and many people are interested in
you…sometimes, it’s the “wrong kind” of people who could put your career or even your life in
jeopardy. Also, use discretion when posting pictures of yourself, your teammates and
friends. Digital cameras and cell phones with picture and video capability allow the public to
catch you in private moments and easily share those pictures with the rest of the world. Do not
allow yourself to be photographed in a compromising situation. A photo could be “tagged” to
you, leaving you with little control over the content or usage of the photograph.
Bottom line: YOU are accountable for your social media presence. Understand that
inappropriate postings can follow you for life. Do not post anything that would embarrass USC,
your team or your family. If you believe something you posted would upset your parents, then
know that it is going to upset the university, too.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
38
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
39
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
40
Student Services
Athletic Scholarships
If you are a student-athlete receiving athletic aid, we recruited you here and awarded you with
an athletic scholarship because we believe you can be successful both academically and
athletically, that you intend to graduate with a USC degree, and that you will represent the
University in a manner that we will all be proud to call you a Trojan for Life. Your scholarship
either partially or completely covers the cost of attendance to graduate with a four-year
bachelor’s degree from USC. We want you to understand your award so that you can make
good choices with advice from your academic advisors, coaches, and faculty.
For the student-athlete who a four- or five-year athletic scholarship agreement the Athletic
Department will provide funding for up to 128 units of credit. That is the number of units it takes
to graduate from USC with a bachelor’s degree for most majors and the same level of support
USC gives to its top academic students (those who receive full-tuition Trustee Scholarships).
The fact that we are committing as much to you as we do to Trustee Scholars is a sign of how
much we want to support you in completing your degree. There are a few cases where you
may be eligible to receive additional support. For example:
1. If you declare a major that requires more than 128 units by your sophomore year, then we
will finance a maximum of the units required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in that
program.
2. If you graduate and still have athletic eligibility remaining, the Athletic Department may
finance subsequent semesters beyond the 128 units until the time that your athletic eligibility to
compete is exhausted. For example, if a student redshirts and then graduates in 4 years with a
bachelor’s degree and then begins a master’s degree in their fifth year of athletic eligibility, we
may pay for tuition during the final year of athletic eligibility. Please note, if the master’s
program requires an additional year to complete beyond the final year of athletic eligibility, the
athletic department may not be able to continue to cover the cost of tuition.
Our primary goal is to help you achieve all of your goals at USC, especially your academic
goals. Some student-athletes may require additional support from the Athletic Department.
We will always try our best to support you; however, our ability to help will depend on two
things: first, you must demonstrate that you are serious about your education by making
satisfactory academic progress. Second, you must contact us as early as possible (i.e. your
freshman or sophomore year) if you think that the major or majors you intend to pursue will
Joyce Bell Jen Amran
Associate Athletic Director Director of Student Services
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
41
require extra support so that we can discuss your options.
We want to help you reach your goal to graduate and to get the most out of your time at USC.
As you know, the University encourages students to pursue more than one emphasis, not just
a major but two majors or a major and a minor. It is what USC calls the Renaissance Scholar
Ideal. In many ways, you’re already doing that by combining your athletic goals with your
academic goals. If you want to add a second major or a minor, please discuss this with us. We
will help you determine if you can do this and stay on track to graduate and whether your
scholarship will cover the costs. With careful planning a student can complete their degree with
a major and a minor or double major without exceeding the minimum 128 units required to
graduate from the institution.
What Your Scholarship Covers
A Full Athletic Scholarship includes ONLY: tuition, standard room and board, required and
recommended textbooks, compulsory fees, transportation and miscellaneous expenses.
An Athletic Scholarship does NOT include, for example: health insurance, tuition refund
insurance, late fees, finance charges, damage charges, and interim housing charges.
If your athletic grant is reduced or cancelled, the Financial Aid Office will notify you of an
opportunity for a hearing to appeal this decision to a University Financial Aid Appeal
Committee.
If you have a question about the terms of your athletic grant, please contact your head coach
or the Office of Athletic Compliance.
Conditions of Financial Assistance
By signing below, I accept this offer of financial assistance, and I understand that to qualify for
this award, I must:
• Fulfill the admission requirements of and be admitted to USC;
• Meet and maintain the eligibility requirements for athletics participation and financial aid
established by the NCAA, Pac-12 and USC; and
• Meet NCAA transfer-eligibility requirements that require me to be academically eligible
to compete had I remained at my previous institution.
I am aware that the amount of this aid may be reduced, canceled or not renewed if:
• I become ineligible for intercollegiate competition pursuant to any NCAA Bylaw as
written now or in the future (e.g., by carrying less than 12 units, failing an NCAA drug
test, not meeting minimum NCAA or USC academic standards);
• I violate the USC Athletic Department’s Drug Screening Policy (attached). Violations
include, but are not limited to, testing positive for any drug prohibited by NCAA
legislation, from any USC administered drug screening, NCAA sponsored drug test,
National Governing Body drug test and/or a CLIA accredited hospital laboratory, or
refusing to participate in the Drug Screening Policy penalty process. The Director of
Athletics (or his/her designee) has sole discretion over penalties relating to violations of
the Drug Screening Policy;
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
42
• I give false information on my application, letter of intent or Financial Aid Agreement or
otherwise fraudulently misrepresent myself to USC;
• I voluntarily withdraw from the team for personal reasons or give written notice that I
intend to leave my team;
• I sign a professional sports contract, agree to be represented by an agent (verbally or in
writing), or impermissibly accept money based on my athletics ability or reputation
(unless my eligibility is exhausted);
• I receive other financial aid that causes me to exceed my individual limit as stipulated in
Bylaw 15;
• I have three or more unexcused absences from class within any term (fall, spring or
summer);
• I have three or more unexcused absences from any mandatory team and athletic
department activity (e.g., practices, meals, meetings, film review, competition) within
any term (fall, spring or summer);
• I exhaust my eligibility in the sport;
• I provide written notification of transfer, per USC policy;
• I complete all requirements for the declared major of my undergraduate degree, but not
before completing four academic years of full-time collegiate enrollment (at any
institution);
• I am convicted of any crime (misdemeanor or felony) by a state or federal court of law;
• Any final finding (after all appellate rights have been exhausted) is made by the proper
University authority that I violated any USC Student Conduct Code or Policy
(http://scampus.usc.edu/), including, but not limited to, findings involving academic
integrity, sexual harassment, illegal or unauthorized drug or alcohol use or possession,
and hazing; or
• I intentionally or knowingly violate (or assist another in violating) any NCAA, Pac-12,
Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), or USC rule or regulation.
The Student-Athlete and the Faculty Athletic Representative shall be notified of the reduction,
cancellation or nonrenewal and the Student-Athlete shall have the right to appeal the decision
in accordance with NCAA rules and USC policy.
I understand that NCAA bylaws, USC policies, and federal regulations restrict the total amount
of financial aid a student-athlete can receive. If I receive financial aid or scholarships from
sources other than USC (i.e., other than from USC or persons upon whom I am naturally or
legally dependent), I will notify the Financial Aid Office and the Department of Athletics prior to
accepting any award. I understand that I may have to decline receipt of outside or institutional
awards if it is not permissible under NCAA, PAC-12 or USC rules. My total financial aid may
not exceed applicable NCAA limits. I understand that employment income earned by me
during the year is a resource and not considered financial aid. However, I will report all
employment income to the USC Athletic Compliance Office in order to comply with NCAA
amateurism regulations.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
43
To be eligible to represent USC in intercollegiate athletics, and avoid reduction, cancellation or
nonrenewal of my scholarship as set forth above, I must be enrolled in a full-time program of
study, be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory progress toward a
baccalaureate/graduate or equivalent degree. I may be eligible to compete while enrolled in a
program of study less than full-time, provided that I am enrolled in the final term of the
baccalaureate/graduate program and USC certifies that I am carrying (for credit) the courses
necessary to complete degree requirements.
If any term of this agreement is to any extent illegal, or later becomes illegal or otherwise
invalid, or incapable of being enforced, such term shall be excluded to the extent of such
invalidity or unenforceability; all other terms hereof shall remain in full force and effect; and, to
the extent permitted and possible, the invalid or unenforceable term shall be deemed replaced
by a term that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of
such invalid or unenforceable term.
This agreement represents the final and entire understanding between the parties. Neither
party is relying upon any oral statement or representation that is not contained in this
agreement. This agreement may only be modified by a subsequent writing signed by all
parties.
_____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Signature of Dean of Financial Aid (or designee)
Date
Signature of Athletic Director [or designee]
Date
_____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Signature of Prospective Student-Athlete
Date
Signature of Parent (if student is under age 18)
Date
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
44
University Aid/Outside Awards
University Financial Aid
Student-athletes are encouraged to apply for the Federal Pell Grant and other financial
assistance by filling out the FAFSA application online (fafsa.gov). The Pell Grant is awarded
based on you or your family’s financial situation. The Pell Grant award does not count towards
any NCAA financial aid limits. The actual amount of your Pell Grant stipend will be determined
by the Financial Aid Office.
Remember, if you are awarded athletics related financial aid, the amount of other forms of
financial aid that you may receive is limited. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for
making the necessary adjustments to assure compliance with NCAA individual financial aid
limitations. Receiving excessive aid can result in you being declared ineligible for competition.
University based aid is generally awarded at the same approximate amount on an annual
basis for four years or 8 semesters, unless there is some significant change in the student’s
financial situation. University aid after 8 semesters is not guaranteed and must be appealed
for on an individual basis with the Financial Aid Office.
Tuition Assistance through USC as the dependent of a University employee, must be approved
by the Financial Aid Office as non-countable aid: 1) If the student-athlete is recruited, the
parent/guardian must be employed by the University for 5 years or more; 2) If the student-
athlete is non-recruited and the parent/guardian is employed for less than 5 years, the
Admissions, Financial Aid, and Compliance Departments must sign off on the Non-Counter
Certification Form for the student to receive the Tuition Assistance as non-countable aid.
Outside Awards and Scholarship
The type and/or amount of outside scholarships and awards you may receive as a student-
athlete is limited by NCAA rules. Outside scholarships and awards are funds given to a
student-athlete by sources other than the Athletic Department, the University, Government
Grants/Loans or someone you are naturally or legally dependent upon. NCAA rules apply
whether you are receiving athletic scholarship or not. Each year, you must notify the Office
of Athletic Compliance if during the year you will receive any outside awards.
Stipend Checks
Athletes who receive scholarships of 80% to 100% may receive the value of some portion of
their scholarship in a stipend check. Stipend checks are issued when the amount of your
scholarship exceeds the charges on your bill from the Bursar’s Office. However, you could still
owe money to the University due to charges on your bill NOT covered by your scholarship. The
amount of the stipend check varies and will depend upon factors such as meal plan, training
table or housing. Other examples of charges that are not covered by your scholarship could be
unwaived health or tuition refund insurance, parking permits or tickets, missed tutoring
appointments and discretionary. If you have any questions about the charges on your bill you
can view your bill on MyUSC.
Stipend checks are typically available on the 26th of every month and may be picked up at the
Office of Athletic Compliance. Please contact the Compliance Director or Assistant Director for
your sport for details on when and where to pick up your check.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
45
Meal Plans
Meal Plans and Residential Dining
The University offers a variety of meal plans that are assigned based on housing location and
class standing. Students whose residential location does not require a meal plan, including
those not living in USC housing, may choose to participate in any plan on an optional basis. A
description of meal plans and dining options, including associated costs, can be found here.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
46
Athletic Scholarship Textbook Program
What do you receive with your athletics scholarship?
- Per NCAA rules, you are permitted to receive only books and supplies that are required or
recommended/optional for courses that you are currently enrolled in, per the Course
Syllabus/Book List.
- You may only receive one set of required books/supplies. If you lose them, you must replace
them at your own expense.
What if your course syllabus lists required books or supplies that you have not
received?
- Go to SAAS with your syllabus and ask your academic advisor for an Unfulfilled Form.
- Bring the Unfulfilled Form along with a copy of your registered course list and a copy of the
syllabus/booklist to your advisor to get their signature.
- Take the signed Unfulfilled Form to the basement of the bookstore to pick up the book or
supply.
What if your course syllabus/booklist does not list books or supplies that the professor
states are required?
- Either get a signed memo on department letterhead from your instructor stating that the
books or supplies are required for the course, or have the instructor email your advisor directly
stating the books or supplies are required for the course.
- Upon approval, you will receive an Unfulfilled Form.
What if the books or supplies that you need are not available at the Bookstore?
- Purchase the item/s and bring the receipt, a copy of your syllabus stating that the book or
supply is required, and a copy of your registered course list, to your advisor in SAAS.
- You will be given a signed Reimbursement Form to take to the 3
rd
floor of the Bookstore; the
Bookstore will reimburse you with cash.
*NOTE: All receipts must be submitted to your Advisor in by the last day of classes in order to
be reimbursed.
What if you drop or withdraw from a class?
- You are required to return all books and supplies for that course immediately to your
academic advisor before you withdraw from a class.
- Fill out and sign a Release of Class Drop Form.
- If you fail to return any books, readers or supplies for a class that you withdraw from,
your student account will be charged the full purchase price including sales tax.
Summer School
Summer School Aid
USC awards athletic scholarship aid for summer school for a select number of student-
athletes. Summer school is not guaranteed for any student, and scholarships are granted
when the necessary funding is available and are awarded by the Director of Student Athlete
Academic Services upon receipt of satisfactory fulfillment of the application requirements.
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
47
To Apply:
The student-athlete must submit a completed summer aid application that includes a sufficient
explanation of their need to attend summer school. Applications should be submitted to your
academic counselor in SAAS. All summer school requests are collected and evaluated by the
Director of Athletic Academic Advisors and then submitted to the Director of SAAS for final
review and approval. You are required to take and pass all of the units you have signed up for.
The Director of SAAS must approve any changes to the units or classes.
Important Points:
If the student fails the class or receives a UW due to poor attendance, the student-athlete will
have to reimburse the Department for any stipend money collected during that term.
Summer aid covers tuition, books and possibly room and board. However, summer aid
covers the same percentage as the student's aid during the previous academic year.
Summer aid only covers courses that are taken at the University of Southern California.
Former Athlete Degree Achievement Program (FADAP)
Policy for providing scholarships to former student-athletes who are no longer competing at
USC.
Former student-athletes applying for scholarship funding from the athletic department to return
to USC should first apply for the NCAA degree completion award, NFL trust fund, or any other
professional league’s applicable degree completion program to help finance their return to
school. After exploring these options, approval for funding from USC is sent to the FADAP
committee (Head Coach, Senior Associate Athletic Director overseeing SAAS, and Sport
Administrator).
The FADAP Committee will review each former student-athlete on a case by case basis and
within the requirements of the Pac 12 Executive Regulations. The FADAP Committee will
determine academic and conduct status at the time of departure from USC, academic history,
overall citizenship, how many years the student previously received aid, and what % of aid the
student received while competing at USC.
Pursuant to Pac 12 Executive Regulation 3-2-a, if the student-athlete withdraws from USC
prior to receiving athletically related financial aid for a period of four years, he or she may
return to USC after exhausting athletics eligibility or leaving school to become a professional
athlete within 10 years* of initial enrollment in any college or university (whether initially
enrolled at USC or another 2 or 4 year institution), and receive a proportional amount of
educational expenses (i.e., tuition, fees, books) for the period remaining under the financial aid
agreement**, provided the following criteria are met:
• The student-athlete left USC in good academic and citizenship standing without
violating any terms of the original financial aid agreement;
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2020-2021
48
• The student-athlete completed at least 50% of his or her degree program at the
time of departure and at least one full academic year at the institution; and
• The student-athlete meets all USC’s requirements for readmission (i.e., previous
academic achievement, length of absence, etc.).
Student-athletes who return to USC as part-time students after they have exhausted eligibility
or left USC to become professional athletes shall receive, at a minimum, educational expenses
(i.e., tuition, fees, and books). In addition, student athletes in equivalency sports who received
partial scholarships shall receive, at a minimum, educational expenses proportional to the aid
he or she received while originally enrolled at USC.
Student Athletes who transfer to another institution are not eligible for aid under the FADAP
program.
*Following the 10 year period, students may apply for degree assistance; each application will
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
**Conditions of the original financial aid agreement (i.e., class attendance, good academic
standing) still apply to the continuation requirements of the degree completion program.
