Academic Events
Planning an Event
Planning a successful academic event takes coordination across many teams, processes, and resources. This Academic Events page is designed to be your central starting point, bringing together key contacts, planning forms and templates, budgeting guidance, venue and catering resources, technology support, communications tools, guest management, and event best practices. Whether you’re organizing a small faculty talk, a visiting scholar lecture, or a large conference, you’ll find the information, checklists, and resources needed to streamline planning, ensure university compliance, and create a seamless experience from initial request through post-event wrap-up.
Event Intake Forms
Complete an event intake form corresponding to your Academic Service Hub to request event and travel support (including, but not limited to, events involving catering, parking, airfare, hotel). To put on high-quality and well-attended events it is recommended to follow these timelines:
- 2 weeks (minimum) for small events (e.g., 10-12 people for lunch in a conference room)
- 6–8 weeks for larger events (e.g., 20+ people, including 1-2 meals, guests or visitors)
- 6+ months for conferences or high-profile speakers (e.g., full day of 100+ attendees with presentations and several guests)
Students interested in planning an academic event should contact their Faculty Advisor first.
Checklists & Templates
Academic Services Contacts for Events
For questions and additional guidance, please contact the following staff according to your department’s Academic Service Hub division.
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Emma Watson
Academic Program Specialist
Email emmawats@usc.edu -
Tracye Marshall
Email 
Brandon Martinez