Welcome to the Graduate Program at USC Earth Sciences!
Here is a brief summary of what you can expect when you arrive. Please feel free to contact Darlene Garza, the Staff Graduate Advisor, with any questions.
Mandatory International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Training
International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) Information – The American Language Institute is responsible for evaluating English proficiency, and for providing the necessary training to help ITAs obtain the language skills necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. This training may include enrollment in courses which focus on the communication skills needed for teaching. Please visit the American Language Institute for more information, or contact Darlene Garza (garzadar@usc.edu) with any questions.
Immigration Status Verification (ISV) for International Students
Upon arrival in the United States, all new and continuing international F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 scholars are required to complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV) with the Office of Interntational Services.
ISV is a mandatory online check-in process for international students and scholars that confirms their entry into the United States and verifies their immigration status, ensuring they are eligible to begin their academic program or appointment at USC on their scheduled start date.
USC Graduate Student Orientation
This orientation is usually scheduled on the Monday during Registration Week. While this orientation is not mandatory, it can be very useful. All first-time students are charged a mandatory orientation fee. For more information, please see the Orientation information and registration page.
Mandatory Dornsife TA Training
The Dornsife TA Training is mandatory for all new teaching assistants, including international students who have taken the (equally) mandatory ITA TA training. All new students will also enroll in GEOL-593 Practicum in Teaching the Liberal Arts (2 units) their first fall semester.
Department of Earth Sciences Orientation and New Grad Student Field Trip
The department has the following events planned for you starting the week before classes begin:
- Department orientation Wednesday morning;
- Department welcome lunch on Friday;
- Departure for the New Grad Student Field Trip, which will be led by our current grad students. The trip begins Friday afternoon and ends on Sunday.
Lab Safety Training
General Lab Safety (GLS) training is provided by USC Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). All new graduate students are required to take the training. You can find online self-directed training as well as Zoom training at General Lab Safety Training
Defensive Driving
Before you can drive a department vehicle, an online safety training session is required. Please contact Miguel Rincon (rincon@usc.edu) to help you register for it.
Payroll Set-Up
Payroll set-up varies widely depending on the student. Please contact Darlene Garza (garzadar@usc.edu) or Karen Young (kayoung@usc.edu) and they will walk you through upon arrival.