Booking Guidelines & Information

The School of Philosophy arguably boasts the best facilities of any philosophy program in the U.S. It is housed in the Mudd Hall of Philosophy, a Tuscan-style building featured in Los Angeles travel guides as well as numerous movies and television programs.

Due to the beauty and historic nature of our building, it has become a destination for photography, filming, as well as departmental and student club events on campus. Below are the policies for reserving the Mudd Hall Courtyard for these purposes.

 

 

Booking the Courtyard for Photo Shoots or Events

Booking the courtyard and cloisters (the column-lined perimeter walkways) is simple. Just follow these three steps:

  1. Check Availability
    Contact us to check available dates and times:
    📧 Email: philosophy@dornsife.usc.edu
    📍 Visit: MHP 113, Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

    ⚠️ Please note: It is expected that photo shoots primarily take place in the cloisters. Full exclusive reservations of the courtyard are not typically granted.

  2. Submit Your Request
    If your requested time is available, we will send you the Code of Conduct Agreement for Photography and Events in the Mudd Hall Courtyard. Review, sign, and return the completed form to philosophy@dornsife.usc.edu.
    This agreement outlines all required guidelines and responsibilities—please review carefully before submitting.

  3. Confirm the Booking
    Once we receive your signed agreement and point of contact information, we will confirm your reservation and provide additional use guidelines.

    📌 A reservation is not confirmed until the completed and signed agreement is received.

 

 

Courtyard Booking Rates

User Type Rate Details
USC Student Groups / Organizations $100/hr Recognized student orgs and clubs
USC Dornsife Affiliates $150/hr Dornsife departments, programs, or sponsored events
Other USC / Non-USC Users $250/hr All other university departments, outside individuals, or external organizations

 

Booking the Courtyard for Student Filming

⚠️IMPORTANT: Student filming is strictly NOT allowed inside Mudd Hall under any circumstances. No exceptions.

Students who wish to film outside Mudd Hall must:

  • Provide their own power/generator

  • Film only outside office hours

  • Ensure no obstruction of handicap access ramps or corridors

  • Obtain a USC-Owned Property Location Permit, signed and stamped in person by the Philosophy Department (MHP 113)

    • ✉️ We do not accept digital signatures or emailed forms.

 

Key Areas of the Courtyard (👆Click Through)

Questions or Additional Information?

For availability or inquiries, please contact:
📧 philosophy@dornsife.usc.edu
📍 Visit us at MHP 113

 

 

Professional Production Inquiries

If you are a professional production company or non-student interested in utilizing any part of Mudd Hall for filming, please contact:

🎬 USC Campus Filming
🌐 https://campusfilming.usc.edu/
📞 213.440.4280