Message to USC Faculty and Staff
From: Michael W. Quick, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; David W. Wright, Interim Senior Vice President, Administration
November 13, 2018
We have just learned that the L.A. Rams will host the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Monday, November 19 at 5:00 p.m. This is a last-minute change from the league’s previous plans – the game was originally scheduled to be played in Mexico City – and we are contractually obligated to accommodate this need. We apologize that this news comes on such short notice, but we are well prepared and we have already successfully managed two weekday games this semester.
While we do not expect this game to disrupt our normal academic activities, we appreciate everyone’s efforts to make accommodations, especially during the week of Thanksgiving.
USC will not cancel classes and we will not make changes to our class schedule for this game. To the extent possible, general academic operations will proceed as normal. As a result, please note that:
- Students are expected to attend classes and complete their assignments as regularly required by the faculty.
- Libraries will remain open during normal operating hours.
- As appropriate, staff may be permitted to work from home. Schools also are allowed to send staff home early in the afternoon.
Suggestions for Faculty. We defer to faculty who are teaching during the late afternoon or evening hours on Monday, November 19 to make the best possible accommodations. In the past, faculty have done the following to help deal with this situation:
- Hold your class at a location other than the University Park Campus. The University Registrar will work with those schools offering a large number of classes in the evening to identify alternative locations at the limited number of available USC-owned locations.
- Use available online instructional technologies and approaches for this class period.
- If your class syllabus includes off-campus activities or work that can be done away from campus, plan such an activity for Monday.
Transportation and Parking. The most significant impacts to university operations will likely be the increased traffic, safety, and parking demand. USC Transportation is working to mitigate the isolated parking issues that have arisen during previous weekday Rams games. Also, please note:
- No weekday tailgating – including the set-up of tents, chairs, tables, and/or picnic blankets for the purpose of serving meals or drinks – will be permitted on University Park Campus or at USC Village. Note also that tailgating at Expo Park is limited this season because of the ongoing construction.
- Because of limited parking options at Expo Park due to ongoing renovations, game attendees are encouraged to use alternative transportation – including public transit and ridesharing services – rather than drive to campus on game day.
Although this comes with short notice, please plan your Monday late afternoon and evening classes with this game in mind.
Thank you for your flexibility and cooperation in helping the campus accommodate this game. If you have any questions or suggestions for mitigating disruptions to normal university operations, please feel free to contact the administration of your school.
Cc: Wanda Austin
Academic Senate
Academic Deans
Staff Assembly
President’s Cabinet
Provost’s Cabinet