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Safety and Support Resources — USC OIS

[Photo] The Engemann Student Health Center, a red brick campus building with a large arched entrance and tall windows, stands along a tree-lined street. Pedestrians and a cyclist pass the building, with bicycles parked near the entrance.

If you need immediate crisis assistance, call the Department of Public Safety (DPS) emergency number at 213-740-4321 (USC University Park Campus), 323-442-1000 (USC Health Sciences Campus) or dial 911.

For medical needs, counseling or sexual assault survivor assistance, call USC Student Health at 213-740-9355. If calling after hours, follow the recorded instructions to get connected with an on-call provider.

For all other crises, call Campus Support and Intervention (CSI) at 213-740-0411 or email uscsupport@usc.edu. The CSI team responds to emails within one business day.

For non-urgent, safety-related questions, call the DPS non-emergency number.

USC University Park Campus DPS
USC Health Sciences Campus DPS

An emergency is a serious, unexpected and sometimes dangerous situation requiring immediate action. Some examples of emergencies include:

  • A person with a medical condition requiring immediate attention
  • Someone experiencing a severe mental health episode
  • Robbery or theft
  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Fire
[Photo] Campus public safety officers gather with bicycle patrol officers on a brick plaza for a briefing while pedestrians walk nearby. Bicycles, campus buildings and trees surround the outdoor meeting.

Review Safety Tips

From theft prevention to jogging safety, USC’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers helpful tips for the USC community.

[Photo] A public safety officer speaks with three students in an outdoor campus courtyard with brick buildings and red umbrellas in the background. The group stands together in conversation near picnic tables.

Take Advantage of DPS Services

DPS offers a variety of services to students, including a mobile safety app, the TrojansAlert system, bicycle registration, safety training and more.

[Photo] A public safety officer directs arriving vehicles during campus move-in while speaking with a smiling driver through an open car window. Traffic cones and a line of vehicles mark the check-in route.

Stay Safe From Scams

Scammers posing as government agents or law enforcement officials often target international students to obtain personal information and/or money. Visit our page on avoiding scams for international students to learn more.

[Graphic] Split layout with a white panel on the left displaying the headline “Safety Advisory: Scams” and the subheading “What to Know & How to Avoid Them” in dark red, and a smartphone on the right showing an incoming call labeled “No Caller I.D.” with answer and decline buttons. The graphic promotes scam awareness and avoiding fraudulent calls.
    [Photo] A health care provider wearing a lab coat and face mask speaks with a student wearing a face mask in an examination room. Medical equipment, cabinets and diagnostic tools line the clinic walls.

    Medical Care

    At USC Student Health, students can schedule appointments for primary care as well as specialty care, such as dermatology, allergy, physical therapy and nutrition services. USC Student Health can also help with emergencies, after-hours care and referrals.

    [Photo] A pink paper leaf hangs from a string with the handwritten message, “I am Strong.” Blurred paper leaves and ribbons hang in the background against a wood-paneled wall.

    Counseling and Mental Health Services

    USC Counseling and Mental Health Services offers confidential services such as individual therapy, crisis support, psychiatric services, consultations, group counseling and workshops.

    [Photo] A public safety officer speaks with two students in an outdoor campus courtyard as they smile and listen during a conversation. Brick buildings, trees and red umbrellas create a welcoming campus setting in the background.

    Confidential Advocacy, Resources and Education Support Center

    Confidential Advocacy, Resources and Education Support Center (CARE-SC) offers survivor support, sexual assault prevention and more. CARE-SC’s services are available to all USC students at no cost.

    [Photo] A public safety officer speaks with two students in an outdoor campus courtyard as they smile and listen during a conversation. Brick buildings, trees and red umbrellas create a welcoming campus setting in the background. [Photo] A close-up shows a counseling session with one person writing on a clipboard while another sits with hands clasped during a conversation. The scene focuses on attentive listening and note-taking in a private setting.

    Substance Abuse and Addiction

    Students struggling with substance abuse can:

    Students who are concerned about a fellow Trojan’s alcohol and/or drug use issues may submit a Trojans Care for Trojans (TC4T) request to help connect their peers with resources they may need.

    [Photo] A public safety officer speaks with two students in an outdoor campus courtyard as they smile and listen during a conversation. Brick buildings, trees and red umbrellas create a welcoming campus setting in the background. [Photo] A close-up shows a counseling session with one person writing on a clipboard while another sits with hands clasped during a conversation. The scene focuses on attentive listening and note-taking in a private setting. [Photo] Participants practice yoga together on an outdoor lawn at night, holding a raised-arm lunge pose on yoga mats. Glow bracelets and colorful lights create a festive atmosphere, with illuminated campus buildings in the background.

    Mindful USC

    Mindful USC is a service from the Provost’s Office that helps the USC community build a culture of mindfulness and compassion through training, practice groups and special events such as guided meditations.

    [Photo] A health care provider wearing a lab coat and face mask speaks with a student wearing a face mask in an examination room. Medical equipment, cabinets and diagnostic tools line the clinic walls.
    [Photo] A pink paper leaf hangs from a string with the handwritten message, “I am Strong.” Blurred paper leaves and ribbons hang in the background against a wood-paneled wall.
    [Photo] A public safety officer speaks with two students in an outdoor campus courtyard as they smile and listen during a conversation. Brick buildings, trees and red umbrellas create a welcoming campus setting in the background.
    [Photo] A public safety officer speaks with two students in an outdoor campus courtyard as they smile and listen during a conversation. Brick buildings, trees and red umbrellas create a welcoming campus setting in the background. [Photo] A close-up shows a counseling session with one person writing on a clipboard while another sits with hands clasped during a conversation. The scene focuses on attentive listening and note-taking in a private setting.
    [Photo] A public safety officer speaks with two students in an outdoor campus courtyard as they smile and listen during a conversation. Brick buildings, trees and red umbrellas create a welcoming campus setting in the background. [Photo] A close-up shows a counseling session with one person writing on a clipboard while another sits with hands clasped during a conversation. The scene focuses on attentive listening and note-taking in a private setting. [Photo] Participants practice yoga together on an outdoor lawn at night, holding a raised-arm lunge pose on yoga mats. Glow bracelets and colorful lights create a festive atmosphere, with illuminated campus buildings in the background.

    • Students may apply for an emergency loan of up to $1,000 from USC Campus Support and Intervention (CSI). This loan:

      • Must be repaid within 90 days.
      • Is available to F-1 or J-1 students with a Social Security number.
      • Has strict documentation requirements for the application.

    • USC Graduate Student Government (GSG) offers the caretaker subsidy grant to eligible students who are primary caretakers.

    • USC Graduate Student Government (GSG) offers an emergency fund grant of up to $1,000 “designed to help students with unforeseen expenses arising from a crisis and to quickly address financial setbacks.” Application cycles open each semester.

    • USC Graduate Student Government (GSG) provides up to $600 to help offset the cost of neuropsychological evaluations required for diagnostic clarity and access to academic accommodations.

    • The SCA Emergency Fund, for USC School of Cinematic Arts students only, helps students with “emergency scenarios ranging from needing temporary shelter, rent, utilities, funds for food and clothing, and other unexpected struggles.”

    • USC Student Basic Needs provides supplemental funding awards for financial support to help cover essential expenses such as food, rent/housing, healthcare or childcare during times of unexpected need.

    Campus Support and Intervention

    Campus Support and Intervention (CSI) assists students, faculty and staff in navigating issues including:

    • Resource referrals and recommendations
    • Critical incident response
    • Professor notifications
    • DPS incident follow-up
    • Health leaves of absence
    • Trojans Care for Trojans (TC4T) outreach to report concerns about someone’s well-being
    [Photo] Students visit a campus safety information booth under blue canopies, speaking with staff and collecting brochures and safety materials. Tables display printed resources, giveaways and informational items.

    Career Center

    Learn how to manage personal finances, receive guidance in applying to jobs and internships, get drop-in advising for common career questions and more at the USC Career Center.

    [Photo] An elevated view overlooks a campus courtyard with red umbrellas, outdoor seating and brick academic buildings surrounding the plaza. Students gather, walk and study throughout the open space.

    Legal Counseling

    The USC Undergraduate Student Government offers free 30-minute legal counseling for USC students every Monday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST.

    [Photo] Two people sit across from each other at a table in conversation, with one person smiling and listening attentively while papers and a laptop rest nearby. Indoor plants and a staircase create a comfortable, private meeting space in the background.

    Office of Religious and Spiritual Life

    The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life sponsors a variety of opportunities for exploring the spiritual dimensions of your life and learning. The office also offers a list of places for reflection and worship on USC’s campuses.

    [Photo] A small chapel features wooden pews, carved wood paneling, stained glass, decorative chandeliers and a painted wood ceiling. An altar and two chairs sit at the front of the quiet room.

    Office of Student Accessibility Services

    The Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) provides support services and accommodations necessary to enable students with disabilities to develop their maximum academic potential by making their education accessible, while having the dignity to work independently.

    [Photo] Students talk with representatives at an outdoor student organization fair beside a trophy displayed on a table. White umbrellas shade the booths as visitors browse displays and speak with club members.

    Student Basic Needs

    Students struggling with basic needs such as acclimation and adjustment, financial issues, legal aid, or housing or food insecurity can email basicneeds@usc.edu to speak with a Student Basic Needs staff member.

    [Photo] Students sit in a classroom with laptops open, smiling and listening during a class discussion. Individual desks and a bright classroom setting create an engaged learning environment.

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