A tool designed to estimate a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) based on the grading system at a specific institution, the University of Southern California. This utility typically requires users to input their letter grades and credit hours for each course taken. The system then converts letter grades into numerical values (e.g., A = 4.0, B = 3.0) and applies a weighted average calculation, factoring in credit hours to produce an overall GPA. As an example, if a student earns an ‘A’ in a 3-credit course and a ‘B’ in a 4-credit course, the calculation considers both the grade value and the credit weighting.
Calculating the anticipated GPA serves as a crucial component of academic planning and monitoring. It allows students to project their standing, identify areas for improvement, and assess their progress toward graduation requirements and academic honors. Historically, these calculations were performed manually, but the advent of automated systems has significantly streamlined the process, making it more efficient and less prone to error. These tools also provide a readily accessible method for understanding the potential impact of future grades on the cumulative GPA.
The following sections will delve into the specifics of how the grade point average is calculated at USC, the available resources for GPA estimation, and strategies for improving academic performance to enhance the final GPA.
1. Grade Value Conversion
Grade value conversion represents a fundamental component of any University of Southern California GPA calculation. This process involves assigning numerical values to letter grades (e.g., A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0) based on a predefined scale adopted by the institution. Without this conversion, it would be impossible to quantify academic performance and derive a meaningful GPA. The accuracy of the final GPA calculation hinges directly on the precision and consistency of this initial grade-to-number mapping. For example, if USC utilizes a plus/minus grading system (e.g., A-=3.7), failing to accurately account for these nuances during conversion will lead to an inaccurate GPA estimation. Thus, Grade Value Conversion dictates the foundational data for any estimation tool.
The impact of accurate grade value conversion extends beyond simple calculation. It influences a student’s understanding of their academic standing and their ability to make informed decisions regarding course selection and study strategies. For instance, a student aiming for a specific GPA to qualify for a scholarship needs to accurately convert their target GPA to the equivalent grades required in their courses. Moreover, inconsistencies in conversion methods across different tools or departments within the university could lead to confusion and potentially flawed academic planning. Consider a scenario where a student uses an external calculation tool that does not align with USC’s official grading policy; the resulting GPA estimate would be misleading.
In summary, grade value conversion is not merely a preliminary step but an integral determinant of the reliability and utility of any University of Southern California GPA calculation. Ensuring accuracy and consistency in this process is critical for both the validity of GPA estimations and the effectiveness of academic planning. Challenges arise primarily from variations in grading scales (plus/minus grades, honors points), necessitating tools that precisely mirror the USC grading policy. By maintaining standardization, students can make well-informed choices, enhancing their chances of achieving their academic goals.
2. Credit Hour Weighting
Credit hour weighting is a crucial element in calculating the Grade Point Average at the University of Southern California. Its purpose is to reflect the academic load associated with each course, recognizing that some courses demand more time and effort than others. Courses with a higher number of credit hours have a greater influence on the GPA than those with fewer credit hours. This weighting mechanism ensures that the GPA accurately represents the student’s overall academic performance, taking into account the relative importance of each course. Without credit hour weighting, a GPA would simply be an average of grades, failing to acknowledge the varying academic commitments represented by individual courses. For example, a student earning an ‘A’ in a 4-credit course and a ‘C’ in a 1-credit course will have a GPA more heavily influenced by the ‘A’ grade due to the higher credit hour weighting.
The practical significance of understanding credit hour weighting lies in its impact on academic planning and strategic course selection. Students can use this knowledge to prioritize courses that will significantly affect their GPA, focusing their efforts on high-credit courses when aiming to improve their academic standing. Furthermore, understanding the system enables students to accurately predict the potential impact of future grades on their cumulative GPA, allowing for more informed decision-making regarding course load and study habits. For instance, a student on the verge of a higher GPA bracket may strategically enroll in a high-credit course where they believe they can excel, thus maximizing their chances of achieving their desired academic goal. Conversely, a student struggling in a subject might opt for a lighter course load to avoid negatively impacting their overall GPA.
In conclusion, credit hour weighting represents a critical aspect of the Grade Point Average system. It accurately reflects the academic intensity of courses, allowing students to strategically plan their studies and understand the implications of their academic performance. The challenge lies in students fully grasping the intricacies of the system to optimize their GPA effectively. By understanding credit hour weighting, students at the University of Southern California can navigate their academic careers with greater awareness and control, ultimately enhancing their chances of achieving their academic goals.
3. Cumulative GPA Calculation
Cumulative GPA calculation represents a student’s total academic performance across all completed semesters at the University of Southern California. Its accuracy and accessibility through a dedicated calculator are fundamental to students monitoring their academic progress and planning future coursework.
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Semester Grade Integration
The calculation incorporates grades from each semester, combining them to create a comprehensive academic record. For instance, a student’s GPA from their freshman year will be combined with their sophomore year GPA, and so forth. The tool performs this integration, allowing students to see how each term contributes to their overall average, as well as track their progress toward graduation or honors requirements.
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Weighting by Credit Hours Across Semesters
The number of credit hours taken each semester influences the overall GPA. Semesters with higher credit loads have a proportionally greater impact on the cumulative GPA. For example, if a student takes 18 credits in one semester and 12 in another, the 18-credit semester will carry more weight in the cumulative calculation. The calculator correctly accounts for these variations in credit hours.
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Impact of Repeated Courses
The university’s policy on repeated courses directly affects cumulative GPA. Typically, only the higher grade earned in a repeated course is used in the cumulative calculation. The calculator needs to implement the university’s specific policy on grade replacement or averaging for repeated courses to provide accurate information to users, reflecting the removal or adjustment of the initial lower grade.
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Progress Toward Graduation Requirements
Tracking the cumulative GPA is essential for students to ensure they meet the minimum GPA requirements for graduation. The university often has specific GPA thresholds for different degree programs or honors designations. Access to an accurate calculator lets students monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments to their coursework to achieve their desired academic outcomes, allowing them to assess their standing in real-time and modify their course selections accordingly.
These elements are critical to the functionality of a University of Southern California GPA calculation tool. The integration of grades across semesters, consideration of credit hour weighting, proper handling of repeated courses according to university policy, and monitoring progress toward graduation requirements are all essential components to providing a reliable and useful resource for students.
4. USC Grading System
The official grading system at the University of Southern California is the foundation upon which any accurate grade point average calculation rests. It is imperative to understand its nuances to effectively utilize any “university of southern california gpa calculator”. These calculations are only as accurate as the understanding and correct application of the University’s grading policies.
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Letter Grade to Numerical Value Conversion
USC assigns numerical values to letter grades, forming the basis for GPA calculation. For example, an ‘A’ typically equates to 4.0, a ‘B’ to 3.0, and so on. Deviations exist with plus/minus grades, influencing the numerical equivalent (e.g., A- = 3.7). A “university of southern california gpa calculator” must accurately reflect these conversions to provide a reliable GPA estimate. An error in this initial conversion will propagate throughout the calculation, rendering the final result inaccurate. For example, incorrectly assigning the value of 3.0 to an A- would artificially lower the GPA.
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Inclusion of Plus/Minus Grading
The University of Southern California utilizes a plus/minus grading system, which adds complexity to GPA calculations. The presence of grades like ‘B+’ and ‘A-‘ necessitate fractional numerical values to accurately represent performance. A “university of southern california gpa calculator” must accommodate these fractional values. Failing to do so simplifies the system, sacrificing precision and potentially misrepresenting a student’s academic standing. A student consistently earning B+ grades will be disadvantaged if these grades are treated the same as standard B grades within the calculation.
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Treatment of Non-Graded Units
Certain courses at USC might be graded on a pass/fail or credit/no credit basis. These non-graded units typically do not factor directly into the GPA calculation. However, they may contribute to overall degree requirements. A well-designed “university of southern california gpa calculator” should allow users to indicate such courses and correctly exclude them from the GPA calculation while possibly tracking them separately for degree progress. Ignoring this distinction can inflate or deflate the perceived GPA, depending on the student’s performance in these courses.
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Policies on Repeated Courses
USC has specific policies regarding repeated courses and their impact on the GPA. Generally, only the most recent grade earned in a repeated course is factored into the cumulative GPA calculation, although both grades may appear on the transcript. A “university of southern california gpa calculator” must incorporate this policy to prevent double-counting lower grades or misrepresenting the student’s academic standing. Failure to properly account for repeated course policies will lead to an inaccurate reflection of cumulative GPA.
Understanding these facets of the University of Southern California’s grading system is critical for the effective utilization of any “university of southern california gpa calculator.” Accuracy in converting letter grades to numerical values, accounting for plus/minus grades, properly treating non-graded units, and adhering to policies on repeated courses are all crucial components. Accurate application of these grading components is vital for meaningful academic planning and performance assessment.
5. GPA Estimation Accuracy
Grade Point Average (GPA) estimation accuracy is a critical attribute of any “university of southern california gpa calculator.” The reliability of this estimation directly impacts a student’s ability to plan coursework, assess progress toward graduation, and make informed decisions regarding academic strategies.
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Data Input Integrity
The accuracy of a GPA calculation is directly dependent on the accuracy of the data entered. Incorrectly inputting letter grades or credit hours will inevitably lead to an inaccurate GPA estimation. For instance, entering a “B” instead of a “B+” can result in a noticeable difference in the final GPA, particularly when scaled across multiple courses. The “university of southern california gpa calculator” must therefore provide clear input fields and, ideally, error-checking mechanisms to minimize the risk of data entry errors. Consistent errors in data input diminish the utility of the tool.
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Adherence to USC Grading Policies
The University of Southern California has specific grading policies, including how plus/minus grades are weighted, the treatment of repeated courses, and the handling of non-graded units. A “university of southern california gpa calculator” must meticulously adhere to these policies to provide accurate estimates. If the calculator deviates from official USC grading practices, the resulting GPA will be misleading. For example, if the calculator does not properly account for grade replacement policies for repeated courses, the estimated GPA will not reflect the student’s actual academic standing.
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Algorithmic Precision
The algorithm used to calculate the GPA must be precise and correctly implement the weighted average formula. Errors in the algorithm, such as incorrect handling of credit hours or incorrect conversion of letter grades to numerical values, will compromise the accuracy of the estimation. The “university of southern california gpa calculator” should undergo rigorous testing and validation to ensure its algorithmic correctness. Seemingly minor errors in the calculation process can accumulate and lead to significant discrepancies in the final GPA estimate, especially for students with a large number of completed credits.
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Timely Updates Reflecting Policy Changes
The University of Southern California may periodically revise its grading policies. It is essential that the “university of southern california gpa calculator” is updated promptly to reflect any such changes. If the calculator uses outdated grading information, the resulting GPA estimates will be inaccurate. Regular maintenance and updates are crucial to ensure the calculator remains a reliable tool for students. Delayed updates can misguide students planning their course load and impact their graduation projections.
These facets illustrate the interplay between “GPA estimation accuracy” and the functionality of a “university of southern california gpa calculator.” Accurate data input, strict adherence to USC grading policies, algorithmic precision, and timely updates are all essential for ensuring the calculator provides reliable GPA estimations, thereby supporting students in their academic planning and progress tracking.
6. Academic Planning Tool
An effective academic planning tool integrates closely with the capabilities of a “university of southern california gpa calculator” to support students in strategizing their coursework and optimizing their academic performance. The calculator provides the quantitative foundation upon which effective academic plans can be built.
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Course Selection Optimization
An academic planning tool, in conjunction with the GPA calculator, allows students to model the impact of various course selections on their cumulative GPA. By inputting projected grades into the calculator, students can assess the potential effect of difficult vs. less challenging courses, or the consequences of focusing on courses within or outside their area of strength. For example, a student aiming for a specific GPA to qualify for a scholarship can use the tool to determine the minimum grade requirements for each course in their upcoming semester. This enables data-driven course selection rather than relying solely on intuition or personal preference.
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Graduation Requirement Tracking
The academic planning tool can interface with the “university of southern california gpa calculator” to monitor progress towards meeting graduation requirements. Students can input their completed and planned coursework, and the tool calculates the projected GPA and the remaining credit hours needed for graduation. This proactive approach allows students to identify potential shortfalls early on and adjust their academic plans accordingly. For example, if a student realizes they are at risk of falling below the minimum GPA required for their major, they can use the tool to plan for grade improvements in subsequent semesters or to explore alternative coursework options.
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Scenario Analysis and Modeling
An advanced academic planning tool allows for scenario analysis, where students can simulate different academic outcomes and observe their impact on their overall GPA. Using the “university of southern california gpa calculator,” students can model “what-if” scenarios, such as the impact of retaking a course, changing their major, or taking a lighter course load during a particularly demanding semester. This allows students to strategically plan their academic trajectory based on realistic projections of their performance. For example, a student considering changing their major can use the tool to assess whether the GPA requirements of the new major are attainable given their current academic record.
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Identification of Academic Weaknesses
By analyzing past grades and GPA trends in conjunction with the calculator, an academic planning tool can help students identify specific areas of academic weakness. Students can pinpoint courses or subject areas where they consistently underperform and then strategize to improve their performance in those areas. The tool might suggest supplementary resources, tutoring, or alternative study techniques. For example, if a student consistently receives lower grades in math courses, the tool might recommend seeking assistance from the university’s math center or enrolling in a preparatory course.
The synergy between a sophisticated academic planning tool and the “university of southern california gpa calculator” empowers students to take a proactive and data-driven approach to their education. This approach facilitates well-informed decision-making, supports academic goal setting, and optimizes progress towards degree completion.
7. Graduation Requirements Check
The verification of fulfilled academic obligations constitutes a pivotal step towards degree conferral. This process is intrinsically linked to grade point average calculations as it ensures students meet the minimum academic standards established by the University of Southern California.
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Minimum GPA Threshold
USC mandates a minimum cumulative GPA for graduation. Failure to achieve this threshold, even if all course requirements are met, prevents degree completion. The “university of southern california gpa calculator” serves as a tool for students to monitor their GPA relative to this minimum requirement. For example, a program might require a 2.0 GPA overall, and a 2.0 GPA in major coursework. The calculator allows prospective graduates to ensure they meet both standards prior to their final semester.
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Major and Minor GPA Requirements
In addition to the cumulative GPA, individual departments may impose specific GPA standards for courses within a student’s major or minor. The “university of southern california gpa calculator” assists in tracking GPA performance within these designated areas. For instance, a student in the Viterbi School of Engineering might need a 2.5 GPA in all upper-division engineering courses. The calculator enables the focused assessment of this specific GPA subset.
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Credit Hour Completion Relative to GPA
While a “university of southern california gpa calculator” projects a student’s standing relative to the GPA requirements, it must work in conjunction with the student’s assessment of completed credit hours. Students often overlook the fact that a high GPA based on a small sample of total credit hours completed holds less weight toward degree conferral than one based on a completed degree plan. For example, while a student may have a 3.8 GPA after only one semester, this is not indicative of degree conferral as they have not completed the necessary amount of credit hours required by USC.
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Impact of Repeated Courses on Graduation Eligibility
USC’s policies regarding repeated courses directly influence graduation eligibility. If a student repeats a course to improve their grade, the universitys policy dictates how the new grade impacts GPA calculation, which can ultimately effect degree eligibility. The “university of southern california gpa calculator” must reflect this policy accurately. For instance, if only the higher grade is counted towards the GPA, the calculator should exclude the lower grade from the cumulative GPA calculation for graduation assessment purposes.
These interconnected aspects of graduation requirements and grade point averages underscore the utility of the “university of southern california gpa calculator.” It functions as a means for proactive monitoring, allowing students to align their academic performance with the established standards for graduation eligibility, thereby ensuring a successful completion of their degree program.
8. Impact of Future Grades
The “university of southern california gpa calculator” provides a quantifiable projection of how upcoming academic performance will influence the cumulative grade point average. Future grades, whether higher or lower than the existing GPA, will either raise or lower the overall average, respectively. The extent of this impact is directly related to the number of credit hours associated with the future courses and the disparity between the projected grades and the existing GPA. For instance, a student with a GPA of 3.5 who enrolls in a 4-unit course and earns an ‘A’ (4.0) will see a positive, though possibly marginal, increase in their cumulative GPA. Conversely, a ‘C’ (2.0) in the same course would result in a decrease.
Understanding the potential effects of future grades facilitates strategic academic planning. Students can use a “university of southern california gpa calculator” to model various grade scenarios and adjust their study habits or course load accordingly. If a student aims to achieve a specific GPA to qualify for a scholarship or graduate program, the calculator becomes an essential tool for determining the grades needed in future courses. This is particularly relevant for students whose current GPA is close to a critical threshold, where even minor fluctuations in future grades can significantly impact their academic standing and opportunities. Furthermore, students can identify courses where strong performance is essential to bolster their GPA and allocate their study time accordingly.
In summary, the relationship between future grades and a “university of southern california gpa calculator” is characterized by a predictive feedback loop. The calculator enables students to foresee the consequences of their future academic performance, empowering them to make informed decisions and proactively manage their academic trajectory. While the tool provides valuable insights, its effectiveness relies on realistic self-assessment and diligent effort in achieving the projected grades. The challenge lies in translating predictive calculations into tangible improvements in academic performance.
9. Available Online Resources
The availability of online resources significantly influences the accessibility and utility of any “university of southern california gpa calculator.” These resources can enhance the calculator’s functionality by providing supplementary information, guidance, and tools for academic planning. The presence of reliable online support directly impacts the user experience and the degree to which the calculator can effectively assist students in understanding and managing their GPA.
Official university websites often host GPA calculators alongside detailed explanations of the grading system, policies regarding repeated courses, and information on how to interpret the calculated GPA. These resources serve as authoritative guides, ensuring that students use the calculator correctly and understand its output within the context of USC’s academic regulations. For example, a student using a calculator on the official USC website can be confident that it accurately reflects the university’s current grading policies. Furthermore, online tutorials or FAQs accompanying the calculator can address common questions and misconceptions, improving the overall user experience. Independent websites may also offer GPA calculators, but their accuracy and reliability can vary widely, potentially leading to inaccurate GPA estimations and flawed academic planning.
The convergence of available online resources and a “university of southern california gpa calculator” streamlines academic planning and empowers students to make informed decisions. The presence of accurate, readily accessible information facilitates self-assessment, goal setting, and proactive management of academic performance. The challenge lies in ensuring that students are directed to authoritative resources and can critically evaluate the information they encounter online to avoid reliance on unreliable calculators or inaccurate grading information. When a student seeks to apply for graduation and utilizes these resources effectively, the result is a better understanding of the University of Southern California’s GPA requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation at the University of Southern California, providing clarification on key aspects and functionalities of estimation tools.
Question 1: How does the “university of southern california gpa calculator” account for plus/minus grades?
The University of Southern California utilizes a plus/minus grading system. An effective calculation tool must accurately reflect this system by assigning fractional numerical values to grades such as A-, B+, and C-. The absence of this functionality compromises the accuracy of the GPA estimate.
Question 2: What is the impact of repeated courses on the GPA, and how is this reflected in a “university of southern california gpa calculator”?
USC policy dictates the treatment of repeated courses. Typically, only the most recent grade is factored into the cumulative GPA. An accurate calculator adheres to this policy, preventing the double-counting of lower grades.
Question 3: How does the “university of southern california gpa calculator” handle non-graded units, such as pass/fail courses?
Non-graded units generally do not directly influence the GPA calculation. A well-designed calculator will allow users to identify such courses and exclude them from the GPA computation, while potentially tracking them separately for degree progress.
Question 4: Is it possible to project the impact of future grades on the cumulative GPA using a “university of southern california gpa calculator”?
Yes, a key functionality of these tools is the ability to model the effect of future grades on the GPA. This allows students to assess the grades needed in upcoming courses to achieve a desired academic standing.
Question 5: How crucial is the accuracy of data input when using a “university of southern california gpa calculator”?
The accuracy of the GPA calculation is directly dependent on the accuracy of the data entered. Inputting incorrect letter grades or credit hours will lead to a flawed GPA estimation.
Question 6: Where can one find a reliable “university of southern california gpa calculator” that adheres to official USC grading policies?
The official USC website is generally the most reliable source. These resources are designed to adhere to the university’s current grading policies. Independent websites may also offer calculators, but their accuracy should be carefully evaluated.
Understanding the nuances of GPA calculation and utilizing reliable resources is crucial for effective academic planning and performance assessment at the University of Southern California.
The following section will discuss strategies for improving academic performance to enhance the final GPA.
Strategies for GPA Enhancement at the University of Southern California
Employing targeted strategies can positively influence the Grade Point Average. A “university of southern california gpa calculator” provides a basis for assessing the effectiveness of these strategies.
Tip 1: Maximize Performance in High-Credit Courses: Prioritize courses with a higher credit hour weighting, as these have a greater impact on the overall GPA. Strategic focus on such courses yields proportionally larger gains.
Tip 2: Leverage the Benefits of Repeated Courses: If permitted by university policy, retake courses where initial performance was suboptimal. The “university of southern california gpa calculator” can demonstrate the potential impact of grade improvement on the cumulative GPA. Confirm policy with the university registrar.
Tip 3: Seek Academic Assistance Proactively: Utilize available resources such as tutoring services, writing centers, and professor office hours. Addressing academic weaknesses early on can prevent lower grades that negatively affect the GPA.
Tip 4: Optimize Course Load Management: Balance demanding courses with less intensive ones to maintain a manageable workload. A “university of southern california gpa calculator” can model the effects of different course combinations on the GPA, facilitating informed scheduling decisions.
Tip 5: Maintain Consistent Performance: Sustained effort throughout each semester yields better results than sporadic studying. Consistent preparation minimizes the risk of lower grades that can significantly decrease the GPA.
Tip 6: Understand the Grading System: Knowledge of the grading policies at the University of Southern California, including the weighting of plus/minus grades, is essential for effective GPA management. A “university of southern california gpa calculator” operates on the principles of the USC grading system. Failure to understand this system will render any calculation inaccurate.
Adopting these strategies, in conjunction with the insights provided by a “university of southern california gpa calculator,” can empower students to proactively manage and enhance their GPA. Consistent application of these techniques can lead to improved academic outcomes.
This concludes the examination of strategies for GPA enhancement. The subsequent section will provide a final summary of the key concepts discussed.
Conclusion
The exploration of the “university of southern california gpa calculator” has highlighted its crucial role in academic planning and performance assessment. The accuracy of grade value conversion, proper credit hour weighting, accurate handling of repeated courses, and the understanding of USC’s official grading system are primary influences on the reliability of any such tool. Furthermore, its utility is significantly enhanced when integrated with supplementary online resources and academic planning tools, allowing for course selection optimization, graduation requirement tracking, and scenario analysis.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of a GPA calculation utility rests on the diligence with which students engage with their academic performance and on the commitment to proactive course planning. Utilizing a “university of southern california gpa calculator” can be an advantageous resource for navigating academic goals. Continued development and responsible use of such tools will contribute to a more informed and strategic student body at the University of Southern California.
