Current Students

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Throughout your time at the Leonard Davis School, there are individuals standing ready to help you explore ideas, choose classes and programs, handle life’s difficult and unexpected moments, plan for graduation, and get ready for your first job or graduate school.

Notice about Online Education

In order to participate in online courses, students will be required to have access to a computer with multimedia capability including a laptop or desktop computer with broadband (high speed) internet capability including a web browser, word processing software and presentation software, as well as a printer. Specific details regarding the computer requirements will be provided by the department.

Statement on Academic Conduct and Support Systems

Academic Conduct

Plagiarism – presenting someone else’s ideas as your own, either verbatim or recast in your own words – is a serious academic offense with serious consequences. Please familiarize yourself with the discussion of plagiarism in SCampus in Part B, Section 11, “Behavior Violating University Standards”. Other forms of academic dishonesty are equally unacceptable.  See additional information in SCampus and university policies on scientific misconduct.

Discrimination, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and harassment are prohibited by the university.  You are encouraged to report all incidents to the Office of Equity and Diversity/Title IX Office and/or to the Department of Public Safety. This is important for the health and safety of the whole USC community. Faculty and staff must report any information regarding an incident to the Title IX Coordinator who will provide outreach and information to the affected party. The sexual assault resource center webpage fully describes reporting options. Relationship and Sexual Violence Services provides 24/7 confidential support.

Support Systems

A number of USC’s schools provide support for students who need help with scholarly writing.  Check with your advisor or program staff to find out more.  Students whose primary language is not English should check with the American Language Institute, which sponsors courses and workshops specifically for international graduate students. The Office of Disability Services and Programs provides certification for students with disabilities and helps arrange the relevant accommodations. If an officially declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible, USC Emergency Information will provide safety and other updates, including ways in which instruction will be continued by means of Blackboard, teleconferencing, and other technology.

A message from Jim deVera, Student Academic Advisor

deVera-photoI’m Jim deVera, the student advisor for the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology! My job is to help you successfully navigate your studies here.

I’ll do everything I can to assist you or to refer you to the proper individual or office, but when it comes to university guidelines and policies, ignorance is not an excuse. Communication is key! Just remember: while I’m here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have, it is ultimately your responsibility to complete all degree requirements.

I will frequently email students with announcements of upcoming events, scholarships, job openings, enrichment opportunities and additional USC and USC Leonard Davis School news. Please make sure that you check your USC email often.

I know being a student means you’re going to be busy, but I suggest that you consider staying in regular communication with me as well as with our faculty and staff.

The better we get to know you and your unique skills, passions and goals, the more likely we are to be able to help you reach them, suggest you for award nominations or to connect you with like minded colleagues or professional opportunities.

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is full of people who share your wonderful dream of improving the quality of life for older adults, and it’s never too early to start building a vibrant, supportive academic, personal and professional network. We’re so glad you’re here, and we want to do all we can to help you succeed. I look forward to hearing from you!

Fight On!
Jim deVera, Student Advisor
(213) 740-1729
edevera@usc.edu