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Commencement

The University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law looks forward to honoring the Class of 2026 with commencement exercises on the University's Historic Horseshoe on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Please find below details for the ceremony, as well as pre-commencement festivities.

Awards Ceremony

Friday, May 8 at 3 p.m. 
Karen Williams Courtroom, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

  • Students will be invited to attend this event via email communication from the Office of Academic Administration. 
  • Guests are welcome to attend. 

Joseph F. Rice School of Law 3L Class Reception

Friday, May 8 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Courtyard/Perrin Family Event Space, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

  • Join us for a reception honoring the USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law 3Ls in recognition of their academic achievements, contributions to the law school community, and graduation from law school.
  • Graduates and TWO guests are FREE (additional guests are $25/person)
  • Children 12 and under are FREE 
  • Reserve tickets (both paid and unpaid) by Monday, May 4 at 12 p.m. (noon)  

Commencement

Saturday, May 9 at 8:30 a.m. 
USC's Historic Horseshoe

  • 7:00 a.m. (sharp) Graduates report to the Joseph F. Rice School of Law.
  • 8:30 a.m. Commencement begins and will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. 
  • Guests: There is no limit on the number of guests attending commencement on the Historic Horseshoe.
  • Parking: The Pendleton Street Garage (entrance is on Bull Street) will be available for guests attending Commencement exercises. Guests may park at the metered spaces in the garage at no charge. Please do not park in reserved or handicapped spaces unless you have a permit to do so. Metered City of Columbia parking is available on the streets surrounding the Horseshoe, but meter fees will apply. Those with handicapped license plates/placards may park at City of Columbia meters at no charge. Limited handicapped parking spaces are located behind many university buildings. The School of Law and the University of South Carolina are not liable for any parking fees or citations. 
  • Restrooms: The closest restrooms to the ceremony are located in several of the buildings surrounding the Horseshoe and in the Russell House on Greene Street, parallel to the Horseshoe. Law School staff will be on hand to direct guests in need of assistance to an accessible restroom close to the seating area.
  • Link to the Ceremony Live Stream: The link will be published closer to the ceremony. Students will also be notified via email. 
  • Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, the Joseph F. Rice School of Law will notify local media outlets by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Office of Student Affairs will also email all students. If the decision is made to relocate from the Horseshoe, the inclement weather location is the Koger Center for the Arts. Each graduate is allowed up to ten tickets and must reserve their guests' tickets.
    • The Koger Center for the Arts is at the intersection of Assembly and Greene Streets.
    • Clear Bag Policy & Entering the Facility: The Koger Center will be enforcing the same clear bag policy as the Colonial Life Arena. See what is prohibited.
    • More information is coming soon in regard to the Inclement Weather plan. Please check back in late April. Students will also be notified via email. 

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