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The University of Southern California, established in the late 19th century, is recognized as the oldest public research university in California.
Answer: False
Explanation: The University of Southern California is the oldest *private* research university in California, established in 1880, not a public one.
The official Latin motto of USC, 'Palmam qui meruit ferat', is accurately translated as 'Fight On'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The official motto 'Palmam qui meruit ferat' translates to 'Let whoever earns the palm bear it,' while 'Fight On' is the university's official fight song.
The establishment of USC was a collaborative endeavor, supported by donations of land and initial funding from individuals representing Protestant, Irish Catholic, and German Jewish backgrounds.
Answer: True
Explanation: The founding of USC was indeed a collaborative effort, with Judge Robert Maclay Widney securing donations from Ozro Childs (Protestant), John Gately Downey (Irish Catholic), and Isaias Wolf Hellman (German Jewish), who provided land and initial funding.
Since its establishment in 1880, USC has consistently maintained a nonsectarian institutional status.
Answer: False
Explanation: USC was originally affiliated with the Methodist Church and became nonsectarian only in 1952.
Upon its opening in 1880, USC commenced operations with a faculty of 53 members and an initial student enrollment of 10.
Answer: False
Explanation: When USC opened in 1880, it had an enrollment of 53 students and a faculty of 10 members, not the other way around.
The inaugural graduating class of USC in 1884, comprising three students, notably included a female valedictorian.
Answer: True
Explanation: USC's first graduating class in 1884 indeed had three students, and the valedictorian was a female student.
During World War II, USC experienced a substantial increase in student enrollment, primarily driven by the implementation of new military training programs.
Answer: False
Explanation: World War II actually led to a 15% drop in USC's total enrollment, though military programs were instituted. A surge in enrollment occurred *after* the war due to the G.I. Bill.
Chaffey College was initially established as an independent agricultural institution before subsequently affiliating with USC.
Answer: False
Explanation: Chaffey College was founded as an agricultural college branch campus *of* USC, not an independent college that later affiliated.
What is the fundamental institutional classification of the University of Southern California?
Answer: A private research university
Explanation: The University of Southern California is classified as a private research university.
Provide the English translation for USC's official Latin motto, 'Palmam qui meruit ferat'.
Answer: Let whoever earns the palm bear it
Explanation: The Latin motto 'Palmam qui meruit ferat' translates to 'Let whoever earns the palm bear it'.
From the following list, identify the individual who was NOT a primary figure in securing donations for the establishment of USC.
Answer: George F. Bovard
Explanation: Ozro Childs, John Gately Downey, and Isaias Wolf Hellman were the three individuals who donated land and initial funding for USC. Robert Maclay Widney secured these donations. George F. Bovard was a university president later.
In what year did USC formally disassociate from the Methodist Church, thereby transitioning to a nonsectarian institution?
Answer: 1952
Explanation: USC severed its formal ties with the Methodist Church in 1952.
Upon its opening in 1880, what was the initial student enrollment at USC?
Answer: 53 students
Explanation: When USC first opened its doors in 1880, it had an initial enrollment of 53 students.
Which of the following was a distinguishing feature of USC's inaugural graduating class in 1884?
Answer: The valedictorian was a female student.
Explanation: USC's first graduating class in 1884 notably included a female student who served as the valedictorian.
What was the principal effect of World War II on USC's overall student enrollment?
Answer: It caused a 15% drop in total enrollment.
Explanation: During World War II, USC experienced a 15% drop in total enrollment, despite the institution of military programs.
Describe the historical affiliation between Chaffey College and USC.
Answer: Chaffey College was established as an agricultural college branch campus of USC.
Explanation: Chaffey College was founded in 1883 as an agricultural college branch campus of USC.
The University Park Campus, USC's main campus, is predominantly defined by Modernist and Brutalist architectural styles.
Answer: False
Explanation: Most buildings on the University Park Campus are designed in the Romanesque Revival style, with Modernist and Brutalist styles present in some newer structures.
The Widney Alumni House, constructed in the same year as USC's establishment, holds the distinction of being the oldest university building in Southern California.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Widney Alumni House was built in 1880, the same year USC was established, and is indeed the oldest university building in Southern California.
The USC Village, a residential and retail complex, is situated several blocks from the University Park Campus and primarily offers housing for university faculty.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USC Village is adjacent to the University Park Campus and provides housing for 2,700 students, not primarily faculty.
The Health Sciences Campus is recognized for hosting the newest medical and pharmacy schools in the region.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Health Sciences Campus houses the region's *first and oldest* medical and pharmacy schools, not the newest.
The Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center is among the hospitals affiliated with USC's Health Sciences Campus.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center is explicitly listed as one of the hospitals included on the Health Sciences Campus.
Both the University Park Campus and the Health Sciences Campus are accessible via the Metro J Line bus service.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Metro J Line bus service indeed connects both the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.
The USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates as a small, unarmed security force primarily focused on CCTV monitoring.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USC Department of Public Safety is one of the largest campus law enforcement agencies in the U.S., employing over 300 full-time personnel, including armed Public Safety Officers, and actively patrols a 2.5 square mile area around each campus.
The USC Department of Public Safety maintains a formal collaborative relationship with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which includes the operation of a joint crime task force.
Answer: True
Explanation: The USC Department of Public Safety does have a formal working relationship with the LAPD, including a special joint crime task force.
Which architectural style is most prevalent across USC's University Park Campus?
Answer: Romanesque Revival
Explanation: The predominant architectural style on USC's University Park Campus is Romanesque Revival.
From the options provided, which amenity is explicitly NOT listed as being available within the USC Village?
Answer: A large performing arts center
Explanation: The USC Village includes retail space, student housing, a Trader Joe's, a Target, a fitness center, and restaurants, but not a large performing arts center.
What constitutes a principal area of concentration for USC's Health Sciences Campus?
Answer: Basic and clinical biomedical research
Explanation: The Health Sciences Campus is a major hub for basic and clinical biomedical research, focusing on fields such as cancer, gene therapy, neurosciences, and transplantation biology.
Identify the public transit line that provides service to both the University Park Campus and the Health Sciences Campus.
Answer: Metro J Line
Explanation: The Metro J Line bus service connects both the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.
What is the principal function of the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS)?
Answer: To patrol and respond to incidents within a 2.5 square mile area around each campus, enforcing state and local laws.
Explanation: The primary role of the USC Department of Public Safety is to patrol and respond to incidents within a 2.5 square mile area around each campus, enforcing state laws and local municipal codes.
What factors contribute to USC's frequent utilization as a filming location for cinematic and television productions?
Answer: Its proximity to Hollywood, ties to the entertainment industry, and distinctive architecture.
Explanation: USC is frequently used as a filming location due to its proximity to Hollywood, strong ties between its School of Cinematic Arts and the entertainment industry, and its distinctive campus architecture.
According to the Carnegie Classification, USC is categorized as a doctoral university exhibiting high research activity.
Answer: True
Explanation: USC is classified as an 'R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity' by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences is recognized as the newest and smallest of USC's academic schools.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences is the *oldest and largest* of USC's academic schools.
In 2006, George Lucas's $175 million contribution to the USC School of Cinematic Arts represented the largest single donation received by the university at that juncture.
Answer: True
Explanation: George Lucas's $175 million donation in 2006 was indeed the largest single donation to USC at that time.
The USC School of Engineering was renamed the Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering in recognition of their profound contributions to the field of engineering education.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USC School of Engineering was renamed in recognition of a $52 million donation from Andrew Viterbi and his wife Erna, not solely for contributions to engineering education.
The USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism mandates that its journalism students specialize in a single media format—print, broadcast, or online—during their initial year of study.
Answer: False
Explanation: The School of Journalism at Annenberg requires students to dedicate themselves *equally* to print, broadcast, and online media during their first year, not to specialize in one.
Established in 2012, the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance marked USC's first new academic school in four decades.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Glorya Kaufman School of Dance was indeed established in 2012 and was USC's first new school in forty years.
The USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education maintains an archive containing 52,000 testimonies pertaining to The Holocaust.
Answer: True
Explanation: The USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education houses the testimony of 52,000 individuals involved in The Holocaust.
USC's extensive library system encompasses approximately 4 million printed volumes and 3 million items in microform.
Answer: False
Explanation: USC's library system holds nearly 4 million printed volumes, but 6 million items in microform, not 3 million.
A notable 24% of USC's undergraduate student body qualifies for Pell Grants, signifying a substantial representation from lower-income households.
Answer: True
Explanation: Twenty-four percent of USC's undergraduates are indeed Pell Grant-eligible, indicating they come from families with household incomes under $50,000.
USC has employed 5 Nobel Laureates, but the institution has not had any Turing Award winners among its faculty.
Answer: False
Explanation: USC has had 5 Nobel Laureates on staff and also a Turing Award winner, Leonard Adleman, in 2003.
Neil Armstrong, renowned as the first human to walk on the Moon, completed his undergraduate degree at USC.
Answer: False
Explanation: Neil Armstrong earned his Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from USC, not his undergraduate degree.
George Lucas, the acclaimed creator of 'Star Wars,' is an alumnus of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Answer: True
Explanation: George Lucas is a notable alumnus of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, how is USC categorized with respect to its research activity?
Answer: R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity
Explanation: The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education designates USC as an 'R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity'.
Identify the oldest and largest academic school at USC that also oversees the general education curriculum for all undergraduate students.
Answer: USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Explanation: The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences is the oldest and largest academic school at USC and is responsible for the general education program for all undergraduates.
Specify the monetary value of George Lucas's donation to the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2006.
Answer: $175 million
Explanation: In September 2006, George Lucas donated $175 million to expand the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
For what specific reason was the USC School of Engineering officially renamed the Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering?
Answer: A $52 million donation from Andrew Viterbi and his wife Erna.
Explanation: The USC School of Engineering was renamed in recognition of a $52 million donation from Qualcomm co-founder Andrew Viterbi and his wife Erna.
Describe a distinctive curricular requirement for journalism students during their initial year at the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.
Answer: They must dedicate themselves equally to print, broadcast, and online media.
Explanation: Journalism students in their first year at the Annenberg School are required to dedicate themselves equally to print, broadcast, and online media.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry was bestowed its current name following a donation of what specific monetary value?
Answer: $35 million
Explanation: The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry was named in 2010 after alumnus Herman Ostrow donated $35 million to the school.
What significant historical archive is preserved at the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education?
Answer: Testimony of 52,000 individuals involved in The Holocaust.
Explanation: The USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education houses the testimony of 52,000 survivors, rescuers, and others involved in The Holocaust.
What is the approximate number of printed volumes contained within USC's library system?
Answer: Nearly 4 million
Explanation: USC's library system holds nearly 4 million printed volumes.
Based on U.S. News & World Report's 2025 annual ranking, what was USC's national university position?
Answer: 27th
Explanation: According to U.S. News & World Report's 2025 annual ranking, USC was ranked 27th nationally.
What proportion of USC's undergraduate student population is eligible for Pell Grants?
Answer: 24%
Explanation: Twenty-four percent of USC's undergraduate students are Pell Grant-eligible.
What was the undergraduate admission acceptance rate for USC for the class matriculating in 2021?
Answer: 12%
Explanation: For the undergraduate class entering in 2021, USC's admission acceptance rate was 12%.
From the given options, identify the Turing Award recipient affiliated with USC faculty.
Answer: Leonard Adleman
Explanation: Leonard Adleman, a Turing Award winner in 2003, is associated with USC faculty.
Identify the distinguished alumnus, celebrated as the first individual to walk on the Moon, who obtained a Master of Science degree from USC.
Answer: Neil Armstrong
Explanation: Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon, completed his Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering at USC.
The athletic nickname 'Trojans' was officially sanctioned by the university president following a sportswriter's comparison of USC athletes' valiant performance to the legendary Trojans of antiquity.
Answer: True
Explanation: The nickname 'Trojans' was coined by sportswriter Owen Bird and subsequently officially approved by university president George F. Bovard.
The Trojans, USC's athletic teams, have secured a greater number of NCAA team championships compared to individual championships.
Answer: False
Explanation: USC's Trojans have won 107 NCAA team championships and 412 NCAA individual championships, meaning they have more individual championships.
USC athletes hold the distinction of having won more Olympic medals than those from any other American university.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of 2021, Trojan athletes have won 326 Olympic medals, which is more than any other American university.
USC's official fight song, 'Fight On,' was composed by a dental student in 1922.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official fight song 'Fight On' was composed in 1922 by USC dental student Milo Sweet.
In its football rivalry with the University of Notre Dame, USC's team competes for the Victory Bell trophy.
Answer: False
Explanation: USC plays for the Jeweled Shillelagh in its rivalry with the University of Notre Dame. The Victory Bell is played for against UCLA.
Traveler, a white Andalusian horse, serves as USC's official mascot, whereas Tommy Trojan is widely recognized as a popular unofficial mascot.
Answer: True
Explanation: Traveler is the official mascot, and Tommy Trojan is a commonly mistaken unofficial mascot, as is George Tirebiter.
The Spirit of Troy marching band holds the unique distinction of having performed on two platinum records for Fleetwood Mac.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Spirit of Troy is the only collegiate band to have two platinum records, having performed on Fleetwood Mac's albums 'Tusk' and 'The Dance'.
The USC Song Girls primarily function as cheerleaders, engaging in gymnastics and leading cheers at various sporting events.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USC Song Girls are primarily a dance squad and do not perform gymnastics, stunts, or lead cheers.
The Daily Trojan, USC's student newspaper, relies on substantial financial aid from the university for its operational support.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Daily Trojan operates entirely on advertisement revenue and does not receive financial aid from the university.
Identify the individual credited with coining the nickname 'Trojans' for USC athletes.
Answer: Los Angeles Times sportswriter Owen Bird
Explanation: Los Angeles Times sportswriter Owen Bird coined the nickname 'Trojans' for USC athletes.
What is the total number of NCAA team championships secured by USC's athletic teams, the Trojans?
Answer: 107
Explanation: USC's sports teams, the Trojans, have won 107 NCAA team championships.
As of 2021, what is the total count of Olympic medals earned by Trojan athletes, a distinction that sets USC apart among American universities?
Answer: 326
Explanation: As of 2021, Trojan athletes have won 326 Olympic medals, the highest count among American universities.
State the official name of USC's fight song.
Answer: Fight On
Explanation: USC's official fight song is titled 'Fight On'.
In the enduring football rivalry between USC and the University of Notre Dame, which specific trophy is contested?
Answer: The Jeweled Shillelagh
Explanation: The Jeweled Shillelagh is the trophy played for in the football rivalry between USC and the University of Notre Dame.
Identify the official mascot of the University of Southern California.
Answer: Traveler
Explanation: The official mascot of USC is Traveler, a white Andalusian horse.
Among collegiate bands, what singular accomplishment is attributed to The Spirit of Troy marching band?
Answer: They are the only collegiate band to have two platinum records.
Explanation: The Spirit of Troy is the only collegiate band to have two platinum records, earned through performances on Fleetwood Mac albums.
Describe the principal role and activities of the USC Song Girls.
Answer: To serve as a dance squad at various university functions.
Explanation: The USC Song Girls primarily function as a dance squad at various university events, rallies, and sporting events.
By what means is The Daily Trojan, USC's student newspaper, predominantly financed?
Answer: Entirely on advertisement revenue.
Explanation: The Daily Trojan operates entirely on advertisement revenue, without financial aid from the university.
USC's governance structure includes a board of trustees comprising 50 voting members who hold their positions for life.
Answer: False
Explanation: USC's Board of Trustees consists of 50 voting members who serve for five-year terms, not for life.
Carol Folt currently serves as the president of USC, with Beong-Soo Kim slated to succeed her in 2025.
Answer: True
Explanation: Carol Folt is the current president, and Beong-Soo Kim is indeed scheduled to succeed her on July 1, 2025.
In 2023, USC Graduate Student Workers successfully unionized, establishing the first academic worker union at a private university in California.
Answer: False
Explanation: USC Graduate Student Workers unionized in February 2023, marking the first academic worker union at a private university in *Los Angeles*, not necessarily California as a whole.
During the 2010s, USC was subject to investigations and incurred penalties concerning alleged Title IX violations and deficiencies in its disciplinary procedures.
Answer: True
Explanation: USC was investigated for Title IX violations and penalized for faulty Title IX processes in the mid-2010s.
The George Tyndall scandal at USC centered on a gynecologist accused of abusing more than 500 patients, culminating in settlements exceeding $1.1 billion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The George Tyndall scandal involved a USC gynecologist accused of abusing 52 patients (between 1990-2016), leading to lawsuits from over 500 students and settlements totaling over $1.1 billion.
USC was implicated in the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal, resulting in charges against several athletic staff members.
Answer: True
Explanation: USC was indeed involved in the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal, with three coaches and one athletic director charged.
A 2020 investigative report alleged that a Qatari royal received degrees from USC by circumventing standard academic procedures, purportedly after his mother met with the university president.
Answer: True
Explanation: A 2020 report alleged that a Qatari royal was granted degrees from USC after bypassing standard rules, following a meeting between his mother and the university president Max Nikias.
The USC Rossier School of Education proactively withdrew from U.S. News & World Report rankings subsequent to a class action lawsuit alleging the submission of inaccurate data.
Answer: True
Explanation: The USC Rossier School of Education removed itself from U.S. News & World Report rankings in early 2022 following a class action lawsuit alleging faulty data submission.
Regarding USC's Board of Trustees, specify the number of voting members and the duration of their terms.
Answer: 50 voting members, 5-year terms
Explanation: USC's Board of Trustees consists of 50 voting members who are elected for five-year terms.
Identify the individual designated to assume the presidency of the University of Southern California, succeeding Carol Folt, on July 1, 2025.
Answer: Beong-Soo Kim
Explanation: Beong-Soo Kim is slated to succeed Carol Folt as president of USC on July 1, 2025.
In February 2023, what notable development transpired concerning USC Graduate Student Workers?
Answer: They voted to unionize with the United Auto Workers.
Explanation: In February 2023, USC Graduate Student Workers voted to unionize with the United Auto Workers, forming the first academic worker union at a private university in Los Angeles.
Among the listed controversies, which one resulted in USC being mandated to cover legal fees due to an inequitable Title IX investigation?
Answer: Title IX violations in the mid-2010s
Explanation: In 2018, USC was ordered to pay legal fees due to an unfair Title IX investigation that occurred in the mid-2010s.
Specify the aggregate sum of settlements disbursed by USC in response to litigation from students impacted by the George Tyndall scandal.
Answer: Over $1.1 billion
Explanation: Lawsuits from over 500 current and former students affected by the George Tyndall scandal led to settlements totaling over $1.1 billion.
In the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal, how many university personnel charged across the nation were linked to USC?
Answer: Four
Explanation: Four of the twelve university personnel charged nationwide in the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal were associated with USC.
According to a 2020 investigative report, what form of alleged preferential treatment was extended to a Qatari royal at USC?
Answer: He was granted bachelor's and master's degrees while bypassing standard rules.
Explanation: A 2020 investigative report alleged that a Qatari royal was granted bachelor's and master's degrees from USC while bypassing standard rules and procedures.
In early 2022, what measure did the USC Rossier School of Education implement after a class action lawsuit claimed erroneous data submission for institutional rankings?
Answer: It removed itself from U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Explanation: The USC Rossier School of Education removed itself from U.S. News & World Report rankings in early 2022 following a class action lawsuit alleging faulty data submission.