Directory of Retiree Privileges^*

A Gold Card is issued by the Emeriti Center to eligible retirees who have 10 years or more of benefits-eligible employment at USC and are 55 years or older upon completion of employment.  A separate card is issued to a spouse or partner upon request.  Show your card for Gold Card Benefits.  Please call the Emeriti Center at (213) 740-8921 to receive your Gold Card.

The University of Southern California does not guarantee the privileges listed below as lifetime benefits.  Policies currently in effect are subject to change at any time by the university at its discretion, without prior notice or liability for such changes.

^*Privileges below marked with an asterisk are also available to spouse.

Auditing Classes

Requires permission of course instructor and/or academic department.

Books/Gifts

USC Bookstore GOLD CARD BENEFIT: 10% discount on general books and gifts; excludes computers, CDs, movies, textbooks, electronics, and magazines.*
See’s Candies: USC group discount at retail quantity order shops (not all retail stores); no minimum purchase; present USC ID.

Campus Directory

Emeriti Center GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Listing in campus directory requires separate application; copy of the current USC Campus Directory available for USC retirees.

Counseling/Referrals

Center for Work and Family Life GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Up to 10 free sessions per self/family/partner.*
Tingstad Older Adult Counseling Center: Assessment and treatment of individual and family problems related to aging; counseling of families and caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders; ongoing spouse support group, bereavement support group, and psychotherapy support groups focusing on transitions, loss, and relationships.*
Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center: Assistance for individuals caring for adults permanently brain impaired; support groups, family consultations, respite, workshops, legal and financial consultation.*

Dining

University Club, University Park Campus: Continuation of membership free for members who paid dues for five consecutive years prior to retirement; otherwise membership available at regular rate.  Must notify the University Club of your retirement and fill out a new application to update your information.  Please contact Yvonne Unger at (213) 740-2030.
Edmondson Faculty Center, Health Sciences Campus: Continuation of prior status as a member.

Disability Access

Office of Equity and Diversity: Information and assistance.*

Email, Access from Off-Campus, and Computer Training

Emeriti Center GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Set-up and maintenance of email account; training in computer usage.*
Information Services GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Set-up and maintenance of internet account; information and help on accessing your account from off-campus.

Emerita/Emeritus Status

Academic Department Chair: Honor conferred by the Provost; recommendation through department and school/college.

Exercise

Lyon Center: Same rate as active faculty and staff.

Financial Assistance

Retired Faculty Association: Limited funds "to provide financial assistance to a member who has experienced catastrophic expenses resulting from attack, accident, or other sources."

Financial Services/Information

Benefits Administration: Information on retirement distribution options.*
USC Credit Union: Member-owned financial cooperative with membership available to retirees, widows, family, and grandchildren; high deposit yields, low loan APRs, and low transaction fees.*
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Bonus rate on new money market and certificate accounts; discounted tax advice.*

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Health and Dental Care

USC Care (Physicians of USC): Located at Health Sciences Campus and Executive Health and Imaging Center; participate in Medicare, USC Senior Care, and other insurance programs.*
School of Dentistry Faculty Practice GOLD CARD BENEFIT: 20% discount from usual charge on most dental and hygienist procedures; metered parking adjacent.*
House Ear Clinic GOLD CARD BENEFIT: 10% discount on hearing aids.*
USC Head and Neck Group Audiology Clinic GOLD CARD BENEFIT: 10% discount on hearing aids.*

Health Care Stipend

Benefits Administration: Monthly stipend available only to retirees with 15 years of service and who are at least age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B.  Employees who retiree prior to age 65 may "age" into the program if they have at least 15 years of service.  The program is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees to determine whether it should be continued and whether it should be extended to new retirees, taking into account funding adequacy, cost stability, financial statement impact, and budgetary consideration.  The program does not confer on any individual any vested right in, or to, the benefits, and may be altered, amended, or terminated within the sole discretion of the university.  Application must be completed every year.  For more information, contact Kevin Johnson, Office of Benefits Administration, at (213) 821-8112.

Insurance

USC Senior Care: Medigap policy (Medicare Part B Supplement) equivalent in coverage to "Plan J" policies at lowest known cost ($195/month in 2009); use of any physician who accepts Medicare assignment; includes dental and vision coverage;prescription medications are not included.  Members must enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.  Full details in brochure.*
Benefits Administration: USC group rates on Traveler's auto and home insurance.*
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: USC group rates on John Hancock long-term care insurance.*

Libraries

Doheny Memorial Library, University Park Campus: Use of all libraries in USC Library System; renew library card at circulation desk.
Norris Medical Library, Health Sciences Campus: Use of medical and dental libraries; renew library card at circulation desk.

Opportunities

USC Emeriti Center: Service, cultural, social, and business opportunities.*
USC Emeriti Center College: Mentoring, research, teaching, learning, and service opportunities.*
USC Retired Faculty Association: Service and social opportunities; minimal annual dues.
USC Staff Retirement Association: Service and social opportunities; minimal annual dues.

Parking (campus)

Emeriti Center GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Courtesy parking for USC structures and lots on University Park Campus and Health Sciences Campus including University Hospital Parking Structure, Biggy Parking Strucure, and HCC II (San Pablo lot); subject to availability and other restrictions.*

Parking (near LAX)

The Parking Spot: 25% discount; show USC ID, business card, or Gold Card.

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Publications

Emeriti Center: All retires receive the Emeriti Center's quarterly newsletter, the Retiree Community Newsletter.  Request to be on mailing list for USC Chronicle.*

Space and Equipment Usage

Academic Department: Subject to availability and permission.

Tickets

Ticket Office: Discount tickets to selected off-campus events and attractions.*
Thornton School of Music: Senior discounts;
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Same discount as active faculty and staff.
School of Theatre: Senior discounts;
GOLD CARD BENEFIT: Same discount as active faculty and staff.

Tram/Transportation

Transportation Services: Campus Cruiser from 5:00 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. during fall and spring semesters, holidays excluded; transportation to/from locations not on tram route within one mile radius.*

Travel

USC Trojan Travel offers educational travel programs to the extended Trojan Family;
many trips feature USC faculty members as study leaders.

Tuition Assistance

Benefits Administration: Available only to eligible dependents of retirees who meet eligibility requirements, including 15 years of continuous USC employment.

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See also:  USC Retiree Resources

See also:  "Steps to Retirement"

See also  Q&A About Retiring from USC