UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (USC)

  • University Park
  • Los Angeles, CA 90089
  • OPEID College Code: 00132800
  •  
  • GET MORE INFORMATION
  •  
  • General Phone: (213) 740-2311
  • President: Steven B Sample
  • Type: Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above
  • Calendar System: Semester
  • Highest Degree: Doctoral - Research & Professional
  • Local Area: Large City
  • Student Enrollment: 34,824
  • College Alias: USC
  • College Mascot: Trojans
    Note: Men's Team
  • College Mascot: Women of Troy
    Note: Women's Team
  • Read Review (1)
  • *Not all of the programs above may be offered
University of Southern California - Details
General
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Admission
Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
Degrees Offered
Enrolled Students
Faculty and Wages
Athletics
Graduation Rates
Campus Security


(Watch Campus Tour of USC)

The University of Southern California (USC) has two main campuses, both located in Los Angeles, CA.  USC's University Park campus is near downtown-metro Los Angeles, near the city's major museums.  The University Park campus is home to most of USC's professional schools and the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School and the School of Dentistry.  USC's Health Sciences campus is northeast of downtown Los Angeles and is home to the School of Pharmacy, the Keck School of Medicine and three teaching hospitals.  Many other USC programs are conducted at different locations in the Southern California area.

 

USC is the oldest research university in the West and continues to be a leader in this area with an award-winning faculty and strong medical-health and science programs that have given rise to many new ideas and new technology over the years. USC receives top ranking and federal funding for its research activity.

 

USC attracts many international students and also offers many study abroad programs and internships.  The university encourages collaboration, interdisciplinary studies, public service and professional education.  Through its flexible programs like "Renaissance Ideal," "Thematic Option," and many interdisciplinary majors and minors, USC encourages entering students to create their own major/minor study programs to further interdisciplinary endeavors and new ideas.

 

One of the great attractions of USC for many students is its distinguished faculty.  The university boasts many renowned innovators and award-winners including members of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine.  In 2011, USC Professor and historian Dr. Kevin Starr was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

 

History

 

Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California opened its doors with 10 teachers and 53 students.   In 1885, USC established its College of Medicine, which was the first in Southern California.  In 1888, USC Trojans played their first football game.

 

Academics

 

The University of Southern California's academic calendar follows the semester format, with a fall, spring and summer semester.

 

The University of Southern California (USC) offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees as well as continuing and professional education.  USC also offers a Progressive Degree option to high-achieving undergraduates who wish to begin work on a master's degree while completing their requirements for a bachelor's degree.

 

USC offers hundreds of options for majors, minors and degree programs to undergraduates and graduates through many flexible study options.  Students can choose from several areas and departments to pursue a major or program of study including arts and humanities, social studies, natural sciences, engineering, computer quantitative, and technical sciences.

 

For students pursuing research, there are many research centers and institutes, as well as laboratories and research units to choose from at USC that include arts and humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering and technology.  Some key areas for research at USC include genomics, biomedical imaging, nanoscience, digital media and high-performance computing.

 

Colleges and Schools

 

The colleges and schools of the University of Southern California are located at its two primary campuses: University Park Campus and Health Sciences Campus.  The colleges and schools of USC are:

  • USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
  • USC Leventhal School of Accounting
  • USC School of Architecture
  • USC Marshall School of Business
  • USC School of Cinematic Arts
  • USC Annenberg School for Communication, Journalism
  • Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
  • USC Rossier School of Education
  • USC Viterbi School of Engineering
  • USC Roski School of Fine Arts
  • USC Davis School of Gerontology
  • USC Gould School of Law
  • Keck School of Medicine of USC
  • USC Thornton School of Music
  • Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
  • USC School of Pharmacy
  • Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
  • USC School of Policy, Planning and Development
  • USC School of Social Work
  • USC School of Theatre

 

Student Life

 

USC is a large university and there are a host of student services available to help students navigate campus life. There are "Academic Services" that include online resources, academic support, libraries and computing.  Through "Campus Life" USC offers countless campus activities and programs, groups and organizations for students to become involved in.  Other student resources include Career Services, Financial Services, Student Health Services, International Students and New Students services, as well as the many programs and services offered through Student Affairs.  Intramural sports and spirit groups are a popular way to get involved in campus life and meet other students.

 

 

There are at least 12 residence halls on the USC campuses and many more USC-owned properties nearby that provide housing to students.  USC has three main restaurants on campus that have a selection of menu plans and are conveniently located near the residence halls.

 

 

Athletics

 

Athletics are an important part of the college experience at USC.  The USC Trojans teams compete in the following intercollegiate sports:

 

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo

 

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Rowing
  • Soccer
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo

 

 

Satellite Campuses

 

In addition to its two main campuses, USC runs programs at several locations throughout Southern California (Marina del Rey, Orange County, among others) as well as educational centers in Sacramento, California and Washington, D.C.

 

 

Community Life

 

USC is located in the heart of Los Angeles with many important museums close by and a host of recreational facilities and attractions in the area.  The USC Arts & Events Calendar offers an award-winning selection of art exhibits, public lectures, music, theatre, and film.  Additionally, there are many cultural events and activities in the Los Angeles area, as well as the many tourist attractions offered by Hollywood and the entertainment industry.

 

USC has many partnerships with organizations and groups in its surrounding neighborhoods and communities, offering students many opportunities to get involved in community programs, campaigns and initiatives that benefit local children, families and community members.

 

 
    Student Services
  • Academic or Career Counseling Services Offered
  • Employment Services Offered
  • Placement Services For Graduates Offered
  • On-Campus Day Care Available
    Special Learning Opportunities
  • Distance Learning Opportunities
  • Study Abroad Opportunities
  • ROTC
  • Army Navy Air Force
Accreditation
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
    Facilities and Programs Offered
  • Library Available
  • Hospital Services Available
  • Grants Medical Degree
    College Carnegie Classifications
  • Basic Classification
  • Research Universities (Very High Research Activity)
  • Undergraduate Classification
  • Balanced Arts & Sciences/Professions, High Graduate Coexistence
  • Graduate Classification
  • Comprehensive Doctoral with Medical/Veterinary
  • Undergraduate Profile Classification
  • Full-Time Four-Year, More Selective, Higher Transfer-In
  • Enrollment Classification
  • Majority Undergraduate
  • Size Classification
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Residential
 
 
 
University of Southern California Campus Map
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  • University of Southern California

  • University of Southern California Tommy Trojan statue

  • University of Southern California Rossier School of Education Building

  • University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering

  • University of Southern California George Finley Bovard Administration Building

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  • University of Southern California

  • University of Southern California

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    Admission Fees Fall 2009
  • Undergraduate Application Fee: $65.00
  • Graduate Application Fee: $85.00
 
    College Credits Accepted
  • AP Credit
    Applicant Considerations
  • High School or Secondary School GPA
  • Required
  • High School or Secondary School Record
  • Required
  • College Preparatory Program Completion
  • Required
  • Recommendation Consideration
  • Required
  • Formal Demonstration of Competencies
  • Required
  • Admission Test Scores (SAT ®, ACT ®, ...)
  • Required
  • TOEFL
  • Required
 
Undergraduate Admissions Fall 2009
 MaleFemaleTotal
Number of Applicants16,63519,11835,753
Number Granted Admission (%)4,119 (25%)4,605 (24%)8,724 (24%)
Number Admitted Who Enrolled (%)1,359 (33%)1,510 (33%)2,869 (33%)
 
Enrolled Students Submitting Test Scores Fall 2009
 NumberPercent (%)
SAT ® Exam2,35482%
ACT ® Exam1,12239%
 
Enrolled Students Test Scores Fall 2009
 25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT ® Critical Reading620710
SAT ® Math650740
SAT ® Writing640730
 
ACT ® Composite2932
ACT ® English2834
ACT ® Math2833
Note:
The following figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future financial aid details. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
 
Financial Aid Breakdown 2008-09
 LoanFederal GrantState/Local GrantInstitutional Grant
(%) of Students Receiving62%14%10%63%
Avg Amount Receiving$6,719$5,095$9,618$23,458
 
Federal Loan Default Rates
 200820072006
Default Rate (%)1.3%0.7%0.4%
Number in Default573636
Number in Repayment4,3814,5368,090
Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2009
Undergraduate Student Expenses
Note:
The following figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition or fees. Please contact this school directly to get a current and accurate tuition and fee schedule.
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2009-102008-092007-08
Tuition, Fees and Other Expenses
In-District Tuition and Fees$39,183$37,693$35,809
In-State Tuition and Fees$39,183$37,693$35,809
Out of State Tuition and Fees$39,183$37,693$35,809
Books and Supplies$1,500$796$750
 
Housing Expenses
On Campus
Room and Board$11,458$11,212$10,750
Other Expenses$1,476$2,180$2,180
Off Campus
Room and Board$11,458$11,298$10,858
Other Expenses$1,476$2,180$2,180
Off Campus with Family
Other Expenses$3,536$2,180$4,198
 
Total Expenses
On Campus
In-District$53,617$51,881$49,489
In-State$53,617$51,881$49,489
Out of State$53,617$51,881$49,489
Off Campus
In-District$53,617$51,967$49,597
In-State$53,617$51,967$49,597
Out of State$53,617$51,967$49,597
Off Campus with Family
In-District$44,219$42,729$40,757
In-State$44,219$42,729$40,757
Out of State$44,219$42,729$40,757
Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2009
Awarded Student Degrees and Programs
Note:
The following list is not a comprehensive or current list of degrees or programs offered, please contact this school directly to learn more about what is currently being offered.
 CertificateBachelorMasterDoctor
Architecture
Architecture310132-
Landscape Architecture417-
Urban Planning3-1174
 
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry-18--
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other--2-
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology--918
Bioinformatics---4
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other----
Biology-1455-
Biomathematics and Bioinformatics, Other--8-
Biophysics-3--
Biostatistics--64
Cell and Molecular Biology----
Epidemiology----
Evolutionary Biology----
Genetics, Other----
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography--3-
Microbiology--64
Molecular Biology---8
Molecular Pharmacology--23
Molecular Toxicology----
Pathology, Experimental Pathology--65
Pharmacology and Toxicology----
Physiology--33
 
Business and Marketing Studies
Accounting-20680-
Business Administration-90375311
Business Administration, Other431--
Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services, Other----
Finance33---
Human Resources----
Non-Profit, Public, Organizational Management----
Taxation--78-
Food Services Management24---
 
Communication Technology
Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects----
 
Communications and Journalism
Broadcast Journalism-2321-
Communication-2931211
Communication and Media Studies, Other--145-
Communication and Journalism, Other1---
Journalism-2120-
Journalism, Other--20-
Public Relations-3429-
 
Computer and Information Sciences
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics--5-
Computer----
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other----
Computer and Information Sciences, Other----
Computer and Information Systems Security--2-
Computer Science-2938733
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other-627-
Computer Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other--5-
 
Education
Bilingual and Multilingual Education----
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services----
Community College Education----
Counseling and Guidance Services----
Curriculum and Instruction---1
Education-9254
Education Administration---162
Foreign Language Teacher Education----
Higher Education Administration--38-
Music Teacher Education--9-
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels----
Teacher and Professional Development, Other--68-
Teaching English As Second Language Instructor--42-
 
Engineering
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering234917
Biomedical and Medical Engineering-697313
Chemical Engineering-333313
Civil Engineering-14813
Civil Engineering, Other-221-
Computer Engineering--123
Computer Engineering, Other-19--
Computer Software Engineering----
Electrical Engineering35442553
Engineering----
Engineering, Other3-76-
Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering-3153
Geotechnical Engineering--2-
Industrial Engineering-45368
Manufacturing Engineering--2-
Materials Engineering--9-
Materials Science--38
Mechanical Engineering-77648
Ocean Engineering----
Operations Research--4-
Petroleum Engineering5-111
Structural Engineering-2151-
Systems Engineering4-88-
Transportation and Highway Engineering--4-
Water Resources Engineering----
 
Engineering Technology
Occupational Safety and Health Technology----
 
English Language and Literature
American Literature-5--
Creative Writing-5971-
English Language and Literature-40910
English Language and Literature, Letters, Other---2
 
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
African-American Studies-3--
Asian-American Studies----
East Asian Studies-12-
Ethnic, Cultural Minority and Gender Studies, Other67--
United States Studies-21113
Chicano Studies-2--
 
Foreign Languages and Literature
Comparative Literature-471
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics-2181
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other----
French Language and Literature-8--
German Language and Literature---2
Italian Language and Literature-5--
Linguistic and Comparative Language Studies and Services, Other-641
Linguistics-281
Russian Language and Literature-2--
Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics--12
Spanish Language and Literature-6-1
Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics-72-
 
Health and Clinical Professions
Advanced Dentistry and Oral Sciences, Other--114
Advanced General Dentistry----
Critical Care Nursing----
Dental Hygiene-37--
Dentistry---211
Endodontics, Endodontology10---
Family Practice Nurse----
Health Care Administration18-38-
Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration and Management--36-
Marriage Counseling and Family Therapy--30-
Medical Scientist--7-
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry--48
Medicine---174
Nurse Anesthetist--15-
Nursing----
Nursing Administration----
Nursing, Other----
Occupational Therapy-229719
Oral Biology and Oral Pathology2---
Oral, Maxillofacial Surgery3---
Orthodontics, Orthodontology6---
Pediatric Dentistry, Pedodontics8---
Periodontics, Periodontology4---
Pharmacoeconomics, Pharmaceutical Economics--73
Pharmacy---174
Pharmacy Administration, Policy and Regulatory Affairs--35-
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration, Other9---
Physical Therapy7-698
Physician Assistant--46-
Prosthodontics, Prosthodontology2---
Public Health--100-
Public Health Education and Promotion-89-7
Nursing Midwifery----
 
History
History-51105
 
Interdisciplinary Studies
Biological and Physical Sciences----
Gerontology76264
Global Studies--17-
Historic Preservation and Conservation6-1-
Interdisciplinary Studies, Other514--
Neuroscience-7718
Systems Science and Theory----
 
Legal Professions and Studies
Comparative Law--1-
Law---209
Programs for Foreign Lawyers--93-
 
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Liberal Arts--2-
Humanistic Studies-9--
 
Mathematics and Statistics
Applied Mathematics--49
Computational Mathematics-2--
Mathematics-823
Mathematics and Statistics, Other-1016-
Statistics--7-
 
Natural Resources and Conservation
Environmental Science-2--
Environmental Studies-10--
 
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Ethics-7--
Jewish Studies-1--
Philosophy-43-4
Religious Studies-6-1
 
Physical Sciences
Astronomy-2--
Chemical Physics----
Chemistry-5519
Geology and Earth Science-749
Physical Sciences-1--
Physics-5412
Physics, Other----
 
Psychology
Counseling Psychology2-334
Educational Psychology---3
Psychology-1751416
Psychology, Other----
 
Public Administration and Social Services
Public Administration--809
Public Administration and Social Service, Other--13-
Public Policy491747
Social Work--2926
Social Work, Other----
 
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Kinesiology and Exercise Science-38--
 
Social Sciences
Anthropology-8-4
Anthropology, Other-6--
Archaeology-2--
Demography and Population Studies----
Economics-1092612
Economics, Other----
Geography-3-3
Geography, Other6---
International Relations and Affairs-203311
Political Science-158-13
Political Science and Government, Other----
Social Sciences-23--
Sociology-8335
Urban Studies and Affairs---5
 
Visual and Performing Arts
Acting-1410-
Art History43962
Arts Management----
Cinematography and Film-97113-
Conducting----
Directing and Theatrical Production----
Drama-75--
Drawing----
Film Studies-941712
Film, Video and Photographic Arts, Other-1937-
Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other--17-
Fine Studio Arts-737-
Jazz and Jazz Studies-1154
Music-19--
Music History, Literature, and Theory----
Music Management and Merchandising-58--
Music Pedagogy-121
Music Performance30141918
Music Theory and Composition16314
Music, Other----
Musicology and Ethnomusicology---1
Piano and Organ-101015
Playwriting and Screenwriting-2734-
Technical Theatre, Design and Technology-1--
Violin, Viola, Guitar and Other Stringed Instruments-19124
Voice and Opera-1172
Art Studies----
Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other-4--
 
 
    Overall Student Enrollment
  • Total Student Enrollment: 34,824
  • Undergraduate: 16,751 Graduate: 18,073
    Student Gender
  • Total Student Gender
  • Male: 17,952 Female: 16,872
  • Undergraduate Gender
  • Male: 8,347 Female: 8,404
  • Graduate Gender
  • Male: 9,605 Female: 8,468
    Student Attendance
  • Total Student Attendance
  • Full-Time: 30,578 Part-Time: 4,246
  • Undergraduate Attendance
  • Full-Time: 16,096 Part-Time: 655
  • Graduate Attendance
  • Full-Time: 14,482 Part-Time: 3,591
Student Race Breakdown
 NumberPercent
Non-Resident Alien6,58519%
American Indian2260.6%
Black1,6595%
Asian7,35021%
Hispanic3,87911%
White12,76537%
Unknown2,3607%
 
Student Age Breakdown
 NumberPercent
Age Under 185151%
Ages 18-196,16618%
Ages 20-217,95423%
Ages 22-247,64522%
Ages 25-297,46721%
Ages 30-342,7418%
Ages 35-391,1923%
Ages 40-497922%
Ages 50-653270.9%
Age Over 65100.03%
Age Unknown150.04%
Employee Type Breakdown
 TotalFull-TimePart-Time
Total Employees15,12112,8432,278
Faculty Status4,4623,0881,374
Tenured Faculty1,1441,11727
Graduate Assistants2,477-2,477
Instruction, Research and/or Public Service4,4623,0881,374
Primarily Instruction3,1111,9611,150
Primarily Research29424252
Primarily Public Service1,057885172
Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial57254923
Other Professionals5,4564,954502
Technical and/or Paraprofessional4,6314,252379
Clerical And Secretarial2,0181,840178
Skilled Crafts1651641
Service and/or Maintenance1,1541,12826
 
Faculty Full-Time Average Salary Breakdown
 TotalMaleFemale
9/10 Month Contract
All Faculty$109,953 (1,425)$117,684 (974)$93,256 (451)
Professor$146,506 (617)$148,399 (493)$138,980 (124)
Associate Professor$100,297 (279)$103,916 (183)$93,398 (96)
Assistant Professor$92,153 (245)$94,626 (143)$88,685 (102)
Instructor$56,303 (9)$54,802 (5)$58,180 (4)
Lecturer$55,350 (275)$57,608 (150)$52,639 (125)
 
11/12 Month Contract
All Faculty$109,381 (213)$120,685 (110)$97,310 (103)
Professor$166,210 (46)$170,395 (31)$157,561 (15)
Associate Professor$112,565 (75)$117,999 (47)$103,444 (28)
Assistant Professor$91,590 (43)$91,033 (14)$91,859 (29)
Instructor$75,082 (16)$69,276 (5)$77,722 (11)
Lecturer$62,742 (33)$63,562 (13)$62,209 (20)
 
Equated 9 Month Contract
All Faculty$107,292 (1,638)$115,762 (1,084)$90,720 (554)
Professor$145,777 (663)$147,868 (524)$137,894 (139)
Associate Professor$98,561 (354)$102,410 (230)$91,420 (124)
Assistant Professor$89,583 (288)$92,830 (157)$85,691 (131)
Instructor$59,586 (25)$55,742 (10)$62,148 (15)
Lecturer$54,920 (308)$57,162 (163)$52,399 (145)
Overall Athletic Team Information
  • Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa)
 TotalMen's TeamsWomen's Teams
Athlete Student Aid
Total Aid$10,851,235$6,123,397$4,727,838
Ratio (%)100%56%44%
 
Participants
All Athletes698342356
Unduplicated Athletes609335274
Baseball3535-
Basketball311714
Football108108-
Golf1587
Rowing71-71
Soccer23-23
Swimming and Diving573027
Tennis201010
Track and Field, Indoor63459
Track and Field, Outdoor1317160
Track and Field, X-Country24-24
Volleyball331815
Water Polo874146
 
Coaches Salaries
Head Coaches-$591,408$124,092
Assistant Coaches-$146,154$43,619
 
Coaches
All Coaches824537
Baseball33-
Head Coaches11-
Assistant Coaches22-
Basketball844
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches633
Football1212-
Head Coaches11-
Assistant Coaches1111-
Golf633
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches422
Rowing3-3
Head Coaches1-1
Assistant Coaches2-2
Soccer3-3
Head Coaches1-1
Assistant Coaches2-2
Swimming and Diving1055
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches844
Tennis422
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches211
Track and Field, Indoor1055
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches844
Track and Field, Outdoor1055
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches844
Track and Field, X-Country1-1
Head Coaches1-1
Assistant Coaches---
Volleyball633
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches422
Water Polo633
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches422
    Retention Rates
  • Full-Time Entering Students Retained: 96%
Graduation Rates
 (%) of Entering Class
Overall
All Students88%
 
By Gender
Male86%
Female90%
 
By Race
Non-Resident Alien81%
American Indian81%
Black78%
Asian92%
Hispanic89%
White88%
Unknown86%
 
By Years Prior to Graduation
4 Years or Less72%
5 Years86%
6 Years88%
Crime Statistics
 2007-082006-07
Arrests
Residence Hall
Drug Related411
On Campus
Weapons Related-2
Drug Related819
Liquor Related3-
 
Criminal Offenses
Residence Hall
Forcible Rape4-
Robbery-2
Aggravated Assault23
Burglary1424
Arson-1
On Campus
Forcible Rape6-
Robbery622
Aggravated Assault76
Burglary6043
Vehicle Theft1912
Arson-3
University of Southern California Reviews

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Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2009

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