Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive information about my student's graduation?
What should I wear to events?
What will the weather be like?
Do I need tickets for the ceremony and how many may I have?
How will you accommodate guests with disabilities?
Are there Kosher or vegetarian menu options for the Senior Banquet and the Commencement Luncheon?
Where may I park?
What restaurants are there in Pasadena?
What hotels are nearby?
How can I find out more about planning a visit to Pasadena?
How do I join the Caltech Alumni Association or the Athenaeum?
How do I order graduation announcements and other graduation items?
Is there a limit to the number of guests a student may invite to the meals and concert?
When will I receive information about my student's graduation? (back to top)
Commencement Packets will be mailed to undergraduate seniors and their parents in late April. This packet will contain information similar to the website as well as the response cards for reservations for the Senior Banquet and Commencement Luncheon. As with seating at the ceremony, there are no restrictions on the number of guests a student may bring.
If your daughter or son is a graduating senior and you do not receive a packet by late April, please contact the Commencement Office at (626) 395-2352 or commence@caltech.edu
Graduating Graduate students will be sent a commencement packet from the Graduate Office.
What should I wear to events? (back to top)
We often receive calls about what type of clothing to wear for each event or how to dress for the weather. The important thing is that you feel comfortable. Below is suggested attire.
Thursday: Garden Reception, Senior Banquet and Student Concert
Dressy casual clothing is appropriate. You may wish to bring a sweater or jacket, as some of the banquet seating is outdoors and evening temperatures may drop.
Friday: Commencement Exercises and Luncheon
Graduating Students
Wear your cap and gown to the ceremony as well as any cords or hoods you have received. It is a good idea to iron the gown beforehand; wear the tassel on the left. You may want to bring bobby pins to secure your cap.
Underneath the gown, we recommend that men wear a shirt and dark slacks, dark socks, and dark shoes. Women may wear a blouse and skirt or slacks or a dress and dark shoes. The collar of a white shirt or blouse nicely complements the academic robe.
Parents and Guests
As these events are held outdoors on the lawn, keep in mind both the sun and the changing temperature when selecting your attire. It may be chilly in the morning and then very warm in the direct sunlight toward the afternoon. Layering, sun block, and hats are all good choices.
What will the weather be like? (back to top)
The weather is almost always sunny and warm to very warm for commencement with the exception of the early morning and evening hours, which can be chilly. To check the forecast in advance, visit www.weather.com and use the campus zip code 91125.
Do I need tickets for the ceremony and how many may I have? (back to top)
You do not need tickets. Caltech is pleased to accommodate all parents and guests of graduates for the ceremony. Seating in chairs on the lawn is provided. Any number of guests can also be accommodated for the Senior Banquet and Commencement Luncheon. Please observe the May 23 deadline for reservations.
How will you accommodate guests with disabilities? (back to top)
For all the events listed, arrangements for persons using wheelchairs, for those who are hearing-or sight-impaired, or for those who have other special needs may be made by calling
Deborah White
626/395-4688 (voice) and 626/395-3700 (TDD)
E-mail: dwhite@caltech.edu
Special services--such as large-type programs, American Sign Language interpreters, and assistive listening devices--will be available.
Are there kosher or vegetarian menu options for the Senior Banquet and the Commencement Luncheon? (back to top)
Yes, Caltech is pleased to staff a kosher chef and to offer a vegetarian option for these events. Simply indicate your requirement on the response card when making your meal reservation.
Where may I park? (back to top)
Parking is available in lots and structures throughout the campus. Please see the map for the locations. As a courtesy, the Caltech Parking Office will not be charging for guest parking on Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13. The two-hour parking limit on surface streets surrounding campus will also be lifted.
Download the map for the Parking for the Commencement Ceremony. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view this document.)
What restaurants are there in Pasadena? (back to top)
There are many fine restaurants for lunch and dinner within walking distance of campus along the South Lake Avenue shopping district or near Old Town Pasadena.
What hotels are nearby? (back to top)
There are several nearby hotels listed on this website with discounted Caltech Commencement rates. You must ask for the Caltech Commencement rate when you book your stay at one of these hotels. Several of these hotels offer shuttle service around the Pasadena area. Inquire about shuttle availability when checking in.
How can I find out more about planning a visit to Pasadena? (back to top)
The city of Pasadena is a beautiful destination, and there are several on-line sites that provide information on transportation, accommodations, attractions, weather, and more.
Planning a Visit to Pasadena
City of Pasadena on the web
Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau
How do I join the Caltech Alumni Association or the Athenaeum? (back to top)
Caltech Alumni Association membership includes benefits such as e-mail and career services, an alumni network of nearly 9,000 members, a 15 percent discount on many items at the Caltech Bookstore, and invitations to special events. Keep your forwarding information current to receive the membership packet via mail in the fall. Contact the Caltech Alumni Association office for more information.
As a graduate, you are also eligible to apply for membership to the Athenaeum. Visit the website for an application form and more information.
How do I order graduation announcements and other graduation items? (back to top)
The Caltech Bookstore is the source. You may order graduation announcements from the Caltech Bookstore and online beginning in April as well as class rings, diploma frames, and regalia. Students are also encouraged to attend the Grad Fair on April 10th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the Caltech Bookstore where diploma frames, Caltech rings and regalia will be available for purchase or order.
Is there a limit to the number of guests a student may invite to the meals and concert? (back to top)
No, there are no limits. Caltech is pleased to provide ample space for you to celebrate your graduation with all of your friends and family. Any number of guests can be accommodated for the Free Student Concert, Garden Reception, Senior Banquet and Commencement Luncheon. Please observe the May 23 deadline for reservations.
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