Orientation Schedule
Graduate Orientation activities start on Wednesday, September 18 with iBegin@Caltech for international students, and run through Friday, September 20. All students are expected to attend Orientation events from Monday, September 23 to Friday, September 27.
All times are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Mandatory participation is indicated by an asterisk(*) and attendance will be tracked. Students unable to attend any mandatory sessions must contact the Graduate Studies Office.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Required for all incoming international students. See the full schedule of events here.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Caltech's annual convocation ceremony offers a warm welcome and introduction to the Institute for new graduate students, new undergraduate students, and new postdoctoral scholars. The program includes greetings from President Thomas F. Rosenbaum, a brief introduction to student life at Caltech by Kevin M. Gilmartin, Vice President and Faculty Dean of Students, and a panel discussion featuring Jonas C. Peters, Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Resnick Sustainability Institute at Caltech.
At 10:15 AM, please line up on the south side of Beckman Lawn, so that all new graduate students can process into Beckman Auditorium at 10:30 AM sharp.
For those students who do not otherwise have a lunch scheduled with their academic option, a community lunch will immediately follow Convocation.
Each academic option will provide option-specific orientation programming for new graduate students. Please contact your option representative directly for more detailed information.
All students receiving a stipend (assistantship or fellowship) are required to complete Employment Authorization (Form I-9). Please be sure to bring appropriate identification with you and allow up to 10-15 minutes wait time. Human Resources staff will be available to help you complete all of the forms necessary to receive your first paycheck and answer any questions you may have about direct deposit or tax forms.
Dean Chan and the Graduate Studies Office staff invite you to join us for an evening of good food, new friends, and fun. Not quite Vegas, but you'll have an opportunity to try your luck at our Caltech casino in Dabney Lounge. At the end of the night, turn in your winning chips for fantastic prizes!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Check in with the Graduate Studies Office, enjoy a breakfast bar including waffles and coffee, and pick up a highly coveted Caltech Graduate Studies Office swag bag!
David Chan, Harold and Violet Alvarez Professor of Biology and Dean of Graduate Studies, will offer words of welcome, and introduce you to the Graduate Studies staff and Orientation Guides as well as leaders from the Graduate Student Council (GSC). Several critical academic topics will be discussed including academic expectations and the Caltech Honor Code.
We've assembled several Caltech experts from across the Institute to provide more in-depth information regarding various aspects of the graduate student experience at Caltech.
- Research Integrity - presented by Grace Fisher-Adams, Chief Research Policy Officer
- Safety and Security - presented by Camille Saurenman, Security Investigator and Community Outreach Coordinator
- Diversity Matters - presented by Hillary Tribbs, Director of Inclusion and Belonging
- Prioritizing Health and Wellness in Graduate School - presented by Dr. Lee Coleman, Senior Clinician, Coordinator of Groups and Outreach
After lunch you'll have the opportunity to meet with representatives from various Caltech offices to learn more about the programs and services they provide in support of the graduate student community. There will also be plenty of swag and other giveaways, so be sure visit as many tables as possible!
Dean David Chan will moderate a panel of esteemed faculty members representing each of the six academic divisions at Caltech. A question-and-answer period will follow the panel.
- David Van Valen - Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE)
- Sarah Reisman - Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCE)
- Domniki Asimaki - Engineering and Applied Science (EAS)
- Paul Asimow - Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS)
- Omer Tamuz - The Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)
- Mansi Kasliwal - Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy (PMA)
You've heard a lot of information today! Join your assigned Orientation Guide for small group discussion about all things Caltech and hear their best advice for ensuring a smooth transition to graduate school.
Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum and Professor Katherine T. Faber invite all incoming graduate students to an outdoor dinner at their home.
Join us for coffee and dessert at one of the most popular hangout spots on campus!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Check-in will begin at 8:45 AM and close at 9:15 AM. Breakfast, lunch, and light snacks are provided.
First Year TA Training is a required component of Graduate Orientation and fulfills your mandatory training should you ever be a TA at Caltech. It is also a valuable professional development activity whether you will formally teach at Caltech or not, as it addresses aspects of professional teaching, mentoring, and communication that are more broadly applicable. All incoming graduate students will complete both the online and in-person training components. Students will receive an email from the CTLO by September 1 with full details.
Sponsored by the Center for Teaching, Learning & Outreach (CTLO)
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream Truck is quickly becoming a grad student favorite at Caltech! Visit the truck for a cool, customized unforgettable treat!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Caltech fosters a safe and inclusive community to promote student success in and outside of the classroom. Join the Equity and Title IX Office to learn how Caltech is ready to support you during your graduate tenure. In our presentation we will discuss how we all can keep Caltech's campus culture welcoming and safe. We will also review your rights and obligations as graduate students at Caltech, discuss boundary setting and clear communication strategies, and make clear campus policies and resources related to discrimination, sexual misconduct and unlawful harassment. We want everyone at Caltech to feel they are understood, supported, and have full access to educational opportunities. This will allow everyone greater confidence in building healthy professional and personal relationships at Caltech and beyond.
Presented by the Equity and Title IX Office
Master's students unite! All incoming students in a master's program at Caltech are invited to join the Graduate Studies staff for lunch and discussion. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet other master's students and build community across options.
The OGs invite all new graduate students to join them in the scenic Zen Garden for a relaxed evening of food, drink, and fun with new friends. Hors d'oeuvres and two drink tickets will be provided.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS!!!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Join us for a fun, interactive adventure as you guide your Caltech beaver through a sustainable day in the life of a student! Visit themed stations, make eco-friendly choices, and customize your beaver hero along the way. Complete the course for a chance to win awesome prizes and discover simple ways to make a big environmental impact! A Day in the Life of a Sustainable Student Hero
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
The Caltech Triathlon Club and the Caltech Gym welcome you to campus with a fun, beginner-friendly race! This supersprint triathlon features a 200-yard pool swim, a 5 km (3.1-mile) bike ride on a spin machine, and a 1.6 km (1-mile) run around the track. Whether you're new to triathlons or a seasoned athlete, this event is designed for all skill levels and relays are welcome! For more information or to sign up, check out our: RACE REGISTRATION LINK; it's completely free!
An evening of improv comedy, live music, and a preview of the fall musical.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
This outdoor event will pit teams of graduate students against each other in thrilling battles to see who the best team is! We will be playing fun outdoor games (no prior experience necessary!) on Beckman Mall and then enjoying some well-earned food and drinks. It's a fun space to get to know your peers and upper year students! Keep your eyes peeled for more information and link to RSVP in an email closer to the date!
SEPTEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 15
Presented by the Caltech Library, Crossing Over will feature rare books, scientific instruments, molecular models, paintings, drawings, photographs, and films from the Caltech Archives and Special Collections as well as contemporary art installations.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Join this annual celebration that includes great food, a movie and dancing!
OCTOBER 4 - DECEMBER 7
CaltechLive presents Opening Doors, a themed series of dance, music, and theater events on campus that showcase artists whose work engages with both the history of science and cutting-edge scientific research.
Tickets and General Information
- Tesla, A Radio Play for the Stage – October 4 - 6
- Huang Yi & Kuka – October 18 & 19
- HomeCare by Tonality – November 16
- Turing Tests, Apples, and Queens: Collective Storytelling Through Fairy Tales and Artificial Intelligence by Invertigo Dance Theatre – December 6 & 7
Tickets per event: $10 students (with student ID)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Interested in joining a student club? Want to learn more about what Caltech has to offer? Please join us at the annual Club Fair to learn more about student-led clubs and organizations on campus! Meet student representatives from a variety of clubs and organizations and learn how to get involved. For more information about Clubs at Caltech, please visit: https://ose.caltech.edu/.
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 3
A special stage production, presented at Caltech as a campus extension of the Blended Worlds exhibit, Earth Data: The Musical attempts to show the realities of climate scientists and the struggles and joys of conducting their vital research. Directed by Caltech Theater Arts director Brian Brophy, Earth Data: The Musical is a story about coming together to fight for change and survival, standing up for what one believes in, and celebrating science as a human endeavor.
This musical is based, in part, on the work of NASA/JPL climate scientist Kimberley Rain Miner and field research from JPL postdoctoral scholar Bradley Gay. The production will include performances by Albert Jefferson, JPL flight systems engineer; and Armin Kleinboehl, JPL research scientist, among others.