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Events and Activities

Caltech welcomes families and friends of the class of 2024 to join the celebration of the Institute's newest graduates.

*The Commencement events marked with an asterisk require advance registration. Online registration for these events will open on April 17. The registration link will be made available on this website, and will be sent via email to students eligible to graduate.


Wednesday, April 17

GRAD FAIR

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Hameetman Center
At this one-stop shopping event, graduating students can receive help ordering their cap and gown, sit for an official graduation portrait, have questions answered by the Registrar's Office and other offices supporting Commencement, order graduation announcements and other memorabilia, and much more. Read more on the Institute calendar.

CAP & GOWN PORTRAITS AT GRAD FAIR

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Hameetman Center
A professional photographer from GradImages will be available at Grad Fair to photograph graduating students (with regalia). No reservations are needed; the photographers will take students on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no cost to sit for one of these portraits and photos can be purchased at a later date.
In order to streamline the photograph ordering process, you are asked to provide your name and mailing address to GradImages in advance. By doing so in advance of Commencement, you will receive a 20% discount when registering online.



Wednesday, June 5

REGALIA PICK UP AND GRAD CELEBRATION

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Hameetman Center

  • Pre-ordered regalia will be available for pickup outside of the Caltech Store on June 5. CALE will be on hand to distribute regalia and learn about your post-graduation plans. Snacks, photo-opportunities, and a special gift will be provided to all graduates (including those that didn't order regalia.)
  • Students unable to pick up their regalia and/or grad gift on June 5 can pick them up directly from CALE June 6-12 during business hours. CALE is located on the third floor of the Center for Student Services, Room 310.


Thursday, June 13

CAP & GOWN PORTRAITS

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Caltech Hall Pond
A professional photographer from GradImages will be available to photograph graduating students (with or without regalia) and their families. No reservations are needed; the photographers will take students and their families on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to streamline the photograph ordering process, you are asked to provide your name and mailing address to GradImages in advance. By doing so in advance of Commencement, you will receive a 20% discount when registering online.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at the President's Garden Reception
A professional photographer from GradImages will be available to photograph graduating students (with or without regalia) and their families. For inquiries regarding the President's Garden Reception, please contact commencement@caltech.edu.

GRADUATE STUDIES CELEBRATION LUNCHEON*

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., The Athenaeum, 551 South Hill Avenue
There is no cost for graduating MS/PhD students.
Open to: MS and PhD candidates and their families and friends, faculty, staff
For inquiries regarding the Graduate Studies Luncheon, please contact gradofc@caltech.edu or 626-395-6346.

PRESIDENT'S GARDEN RECEPTION*

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., President's Garden, 415 South Hill Avenue
The reception, honoring graduates of the class of 2024 and their families, is hosted by President Thomas F. Rosenbaum. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Open to: undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, guests
For inquiries regarding the President's Garden Reception, please contact commencement@caltech.edu.

SENIOR GRADUATION BANQUET*

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., The Athenaeum, 551 South Hill Avenue
There is no cost for graduating seniors.
Open to: BS candidates and their families and friends, faculty, staff.
For inquiries regarding the Senior Banquet, please contact commencement@caltech.edu.

COMMENCEMENT CONCERT

8:30 p.m., Ramo Auditorium
Graduating seniors, joined by fellow members of Caltech's instrumental and choral ensembles, will present one last concert for friends and family before leaving Caltech. The concert program will be posted when it becomes available. No tickets or reservations required for this concert, but early arrival is recommended as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.


Friday, June 14

SENIOR CLASS PORTRAIT

8:45 a.m., Parsons-Gates Hall of Administration
On the morning of Commencement, about an hour before the processional begins, the seniors gather on the steps of Parsons-Gates Hall of Administration for the senior class portrait.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

10:00 a.m., Beckman Mall
No tickets or reservations are required for the ceremony, and there is no limit to the number of family members or guests who may attend. Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony lasts approximately 2½ hours.

POST-COMMENCEMENT LUNCHEON

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., The Athenaeum, 551 South Hill Avenue
Open to: All graduates and their families and friends, faculty, staff
Tickets for Post-Commencement Luncheon will be available on Olive Walk following Commencement.


*The Commencement events marked with an asterisk require advance registration. Online registration for these events will open on April 17. The registration link will be made available on this website, and will be sent via email to students eligible to graduate.

Photo of family at President's Reception event.