Events and Activities
Caltech welcomes families and friends of the class of 2025 to join the celebration of the Institute's newest graduates.
*Online registration for Commencement events will open in May. Once live, links to the online registration page will be included below. Please contact commencement@caltech.edu for any inquiries.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
GRAD FAIR
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
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.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
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.)
Thursday, June 12, 2025
CAP & GOWN PORTRAITS
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.
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*
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*
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*
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
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 13, 2025
SENIOR CLASS PORTRAIT
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
No tickets are required for our commencement ceremony and guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony lasts approximately 2½ hours. Please note that, due to space constraints, in the general guest seating area on Beckman Mall there are approximately four guest seats available per graduating student. Guests are asked to be mindful of this limitation and courteous to other guests. Saving seats is not permitted.
POST-COMMENCEMENT LUNCHEON
Open to: All graduates and their families and friends, faculty, staff.
Tickets for Post-Commencement Luncheon will be available on Olive Walk following Commencement.
*Online registration for Commencement events will open in May. Once live, links to the online registration page will be included below. Please contact commencement@caltech.edu for any inquiries.
