To: All Graduating Students and Family Members
From: Caltech Commencement
Date: June 8, 2026Re:Important Commencement Information
Caltech's Commencement ceremony is scheduled for this Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. Please review these important reminders before the big day:
Graduating Student Arrival Time
M.S. and Ph.D. candidates participating in Commencement are expected to reach their specified marshaling and lineup sites around Caltech Hall Pond, dressed in cap and gown, and check in no later than 8:45 a.m. on Friday morning.
Bachelor's candidates should meet in front of Parsons-Gates at 8:45 a.m. for the class photo in their regalia before going to the marshaling area. The Commencement exercises will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Latecomers may not be included in the processional.
Marshaling Locations
The event map denotes the specific marshaling locations for candidates by degree:
- B.S. candidates: Section A (along the covered walk south of Parsons-Gates)
- M.S. and Engineer's candidates: Section B (along the covered walk at the south end of the bridge across the reflecting pool)
- Ph.D. candidates: Section C (along the covered walk north of East Bridge, behind the M.S. and Engineer's candidates)
Processional Instructions
Detailed instructions regarding the processional and the process for conferring degrees are available below by degree. Please review this information in advance of the ceremony:
Prohibited Items
Graduating students are prohibited from carrying purses, backpacks, or other personal items with them during the processional. All phones must be on silent and placed in pockets, out of sight. Please note that water bottles will be placed in advance at students' seats at the ceremony site.
Caltech Store
For last-minute purchases and regalia pick up, the Caltech Store will open on the day of Commencement at 8 a.m.
Guest Seating
Tickets are not required for your friends and family to attend Caltech's Commencement, but seating is limited and only available on a first-come, first-served basis. The guest seating area opens at 9 a.m. More information for event guests is available on the Commencement website.
The Commencement website also contains important information for this year's ceremony, including:
- The schedule of events and activities surrounding Commencement, including cap and gown photo opportunities
- The 2026 event map
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Accessibility information
- A list of prohibited items
Please thoroughly review this email and the Commencement website and share the relevant information with friends and family attending.
Important Information About the Senior Banquet
For those who have registered for the June 11 Senior Banquet, please arrive at the Athenaeum by 5:45 p.m. for check-in and table assignments. Check-in will be located on the Olive Walk terrace.
Important Information About the Post-Commencement Luncheon
The final seating for the June 12 Post Commencement Luncheon at the Athenaeum is at 1:30 p.m. Graduating students and their guests should arrive before 1:30 p.m. Lunch tickets cost $56 per graduate or guest. Child tickets (ages 10 and under) cost $25 per child. Tickets may be purchased prior to the Commencement ceremony on June 12, 2026 on Beckman Mall or following the ceremony on Olive Walk.
If you have any additional questions, please email [email protected].