Spring and Summer Communication

Student Communications

Dear New Students,

This email is for students moving in on Saturday, September 19. A separate email with slightly different information will be sent to students who have already arrived on campus.

We're excited to welcome you to Caltech! Here are some important details to help you prepare for move-in day.

Saturday at a Glance
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | Housing Check-In & Move-In
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Complimentary Lunch at Beckman Mall
1:30-2:30 p.m. | Free Time & Family Goodbyes
2:45 p.m. | Class Photo, please arrive on time!
3:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | New Student Welcome Session and other Orientation programming

Move-In

Last week, the Housing Office sent your housing area in an email. Please refer to that email for your check-in location. Your specific room assignment will be provided at check-in.
There are two check-in locations. Head to the location for your assigned area. See map here.
North Houses (Corner of San Pasqual & Holliston Ave.): Blacker, Dabney, Fleming, Lloyd, Page, Ricketts, and Venerable.
Bechtel/Avery: Bechtel and Avery Houses
We recommend parking at the Holliston Parking Structure located at 370 S. Holliston Ave, Pasadena. If that structure is full, consider the parking structure at 341 S. Wilson Ave. Quick tip: Parking on campus is free on the weekend! Drop-off OR parking is not permitted at the Athenaeum parking lot due to other prescheduled events.
At check-in, you'll receive your housing packet, Caltech ID, and Orientation welcome bag with your name tag and fun swag. You'll be wearing your name tag throughout Orientation Week; keep it safe!
FCCs will be readily available to help with move-in and directing traffic. Families are also welcome to assist with the move-in process in the residences. FCCs and other staff will be wearing teal t-shirts so we're easy to spot if you need support!
If you anticipate arriving after 2:00 p.m., please email [email protected] and [email protected] ASAP with your expected arrival time so we can coordinate your check-in and make sure you get to the Orientation sessions on time.
After checking in, stop by the Welcome Center for photos, Caltech swag, and to meet student services.

Other important details

We suggest saying goodbye to your family before the Class Photo. The free hour from 1:30-2:30 p.m. is often a good time to say bye – whether that's for a hug, encouragement, or whatever feels right for you.
The Class Photo starts promptly at 2:45 p.m. at Parsons Gates, which is north of the Beckman Tent (lunch area). Please don't be late, we'd love to have you in the photo.
After the photo, Orientation programming begins at 3:30 p.m. In Ramo Auditorium
Finally, if you haven't already, download Guidebook. The full Orientation schedule is available in the app. We just added the week's menus for every meal, so take a look!

I'm also including a letter from Vanessa Tejada, Director of Residential Experience, with more information about the Rotation process here. You'll hear more from our student leaders on Tuesday, September 22 at 1:30 p.m.

Safe travels to campus and we'll see you on Saturday! 👋

Isabel

Dear New Students,

One week to go! Orientation Week officially kicks off next Saturday, September 19!

Before then, we'll welcome students arriving early for Integrated Core (9/13), Y-Hike (9/14-15), and iBegin (9/17). Safe travels to everyone arriving on campus soon!

For those arriving on Saturday, September 19, I'll share more information next week about the check-in and move-in process. For now, here are a few things to know about Orientation Week:

If you haven't already done so, please have the Orientation schedule downloaded through Guidebook before you arrive.

Meals During Orientation Week

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided for new students throughout the week. Check Guidebook for locations and times.
Wear your Orientation name tag to all meals.
Your student meal plan begins Wednesday, September 23. Starting the 23rd, you can dine at any Caltech Dining facility during open hours, in addition to the meals provided as part of Orientation.

Mandatory Orientation Sessions

If a session is marked mandatory, you need to be there! We've designed these sessions to be interactive, useful, and (hopefully!) fun -- we promise they'll be worth your time.
We'll take attendance at some sessions. Certain sessions require attendance to meet institutional, safety, or compliance requirements. For these sessions, you'll fill out a QR code that links to a brief attendance survey. Attendance tracking isn't meant to be punitive. It simply helps us document participation and make sure everyone receives important information.
We'll be doing daily prize drawings during the sessions, and you could win some pretty awesome prizes, including Stanley tumblers, portable speakers and chargers, a Keurig, a smart alarm clock, and one lucky winner will receive a Beats Solo 4 headphone! 👀

We have SO much planned for Orientation Week, and I'll walk you through everything at the Welcome Session, beginning promptly at 3:30 p.m. on 9/19. We're all very excited to kick start an exciting week of fun and community building!

The following items on the to-do list are due:

Sunday, September 13:

The makeup Writing Placement Test essays must be submitted by 5:00PM PDT. The makeup should be completed by first-year and transfer students (except 3-2 transfers) who did not complete the writing placement test in June due to travel or illness. Review the test information page to learn about the purpose, format, and location of this test: https://www.hss.caltech.edu/undergraduate-studies/faqs/caltech-writing-placement-test-information Contact: [email protected]

Wednesday, September 16:

Conduct and Community Standards Module and StandUp to Hazing Module Due (Required - All New Students: First Year, Transfer, 3-2 and Exchange)
The Conduct and Community Standards module will be available through the Class of 2030 or Transfer and Exchange Canvas course. Access to the StandUp to Hazing module is embedded within the Conduct and Community Standards module.

I'll be in touch again next week. Have a great weekend!

Best,

Isabel

Dear New Students,

Below are some updates before the end of August:

Download the Orientation Schedule
Please download the Orientation schedule on Guidebook before Orientation Week begins, so you have easy access to the full schedule once you arrive on campus.

Share Your Feedback on Summer Info Sessions
We wrapped up nine virtual info sessions this summer! If you attended any of the sessions, please take a few minutes to share your feedback here. Your input will help us make these sessions even better for future incoming Techers.

Frosh Guide to Academics
The Undergraduate Academics and Research Committee (ARC) is the academic branch of ASCIT, Caltech's undergraduate student government. ARC works to support students' academic experience and distributes a resource called the Frosh Guide to Academics.

The 2026-27 edition includes information about Caltech's academic structure, the Core curriculum, option (major)-specific tips, and more. I'm copying Jonathan Dawit, who is the ARC chair and one of our awesome FCCs, if you have any questions about the Frosh Guide.

The following items on the to-do list are available and/or due:

Tuesday, September 1:

Avoiding Plagiarism Module Available (Required - First Year and Transfer Students)
You will be provided with an individualized link to complete this module via your Caltech email. The module introduces key policies and expectations related to ethical academic writing.
Performing & Visual Arts complete your interest form: Music Form and/or Theater Arts Form (Optional)
Deadline for incoming students to complete the registration process with Caltech Accessibility Services for Students (CASS) to ensure academic accommodations are in place for the start of Fall 2026-27.
Contact: [email protected]

Friday, September 4:

Complete the Pre-Registration Information Survey: The survey was sent to your Caltech email address on 8/27. (Required for all new students: First Year, Transfer, and 3-2)
Contact: [email protected]
Accept Financial Aid Package
Contact: [email protected]
Bursar's Office - Deadline: Please review and submit any required documents to the Bursar's Office by today.
Contact: [email protected]
The makeup Writing Placement Test materials become available at 12:00PM PDT. The makeup should be completed by first-year and transfer students (except 3-2 transfers) who did not complete the writing placement test in June due to travel or illness. Review the test information page to learn about the purpose, format, and location of this test: https://www.hss.caltech.edu/undergraduate-studies/faqs/caltech-writing-placement-test-information Contact: [email protected]

Have a great Labor Day weekend ahead!

Best,

Isabel

Dear New Students,

Below are a few announcements and reminders:

Social Activities During Orientation Week
We have an exciting lineup of social activities planned for you during Orientation Week! Some activities require advance sign-up, so I'll be sharing these opportunities later this week, so you have plenty of time to RSVP. Be on the lookout soon!

Final Summer Info Session: This Thursday, August 20, 12-1 p.m. PT
Join us for our last summer info session featuring the Hixon Writing Center and Caltech Library, two valuable academic resources. Did you know that Caltech has 3D printing facilities?
Grubhub credit will be provided to the first five student participants who join at 12 p.m.
Zoom: https://caltech.zoom.us/j/86755600637

Coming soon: FCC Introductions

All new students are assigned to an orientation group led by two Orientation Leaders, also known as First-Year Counselors (FCCs). In early September, you'll receive an introductory email from your assigned FCCs. These current Caltech students are a great resource, particularly if you'd like insight from a student perspective. You'll meet your FCCs in person on Saturday, September 19 (first day of Orientation).

Important Housing Information

In anticipation of your arrival to campus, please take some time to review information from the Housing Office.

Explore Music, Theater, and Visual Arts at Caltech

Caltech offers excellent opportunities to study and participate in music, theater, and the visual arts. The Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) faculty are committed to excellence in performance and education and to supporting students who wish to enrich and broaden their college experience.

Students can receive academic credit for participating in Art Drawing and Ceramics, Guitar, Chamber Music, Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Jazz Band and Improvisation, Glee Club, Theater Production, and Storytelling and Improvisation for Scientists! Large ensembles will hold auditions for new students during Orientation Week. Please visit the PVA website for more information.

Action Item: IMSS Video

Please watch this brief clip to learn more about Information Management Systems and Services (IMSS) and the technology resources available to support you as a new student.

The following items on the to-do list are due:

Monday, August 24

Conduct and Community Standards Module — Required for first-year and transfer students
This module will be available through the Class of 2030 Canvas course.

Friday, August 28

Letter to Your First-Year Advisor — Required for first-year students
Please visit the Class of 2030 Canvas course for instructions. You will also receive information about this assignment via email from the Dean's Office.

Best wishes,
Isabel

Dear New Students,

Fun Fact of the Month: Tournament Park at Caltech was the landing site of the first successful transcontinental flight across the United States. In 1911, aviation pioneer Calbraith Perry Rodgers completed this historic journey, departing from Sheepshead Bay, New York, on September 17 and arriving at Tournament Park in Pasadena, California, on November 5. More than a century later, this same space continues to bring the Caltech community together. During Orientation Week, you will have lunch with your FCCs at Tournament Park!

Here are a few announcements and updates:

The Orientation Week schedule will be available through Guidebook (many of you may recognize this app from Discotech) by late August. Keep an eye out for more information on how to download the app and access the schedule!
Upcoming Info Session: Student Benefits | Zoom Link: https://caltech.zoom.us/j/86537814709
Join us tomorrow, August 4 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. (PT) for an overview of student benefits with the Benefits Office. Topics will include an overview of student benefits, enrolling or waiving coverage, midyear changes, and other available resources. As always, the first five student participants will receive a Grubhub credit.
Want a sneak peek at Orientation Week? Follow the Office of Student and Family Engagement (SFE) on Instagram @sfe.caltech! Soon our Senior FCCs will be taking over the account to share orientation highlights to help you get excited for your arrival at Caltech.

Below are upcoming items on the to-do list:

Monday, August 10:

Bursar's Office Review your Welcome Letter and Bursar Documents.
Contact: [email protected]

Friday, August 14:

Deadline to Enroll in or Waive Caltech Student Health &/or Dental Insurance (Required - First Year, Transfer and 3-2 Students)
Information about Caltech Student Health &/or Dental Insurance for 2026-27 will be emailed when enrollment/waiver period opens.
Submit Photo for Caltech ID Card (Required - All New Students: First Year, Transfer, 3-2 and Exchange)
Contact: [email protected]

Until next time! 👋
Isabel

Dear New Students,

The countdown is on: we're just about two months away from the start of Orientation Week on Saturday, September 19!

Here are a few important updates and reminders:

Information Sessions

If you missed our most recent information session, the First-Year Dean and Director of Student Success shared helpful information about the academic resources and support available to help you navigate your first year at Caltech. The recording is available here.

We'll be taking a two-week break from information sessions. Our next session will be Tuesday, August 4, featuring Caltech Benefits.

Office Availability

I'll be out of the office July 20-29, so my email responses may be delayed during that time. If you have a question during this period, please don't hesitate to reach out. I will do my best to respond if it's something quick or connect you with the appropriate campus office. Thanks in advance for your patience!

Mail Service Codes (MSC)

Each incoming student will receive a unique Mail Service Code (MSC) by email prior to arriving on campus. Your MSC must be included in your mailing address to receive mail and packages at Caltech.

Mail Services will begin accepting packages up to two weeks before your arrival date. Please refer to the chart below for when you can expect to receive your MSC. Keep an eye out for an email from the wonderful Sabrina Rios in our office!

If you are part of more than one early-arrival program (for example, FSRI and athletics), your MSC will be sent based on your earliest arrival date.

Meet Your FCCs

What does FCC stand for?!? Well, First-Year Caltech Connectors (FCCs for short) are upper-year students who serve as Orientation Leaders and peer mentors.

You'll be assigned to a small orientation group led by two FCCs, who will help guide you through Orientation Week and your transition to Caltech. You'll receive an email from your FCCs in early September.

The following items on the To-Do List are due by:

Saturday, July 25:

"Safety and Preparedness for Campus Life" online training is due via MyLearn (if assigned). If you have not yet received the training, please disregard the July 25 deadline and complete it by the due date listed in MyLearn, which is typically 30 days after the training is assigned.

Wednesday, July 29:

Health Entrance Requirements Due (Required - All New Students: First Year, Transfer, 3-2 and Exchange) Contact: Student Health Portal or call (626) 395-8331 if you have not received confirmation that your requirements are complete.

Friday, July 31:

Housing Contract Due

Have a great rest of July!

Best,

Isabel

Dear New Students,

Fun Fact of the Month: Caltech's Ditch Day is an annual tradition dating back to the 1920s, when seniors create elaborate puzzles, challenges, and activities for the rest of the undergraduate students. The exact date is kept a secret until the morning it happens. Caltech's most well-known sayings is "Ditch Day is (always) tomorrow."

📅 The next Info Session is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. PDT | Zoom Link

Join Caltech Housing, Residential Experience, and the Interhouse Committee (IHC) for an overview of Rotation. The IHC Chair will share what Rotation is like from a student's perspective and answer your questions. As always, the first five student participants will receive a Grubhub credit.

If you missed a session, you can view recordings of previous information sessions here.

The IHC is Caltech's undergraduate student government. The IHC Chair, Ava Balanon, has also written this welcome letter introducing the Rotation process. We encourage you to read it before tomorrow's session.

In addition to tomorrow's info session, you should have received the Safety and Preparedness for Campus Life training through the MyLearn platform. This required training has now been added to your To-Do List and must be completed by July 25.

The following items on the To-Do List are due by:

Wednesday, July 8:

Complete Course Selection Survey (Required - First Year Students) Survey will be sent to your Caltech email address. Contact: [email protected]

Friday, July 10:

Enrollment/Waiver period begins for Student Health Insurance Plans. Students who do not want to enroll in 2026-27 coverage need to take action to submit their waiver(s). Students will only be enrolled by default in Caltech Student Medical and Dental coverage. The Caltech Student Vision plan requires active enrollment each year.

Monday, July 13:

Chemistry Advanced Placement Exam Due by 11:59PM PDT. (Optional). Testing window opens Monday, June 22, 2026. Log into Canvas for test details.
Contact: [email protected]

Friday, July 17:

Math Advanced Placement Exams Due 12:00PM PDT (Ma 1abc, Ma 2, Ma 3) (Optional.) Log into Canvas for test details.
Contact: [email protected]
Physics Advanced Placement Exam Due 12:00PM PDT (Ph 1a) (Optional.) Log into Canvas for test details.
Contact:[email protected]

Best,

Isabel

Dear New Students,

Happy June! It's a sunny and warm day here in Pasadena (31 °C/88 °F). On campus, we are preparing for Caltech's 132nd Commencement Ceremony, which will take place this Friday, June 12. This year's Commencement address will be delivered by Kip Thorne (BS '62) -- theoretical physicist, distinguished alumnus, and Nobel laureate. The ceremony will be livestreamed here for those who would like to join us remotely.

Fun Fact of the Month: Caltech students have a long tradition of creative and elaborate pranks. One of the most famous took place in 1984, when students altered the Hollywood sign to read "Caltech." Another legendary prank involved changing the Rose Bowl scoreboard to display Caltech as the winning team - a remarkable feat considering Caltech does not compete in major college football!

Below are some announcements:

Moving forward my letters will be sent to your Caltech email address only (instead of also to your personal email) so please ensure you have activated your Caltech email. All copies of the summer communication will also be available online.
Add your emergency contact information through your access.caltech account. Please designate someone who is at least 18 years old and can be reliably reached in the event of an emergency. We recommend listing a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult. If possible, avoid listing siblings or other individuals who are under 18 years of age.
As a reminder, review the new student handbook for important information about the first-year experience. Want to learn more about the Rotation process? See page 10. Have questions about when to send packages to campus? See page 47.
Academic and Student-Services Virtual Info Sessions: Over the next three months, you are invited to join weekly Zoom sessions to learn about the many academic and student support resources available at Caltech. These sessions provide an opportunity to hear directly from campus staff, learn about the services they offer, and ask questions. A calendar of upcoming sessions can be viewed here.
- The first 5 student participants at each session will receive a $15 GrubHub credit (credit will be sent to your Caltech email after the session; if there are more than 5 students, recipients will be chosen in a random draw).
- Below are two upcoming sessions, and reminders will also be sent closer to each session:
  - Wednesday, June 17 at 11am-12pm (PT) | Student and Family Experience | Zoom Link here
    Overview of the first-year experience, New Student Handbook, move-in day, New Student Information Form
  - Thursday, June 25, 11am-12pm (PT) | Financial Aid & Bursar's Office | Zoom Link here
    Important deadlines, loan options, appeals, billing, and disbursements
  - This Friday, the New Student Information Form will be sent to your Caltech email address through Qualtrics. This is an important, mandatory survey for all students to complete. If there are any questions about the form, please attend the info session on June 17 or email me. The deadline to complete this form is Friday, June 26.
  - There is still time to apply for the Integrated First-year Core! Please see this link to read the details about the Integrated Core program, how it works, how to apply, and responses to frequently anticipated questions. The application is due on June 26.

Please note, the following items on the To-Do List are due by:

Friday, June 12:

New Student Information Form Opens (Required - First Year, Transfer, 3-2, and Exchange Students.) Survey will be sent to your Caltech email address through Qualtrics.

Sunday, June 14:

Writing Placement Test essays must be submitted by 5:00PM PDT. (Required - First Year and Transfer Students, except for 3-2 Transfers)
The required placement test determines your fall humanities coursework. Carefully review the test information page to familiarize yourself with the test's purpose, format, and location; the page addresses FAQs.
Contact: [email protected]

Monday, June 15:

Foundations Assessment Due by 5:00PM PDT (Required - First Year Students)
Contact: [email protected]

Friday, June 19:

Deadline for incoming students to register with Caltech Accessibility Services for Students (CASS) for housing accessibility accommodations for Fall 2026-27.
Contact: [email protected]

Monday, June 22:

Chemistry Advanced Placement Exam Testing Window Opens - (Students who excel on the Foundations Assessment will be encouraged to take the exam.) Log into Canvas for test details.
Due July 13, 2026.
Contact: [email protected]

Until next time! 👋

Best wishes,

Isabel

Dear New Students,

My name is Isabel Peng, and I am the Director of New Student Transition Programs and First Year Experience. The First-Year Experience team will be supporting you during your transition as a new student, as well as being a resource throughout your first year at Caltech. We are so excited for your arrival in a few months! On a regular basis over the next months, I will send emails that highlight important deadlines and upcoming events designated for incoming students. Today's email will be sent to your personal email, as well as Caltech email. Starting in June, all emails will just be sent to your Caltech email, so be sure to check this inbox regularly. Copies of each communication will also be available online.

Below are some announcements and reminders coming up in the next couple of weeks:

New Undergraduate Student Handbook: This is your go-to resource guide for learning about Caltech and how to make the most of your experience at the Institute. The handbook has been curated to provide you with important information about the first-year experience, campus policies, and an overview of the Student Affairs administrative offices and support services. We strongly encourage you to review this in its entirety prior to your arrival to campus.
Integrated Core: Please see this link to read the details about the Integrated Core program, how it works, how to apply, and responses to frequently anticipated questions. The application is due June 26.
Move-in Day (Saturday, September 19): Students living in Caltech Housing are expected to move-in on Saturday, September 19. Check-in hours begin 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. (PDT). We ask that students and families plan their travel to campus accordingly. Orientation programs for all new students begin after 2PM that same day. For students who arrive early for First-Year Success Research Institute (FSRI), fall athletics, international-student orientation, and other approved academic programs, please refer to communication from the respective offices or coaches for more information.
Orientation Week (Saturday, September 19 – Friday, September 25) is your opportunity to participate in engaging campus activities, connect with fellow classmates and upper-year students, and learn more about the many resources available to support you. Attendance at Orientation Week activities is mandatory for all new students. Additional information, including the full schedule of events, will be shared over the coming months.
Academic and Student Services Virtual Info Sessions: The Caltech Library, Hixon Writing Center, Student Wellness Services, Deans' Office, and the Caltech Y are just a few of the many resources available to support your academic and personal success. Starting mid-June, you are invited to attend weekly info sessions over Zoom to hear from different office staff about how they support new students and students will have the opportunity to ask questions at each session. The info session schedule will be shared in a separate email soon.

Please note, the following items on the To-Do List are due by:

Friday, May 29:

Deadline to register with Caltech Accessibility Services for Students (CASS) for accessibility accommodations for Foundations Assessment and placement exams. Contact: [email protected]

Monday, June 1:

Watch Honor Code Video (Required - All New Students: First Year, Transfer, 3-2 and Exchange).
Start using your Caltech email address!
Please review Health Entrance Requirements. Please contact your provider for questions or immunizations. If you need assistance please visit Student Wellness Services: Student Wellness Services

Friday, June 5:

NEW DEADLINE (formerly due on May 29): Activate your Access.Caltech Account - Instructions will be emailed to you. (Required - All New Students: First Year, Transfer, 3-2 and Exchange). Contact: [email protected]
Writing placement test materials become available at 12:00PM PDT. (Required - First Year and Transfer Students, except for 3-2 Transfers)
The required placement test determines your fall humanities coursework. Carefully review the test information page to familiarize yourself with the test's purpose, format, and location; the page addresses FAQs.: https://www.hss.caltech.edu/undergraduate-studies/faqs/caltech-writing-placement-test-information
Contact: [email protected]

I look forward to connecting again soon!

Best wishes,

Isabel

P.S. – If you missed my message in Slate, view this flyer for some fun facts about me. Special shout out to any incoming students from Canada! 😊

Welcome to Caltech! We are delighted to be among the first to welcome you to this extraordinary research and learning community and look forward to meeting you and working with you in the months and years to come.

The First-Year Experience team will continue to provide you with information about New Student Orientation throughout the summer. In the meantime, we hope the following information and resources will be helpful as you make plans to begin your time at Caltech.

You have been assigned the Caltech UID number: (Each student received a unique UID number. Please refer to the number sent to your email). This will serve as your student identification number while you are at Caltech. You will be receiving information from the Registrar's Office about activating your access.caltech account in the next few days; note that the deadline to activate this account is June 5, 2026.

The New Student Orientation Website provides lots of information for our new students, including the To-Do List. Additional information will be added in the coming weeks, so we encourage you to check back often!

We will use this email address for all updates and information from the Institute through June 1; at that point, you will have been officially assigned a Caltech email account and we will begin communicating with you via that channel. If you need to update your email address in the meantime, please email the Caltech registrar at [email protected].

If you have a disability and require housing or academic accommodations in the fall, please register with Caltech Accessibility Services for Students (CASS) by June 19 (for housing) or September 1 (for academic services). If you require accommodations for the Foundations Assessment or other placement testing, you should register and send your materials by May 29.

As we finalize plans for Fall programs and activities, the First-Year Experience team will share updates with you. As part of New Student Orientation Week, your family members will also be invited to some orientation events, hosted by the Office of Student and Family Engagement (SFE), that are dedicated for family members. In order for SFE to connect appropriately with your family, please email [email protected] if your family contact information changes.

We look forward to meeting you at New Student Orientation, beginning on Saturday, September 19.

Sincerely,

The Undergraduate Deans' Office Team

Jennifer Jahner
Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Professor of English

Lesley Nye
Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students

Kristin Weyman
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students
Dean of First and Second Year Students

Maura McDinger
Director of Conduct and Community Standards

Chris Barragan
Student Affairs Case Manager

Therese Bagsit
Operations Lead, Undergraduate Deans' Office

Sara Loredo
Office Assistant, Undergraduate Deans' Office

Dear Caltech Class of 2030,

I am delighted to be among the first to welcome you to this extraordinary research and learning community and look forward to meeting and working with you in the months and years to come. With the May 1 decision deadline behind us, we are looking towards fall when we will be officially welcoming you and the rest of your new classmates to campus. At the same time, we are aware that you may still have a month or more left in your current schoolyear – as do we! The information below is designed to help you get started with your summer learning and preparation, but it is just the beginning.

Here are a few items to which I'd like to draw your attention:

The summer To-Do List is now live on the New Student Orientation website. The information and deadlines in the following bullets will appear on that list, so you don't have to keep track of all of them right now.
You have already heard from Dean Jahner about the mandatory Foundations Assessment. Comprised of three tests (one each in math, physics, and chemistry), which can be taken independently, the assessment will be available later in May and will be due June 15. You'll receive feedback in early July to help you brush up on specific skills that will be essential to the Core curriculum.
The Writing Placement test, also required, will be available June 5 through June 14. This exam determines whether you must take Writing 2 in fall term and successfully complete the course before you enroll in your first-year humanities coursework.
Later in May you will be enrolled in the Class of 2030 Canvas course, which is designed to provide you with information that will assist you as you navigate your first year at Caltech. This is where you will find some assignments, such as the Letter to Your Advisor, as well as details about each of the Core STEM courses and helpful academic resources.
If you have a disability and require housing or academic accommodations in the fall, please register with Caltech Accessibility Services for Students (CASS) by June 19 (for housing) or September 1 (for academic services). If you require accommodations for placement testing, you should register and send your materials by May 29.
Caltech will be sending information to your families soon and we would like to make sure we have their correct contact information. If you have questions about our communications or your family members' email addresses, please reach out to the Office of Student and Family Engagement at [email protected].
You will receive additional information about New Student Orientation – as well as reminders about items on the To-Do List – throughout the summer from First Year Programs. Please be sure to keep an eye on your email (primarily your Caltech email, once you set it up later this month) and check back with the To-Do List periodically for updates.

As I look forward to the start of my ninth year at Caltech, I can genuinely say that my favorite part of the Caltech community is you, our students. Getting to know you, seeing you learn and grow and explore new passions, hearing about your research and what you're studying – it's truly awe

inspiring, and Caltech is an amazing place. But I'll be honest with you: Caltech is also hard. You will struggle. And that's ok! As your First Year Dean, I'm here to support and encourage you in your academic, personal, and social development. If you ever have a concern – whether it's something in the classroom, or a problem with family back home – please be in touch. If you don't know where to go or who to ask, you can find a lot of answers, as well as the link to book an appointment with me or another of the deans, at deans.caltech.edu.

On a personal note, I love travel and the outdoors. If your hometown is in a beautiful place with good hiking or good food, let's talk! I live near campus and you're likely to see me walking my dog, Daisy, in the evenings. You're always welcome to come up to us and say hello.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Your dean,

Kristin

Kristin Weyman

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students

Dean of First and Second Year Student

Family Communications

Dear Families,

Congratulations on your student's commitment to the California Institute of Technology! Caltech is a truly special community, and we are excited to welcome such an exceptional group of incoming students this fall.

The Office of Student and Family Engagement looks forward to getting to know both your student and your family in the months ahead. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is supporting students during this important transition and helping them develop as future leaders, innovators, and researchers. Families and support networks play an essential role in students' success, and we hope to serve as a trusted resource and partner throughout your student's Caltech journey.

Over the coming months, and continuing throughout their academic careers, most Caltech communications will be sent directly to students. For convenience, all official communications to incoming students will also be posted online for reference.

Today, we are pleased to share the New Student Handbook, which was recently sent to students. We encourage families to review this comprehensive guide with important information, timelines, and campus resources related to the first-year student experience.

In addition, throughout the summer, we will host a series of informational Zoom sessions covering topics designed to help students and families prepare for the year ahead. This summer's session schedule can be viewed here. All sessions will be recorded and shared online so students and families may access the information even if they are unable to attend live.

Planning for Your Students' Arrival

Arrival Dates

International students should plan to arrive on September 17, 2026.
Incoming students should plan to arrive on campus on September 19, 2026.

Some students may be required to arrive earlier due to participation in Institute-sponsored programs, including:

First-Year Success Research Institute (FSRI)
NCAA Division III athletics
Other approved pre-orientation programs

Because arrival timelines vary by program, students and families should refer directly to communications from the staff overseeing those programs regarding move-in dates, housing transitions, and pre-arrival requirements.

Housing Assignments

Student housing assignments will be provided upon arrival to campus.

Mail and Packages

Students' Mail Service Center (MSC) codes will be emailed prior to their arrival on campus. Mail Services can begin receiving packages up to two weeks before move-in. Please refer to the package shipping guidelines on page 47 of the Handbook.

Move-In Support

On the official move-in day, Saturday, September 19, student and staff volunteers will be available to assist new students, whether they are arriving independently or with family members.

2026–27 Academic Year Dates to Note

New Family Orientation: Saturday, September 19, 2026
New Student Orientation Week: September 19–25, 2026 (students only)
Rotation: September 23–30, 2026
Thanksgiving Holiday: November 26–27, 2026
Winter Break: December 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Family Weekend: January 29–31, 2027

Finally, we invite you to a virtual session designed specifically for new family members on Wednesday, June 24, at 11:00 a.m. (PT). During this Zoom session, we'll discuss what to expect throughout the summer and how to prepare for your student's arrival in the fall. The session will also provide an opportunity to learn more about important timelines, upcoming communications, and campus resources. A recording will be made available for those who are unable to attend live.

Please use this Zoom link: https://caltech.zoom.us/j/84519315124 to join the session at the scheduled start time.

Your support, encouragement, and involvement are invaluable, and we are committed to partnering with you to help ensure your student has a successful and enriching first-year experience. We encourage you to review the Orientation website throughout the summer for the latest updates and information. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected], and a staff member will respond within 1–2 business days.

Sincerely,

Student and Family Engagement

Spring and Summer Communication

Student Communications

September 17, 2026

September 16, 2026

September 12, 2026

August 31, 2026

August 26, 2026

August 18, 2026

August 17, 2026

August 3, 2026

July 17, 2026

Mail Service Codes (MSC)

Meet Your FCCs

July 07, 2026

June 24, 2026

Action Item: New Student Information Form Due Friday, June 26 at 5:00 p.m. PDT

June 10, 2026

Please note, the following items on the To-Do List are due by:

May 26, 2026

May 22, 2026

May 09, 2026

Family Communications

June 22, 2026

June 08, 2026

Planning for Your Students' Arrival

May 14, 2026