Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Find essential information and answers to questions regarding the schedule, location, activities, registration process, accommodations, and more here. The FAQ also addresses topics such as meal options, accessibility accommodations, health and safety measures, and cancellation policies. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate reach out.
Family Weekend 2025 is from Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Family Weekend is an annual event organized by Caltech to provide an opportunity for parents, siblings and other family members of first-year undergraduate students to visit campus, meet faculty and staff, and gain a better understanding of the academic, research and social environment at Caltech. We hope this event will foster connections, create a supportive network that extends to families of undergraduate first-year students, and provide families a glimpse into your student's academic and co-curricular experience at Caltech.
Families of first-year undergraduate students, including transfer and 3/2 students are welcome to attend this event.
All events will be held on Caltech's campus. Here is an interactive campus map. Your first stop on campus should be the Family Weekend Check-in and Information Center. This is where you will pick up your name tag and welcome bag. Check-in hours will be Friday, 1:00-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
For parking, visitors are required to display a permit if their vehicle is parked on campus between the hours of 7:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Parking is free on campus after 5 PM on Friday through Sunday. Please only park in numbered white spaces without names. For additional information on parking permits, please visit here.
Family Weekend 2025 will feature a variety of activities for families to participate in throughout the weekend.
Weekend highlights include:
- Welcome Reception at the Athenaeum with Dr. Thomas Rosenbaum, President; Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and Professor of Physics and Professor Katherine T. Faber, Simon Ramo Professor of Materials Science
- Faculty talk
- Fireside Chat with Vice President for Student Affairs and Faculty Dean of Students, Kevin Gilmartin and Dean of Undergraduate Students, Jennifer Jahner
- On-campus dining experiences
- Reception with student affairs staff and faculty in residence
- Cultural programs, including a jazz concert
- Student-led campus tour
- Upper-year student panel discussion: life at Caltech
- Athletic and recreational activities
- Opportunities to learn about campus resources and student support services
Throughout the weekend, you will be able to explore your student's favorite spots on campus, foster connections with other Caltech families, and engage in an enlightening faculty talk. Additionally, families may have some free time to explore the local Pasadena area and spend quality time with your students.
Please check the schedule of events tab for more information on the full schedule, which will be available on the Guidebook app by January.
Of course! Family Weekend is not limited to parents only. It is open to other family members, including siblings, grandparents, and extended family. Some activities may have age restrictions, so check the event details for verification.
Caltech does not reserve a room block, however select hotels in the neighboring areas will offer discounted room rates for Caltech guests. We recommend contacting area hotels directly to inquire about reservations and rates. Please see the Travel/Accommodations page for more information.
The cost of attendance is $100 for each adult over the age of 18 years old. Individuals who are 18 and under, as well as first-year undergraduate students at Caltech are welcome to attend free-of-charge. If the registration fee poses a financial hardship for your family, please indicate this on your registration form and follow the instructions listed on the page accordingly.
The following events will have food provided:
Friday - Welcome Reception (appetizers, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)
Saturday - Continental breakfast; buffet lunch; late afternoon reception with appetizers and drinks
Sunday - Brunch
While dinner will not be provided during the weekend, we encourage families to explore and enjoy the many wonderful dining options in the area. To help you plan, we've put together a curated list of great restaurants, featuring a variety of cuisines and price ranges.
Online registration opens on Wednesday, December 4 and runs through Wednesday, January 15. Please register here and indicate all events you are interested in attending. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate day-of-event walk-up registrations. If you are planning to attend Family Weekend, please register online before the deadline.
Consider wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Check the weather forecast for the weekend and dress accordingly. Also, remember to bring any necessary personal items. We encourage you to wear any Caltech gear or orange attire! Visit the Caltech Bookstore, Operating Hours: January 31 (9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.) and February 1 (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) for apparel.
If you or a family member require any accessibility and mobility assistance, please let us know ahead of time by sending an email to sfe@caltech.edu
In the interest of health and safety for the campus community and event attendees, if you feel sick or test positive for COVID-19, please do not attend any events or visit campus. Limited masks will be available at the check-in table.
If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend Family Weekend, please email sfe@caltech.edu to discuss how to refund your ticket.