Before You Arrive

·        If you have not already received one, obtain your University Identification (UID) number from the Registrar.

·        Review the orientation schedule for orientation events, both for your academic option and for the Institute.  Contact either your option administrator or the Graduate Office with questions or email questions to gradofc@caltech.edu. 

·        Prepare to take placement exams during the week of orientation.  The exam schedule is included in the orientation schedule.  Visit http://www.gradoffice.caltech.edu/orientation_schedule2009.html for more details.  If your option is not listed, there are no placement exams.

·        Complete and submit the Patent Agreement form and Pre-Registration form.  Forms should be submitted directly to the Registrar’s Office or emailed to Regis@caltech.edu.

·        Submit a completed Health Form to the Student Health Center.  For copies of the form and instructions for submission, please check http://www.healthcenter.caltech.edu/newstudents.html.

·        Make your Health and Dental insurance elections at aetnastudenthealth.com no later than August 31.  Information regarding our insurance program can be found at http://www.healthcenter.caltech.edu/insurance.html.

·        Sign up for optional field trips prior to the start of school at http://studentlife.caltech.edu/newstudent. 

When You Arrive

·        Report to your option administrator first to be assigned keys, workspace, and a mail box.

·        Visit the Card Office located inside the Caltech Bookstore at the Winnett Student Center (Bldg 51) to get your picture taken for your Caltech photo ID card.

·        International students should attend International Student Orientation from September 20 – 22, 2009.  To view the schedule, please see http://www.isp.caltech.edu.

·        Bring a copy of your US Social Security card to the Registrar (foreign nationals only).  If you do not have a social security card, please the ISP website under “resources” for instructions on how to apply for one.

·        Attend Graduate Student Orientation.  See http://www.gradoffice.caltech.edu/orientation_schedule2009.html for more details or contact the Graduate Office at gradofc@caltech.edu. 

·        Graduate student check-in will be on September 23, 2009, from 9:00am to 4:00pm at Avery (Bldg #99).  Check-in will include:  

o       Completing an I-9 form (US citizens only).  See the list of approved forms of ID.

o       ESL (English as a Second Language) screening for foreign nationals, , even those who are native speakers should meet with one of the ESL instructors to be determined if exempt.

o       Log on to access.caltech to update your local address, cell phone number, emergency contact, health benefits, etc.

·        Attend all the mandatory orientation sessions on Legal Issues in Higher Education and at Caltech, the Honor System and Environmental Health and Safety.   For additional information, see http://www.gradoffice.caltech.edu/orientation_schedule2009.html or contact the Graduate Office at 626-395-6346.  

·        Please bring your Caltech ID with you during Orientation. Your ID will be scanned for attendance.

·        For students who plan to TA during the 2009-10 academic year, please attend Teaching Assistant training on September 29 (Lee-Kubota Lecture Hall, 101 Guggenheim) or September 30, 2009 (Baxter Lecture Hall), from 6:00 – 9:00pm.  Please attend one of these sessions.  Training is required for all teaching assistants.

·        To sign up for direct deposit, complete and sign the authorization agreement for each electronic fund transfer (EFT), include a voided blank check and submit to Records Services.

·        School starts on September 29, 2009 – best of luck!  Please refer to the academic calendar for additional important dates.