President's Welcome

As you begin work at the California Institute of Technology, you are joining a remarkable community. Caltech is founded upon the principle of the pursuit of excellence. Every day, more than 7,000 people--staff, faculty, and students--work on the Institute's behalf on the campus, at our observatories, and at JPL. Working together, these individuals make possible cutting-edge research, exploration of the solar system, and the first-class education of our talented students. You can take justifiable pride in the role you will play as part of the team that sustains the Institute's diverse and challenging endeavors. 

As you settle into your new responsibilities, I encourage you to explore the many programs and activities available to you as a Caltech employee. The information in this handbook will guide you through this process, as will your supervisor and your co-workers.

We are pleased that you have decided to join us. I hope you enjoy your relationship with the California Institute of Technology.

President Jean-Lou Chameau

The Employee handbook is designed to acquaint employees with some of the California Institute of Technology's policies and benefits. It is not a contract and should not be construed as creating contractual obligations. The Institute reserves the right to amend, supplement, or rescind any provisions of this handbook as it deems appropriate, in its sole and absolute discretion. As policies and benefits are revised, updated pages will be distributed. Please keep this handbook readily available and insert the updated material promptly so that it is current at all times.  

The Employee Handbook is available in PDF format only. In order to view or print the PDF version of the Employee Handbook you will need to use Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download a FREE copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader now. If you have problems installing the software, please contact the people who normally provide you with technical support.  

Table of Contents

Section 1: The California Institute of Technology

A Brief History of the Institute

The Structure of the Institute

The Academic Program

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Student Affairs

Business and Finance

Public Relations

Development and Alumni Relations

Treasurer's Office

Section 2: Your Job at the Institute

The Caltech Honor System

Identification Cards

Probation Period

Attendance

Lunch Breaks and Rest Periods

Telephones

Payday

Working Hours and Overtime

Wages and Salaries

Shift Premiums

Career and Personal Growth/Training and Development

Career Opportunities

Job Transfer Procedures

Personnel Records

Service Awards

Section 3: Working Safely at the Institute

Campus Security

Workplace Safety

Injuries

Personal Safety

Violence Prevention

Section 4: Paid Leave and Time Away

Holidays

Jury/Witness Duty

Sick Leave

Vacation

Bereavement Leave

Section 5: Institute Policies

Accommodation for Disabilities

Computer Use

Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity

Sexual Assault

Substance Abuse

Unlawful Harassment

Section 6: Personnel Memoranda

Conflict of Interest and Outside Employment

Gifts and Gratuities

Leaves of Absence: Personal Leave

Leaves of Absence: Disability and Pregnancy Related Disability Leaves

Leaves of Absence: Family Care and Medical Leave

Length of Service

Patent Policy

Standards of Performance and Conduct

Terminations and Exit Interviews

Section 7: Mandatory Insurance Plans

Social Security and Medicare Taxes

State Disability Insurance

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Unemployment Insurance

Other Benefits

Section 8: Services, Conveniences, and Activities

Bookstore

Bus Service Between the Campus and JPL

Caltech Management Association

Caltech Ticket Office

Tuition Exemption for Children of Employees

Caltech Women's Center

Caltech Y

Campus Parking

Children's Center

Credit Union

Discount Recreation Tickets

Dining Services

Graphic Resources

Libraries

Mail Services

New Car Discounts

Ombuds Office

Recreational & Fitness Activities

Rideshare Programs

Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (An Employee Assistance Program)

Tuition Reimbursement Plan

United Way

Finding Out What's Going On

Section 9: Time and Attendance Instructions