California Institute of Technology - Campus Strictness

College Prowler Take

Imagine walking down the hall to your room after coming back from class or spring break. One would picture that the room is the same, since no one has been there. Instead, you open the door to find a car, bubble wrap on every inch of the wall, or a new paint job (not in the conventional sense). Caltech is the place to be if you love pranks and practical jokes. The school policy on pranks is that they are to be done safely, but besides that, there are not many rules to what students can or cannot do. Security will sometimes even help the pranks along by unlocking buildings or providing access to rooftops. Students here are allowed to express themselves creatively in the prank category. The administration really trusts the student body. Most students have keys to various buildings on campus (generally, ones they have worked in or ones they have classes in). Caltech students are pretty much allowed on all parts of the campus at all times. Students here, likewise, respect campus facilities and equipment and make sure they do not ruin things that are expensive or important.

There are some rules to be followed, though. The students here had an open fire pit setup, but it was not allowed because it was not thought to be safe. Students are by no means allowed to steal the Daihatsus (golfcarts) on campus, because that would hinder security and the work of other people. However, students are pretty much free to do anything (even the unsafe stuff if they are not caught, and most times, they are not). There is no curfew, no gender-segregated dorms, and no rules about who can room with whom. There are so many things that students here are allowed to do that it would be pointless to try to list them all. Overall, Caltech is a very chill campus when it comes to strictness.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The alcohol policy has become... The alcohol policy has become harsh in recent years in regard to parties, which is unfortunate. With pranks, I have the sense they are strengthening their policies, making them tougher, which is also unfortunate. 12345 Campus Strictness Report

Anonymous says:

Campus police used to be pretty... Campus police used to be pretty loose about strictness, but lately, they seem to be cracking down a bit. But I’d say it’s still relatively loose compared to other places. No major crackdowns, as far as I know. 12345 Campus Strictness Report

Anonymous says:

Campus police come to most... Campus police come to most parties, but they tend to stay in the background and just watch. They’re visible, but generally not strict. We try not to do horrendously stupid things in front of security, but they’re cool with pranks and stunts, for the most part. 12345 Campus Strictness Report

Anonymous says:

This is a small campus, so there... This is a small campus, so there are only a few security officers around, and they’re pretty chill. Caltech is definitely chill about pranks; after all, that’s what we’re known for. There really isn’t any drug use for security to worry about, and the drinking is pretty self-handled. 12345 Campus Strictness Report

Anonymous says:

Pranks are a part of Caltech... Pranks are a part of Caltech tradition. As long as no permanent damage is done and you leave a note, all is good. Caltech is the school that made the Hollywood sign read ‘CALTECH,’ and we are notorious for the prank at the Rose Bowl. As a whole, the school is officially strict about drugs and alcohol. 12345 Campus Strictness Report

Facts

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