The following handbooks written by various groups at Caltech are worth your attention for the useful information they provide.
Faculty Handbook
This handbook contains the By-laws of the Faculty and summarizes the most important principles, policies, and administrative procedures of the Institute concerning the faculty and academic staff. Pleae contact the Provost's office if you have any questions.
Caltech Catalog
Contains general information about Caltech; areas of study and research; information for undergraduates, including graduation requirements; information for graduate students, including policies and procedures; a listing and description of all courses offered for the academic year; and information about trustees, administrators, and faculty, including the roles they have on campus in research and committees.
Freshman Advising Handbook (PDF)
A useful handbook not only for those advising freshmen, but for those advising any level of undergraduates. Contains counseling and academic oversight guidelines for advisors, what kinds of courses freshmen are allowed to be/should be taking, contact information for the relevant Honor System bodies, information about academic standards, a discussion about E & I grades, a description of student sabbatical conditions, course load ranges, and graduation requirements.
Teaching Assistant Handbook (PDF)
Contains information about TA responsibilities, teaching and learning styles, classroom diversity, specific teaching activities (meeting students, recitations, grading, labs, office hours, mentoring research, writing recommendation letters), evaluating and improving teaching (feedback, balancing teaching with research, resources), and Caltech specifics (UASH, Honor Code, workplace policies/Harassment Policy, undergraduate research programs, introduction to Caltech undergraduates, student resources) in addition to a TA Evaluation Form and a list of on-line and periodical resources for teaching.
Academic Policies and Procedures Manual (PDF)
Contains information about Conflict of Interest, Conflict of Commitment, and Technology Transfer; Human Subjects Protection; Patent Policy; Copyright and Computer Software Policy; Research Misconduct Policy; Sponsored Research and Other Sponsored Activities; Discrimination and Harassment - Policy on Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity, Policy on Unlawful Harassment, Procedures for Investigating and Resolving Discrimination, Unlawful Harassment, and Sexual Harassment Complaints at Caltech; and reference to other Institute Policies.
Graduate Student Handbook (PDF)
Contains orientation information for graduate students, including important dates and deadlines, the academic calendar, community standards (Honor Code, Code of Ethics, Drug and Alcohol Policy), services, and organizations.
GPS Newcomer Information Packet (PDF)
Written by the division of Geology and Planetary Sciences to help newcomers adjust to life and working at Caltech, its detailed information is useful for people in other divisions.