Caltech grads won't be able to physically walk up to get diploma, families can't sit on campus field PASADENA, Calif. - "It blows my mind, says Caltech student Nayla Abney in response to the school's graduation ceremony plans. About 300 students will get to sit at the ceremony, while their families cheer them on virtually. According to the school's ceremony plans, family members -- even the parents who helped pay the tuition -- will not be allowed to sit in the stands. While the students will be sitting about six feet apart for the ceremony, they will not be allowed to physically walk up to get their diploma.