Caltech Students Continue Annual Tradition Of 'Ditch Day' And Stay On Campus

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — For one day out of the year at least, it's not all work and no play at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

The future pillars of science and technology participated Friday in the annual tradition of "Ditch Day" at the private research university.

"It's a great Caltech tradition," said one student.

One of the school's oldest traditions, the day includes seniors masterminding activities for the underclassmen.

"They spend the whole year planning their activities for this day," explained one student.

Rappelling down a four-story building was among this year's challenges, which one student said was terrifying.

"I think I prayed for the first time in a while," he added.

Other activities included sliding across the gym floor in an effort to grab as many balloons as possible, and rolling in a giant hamster ball.

"It's a nice day off from class," said one student, who is a bioengineering major. "I don't have to worry about turning in homework."