Family & Friends Information

We Can't Wait to See you at Commencement

We look forward to seeing you on campus in celebration of your student's graduation! Parents, families, and friends are invited to take part in events throughout Commencement Weekend. We also hope the information below will help answer questions you may have about the ceremony, accommodations, and more.

Ceremony and Picnic Lunch

The Commencement ceremony is held outside on the South Lawn of Old Main and lasts from 10:00 a.m. to around noon. Please join us on Saturday for a day of special events designed to highlight your student's accomplishments, a Senior Celebration for family and friends with live music and desserts, and fireworks at dark. Seating is open, so arrive early to find your seats! 

Following the ceremony, a picnic lunch will be served on the South Lawn. It is free and open to all graduates, family, friends, and the Knox community.

Parking

Parking is available in all campus lots and in the Knox County Courthouse lot at the corner of Cherry and South streets. The Cherry Street parking lot is reserved for accessible parking. There will be golf cart shuttles at this location to assist guests in getting from their cars to the ceremony venue. Shuttle stop locations are marked on this map.

The turnaround at Alumni Hall is reserved for emergency access.

Disability Services

The ceremony will be displayed on large LED screens that will also have closed captioning.

There will be accessible seating available in the perimeter sections. Commencement volunteers will be available to help accommodate you and your guests.

Accessible parking is available in the Cherry Street lot at the corner of Cherry and Berrien Streets. Golf cart shuttles will assist guests in reaching the ceremony venue. Shuttle stop locations are marked on this map.

Refreshments

Refillable, sustainable hydration stations will be set up throughout the ceremony area. Feel free to bring your refillable water bottle with you! Compostable cups will also be available.

Dress Code

There is no formal dress code. Because the ceremony is held outdoors, rain or shine, please remember to come prepared for any kind of weather (sweaters, raincoats, umbrellas, etc.), and be sure to wear shoes appropriate for damp, grassy terrain. The ceremony will be held indoors only if the weather poses a danger (lightning, thunderstorms, etc.).

Livestreaming

The ceremony will be livestreamed! A link will be available prior to the ceremony. 

Photography

A professional photographer will capture photos of the graduate as they approach the stage, as they receive their diploma, and a portrait after leaving the stage. Purchase of these photos will be available through the vendor, GradImages. Photos of your graduate receiving their diploma will be available for purchase from GradImages. Graduates will receive proofs via their Knox email shortly after the ceremony. 

We ask that guests stay in the guest section for the duration of the ceremony. After the ceremony, the international flags and the class banner will remain in place for you to capture a candid of your graduate. 

Commencement Memorabilia

Commencement memorabilia—from announcements, thank you notes, keepsake covers, etc.—are available for purchase online through Balfour CB Graduation Announcements.

Smoke and Vape-Free Campus

Starting June 1, 2025, Knox College will be a smoke and vape-free campus, promoting a healthier and cleaner environment for all. We kindly ask all guests and visitors to respect this policy by refraining from smoking or vaping anywhere on College grounds. Thank you for helping us create a welcoming and smoke-free community for everyone.