Student Information
Commencement Checklist
May
- Look for Kathleen Drake's e-mails for up-to-date information
- Let Kathleen know if you need special accommodations or wheelchairs for family members
- Return all library materials and
books - Check in with the Registrar to make sure you're good to go
- Make sure your student account balance is cleared
June
- Enjoy Senior Week events
- Watch for communication from Alumni Relations
- Purchase lunch tickets no later than midnight June 5 (if you plan to eat on campus after the ceremony)
- Have you given to the Senior Challenge?
- Make arrangements with your family on where you'll meet them after the ceremony
Caps and Gowns
If you were unable to attend the Almost There Fair on April 9-10, please contact Kathleen Drake in Campus Life to get your cap, gown, and tassel -- all for $20. The GreenWeaver® gowns are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles, and a portion of the gown proceeds are returned to Knox to support a sustainable project on campus.
Dress Code
There is no official dress code for the Commencement ceremony. However, we recommend dressing appropriately for the occasion, including footwear. You will be walking through grass and then across a stage, so please wear shoes that you will not fall, slip, or trip in.
Rehearsal
Commencement rehearsal will happen at 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 7, on the South Lawn of Old Main. It is mandatory if you plan to participate in the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 8. The severe weather location is T. Fleming Fieldhouse. View the Commencement Week schedule for a complete timeline of events.
Invitations
Knox will mail a formal invitation to your home address this spring, and it will include a schedule of events and ticket information.
Announcements and Memorabilia
With Honors Graduation Services, Inc. will offer Commencement memorabilia -- from announcements, class rings, diploma frames, and more. From the date of purchase, please allow the following timeframe for delivery:
- 7-10 days for announcements
- 6-8 weeks for rings
- 2 weeks for frames
Check the With Honors website for more information in the coming weeks.
Photography and Video
Personal photography is allowed. In addition, a professional photographer from Grad Images will capture you receiving your diploma. They will send you an e-mail after the ceremony when the proofs are ready.
Commencement videos are $40. To order, please complete the Commencement video form and mail it, along with a check, to Artistic Portrait Studio, 419 E. Main Street, Galesburg, IL 61401. You may also call the videographer at 309-343-5550.
Final Transcripts and Paperwork
If you didn't finalize paperwork and account information at the Almost There Fair, please contact the Registrar's Office and Business Office as soon as possible. This ensures all requirements have been met for graduation.
Ceremony Tickets and Picnic Lunch
Tickets are only required if the ceremony is moved indoors (T. Fleming Fieldhouse) due to severe weather. You can receive a maximum of 10 free tickets, which will be available during Senior Week from Alumni Relations (located next to Williston across from TKE) -- watch for an e-mail the week before Senior Week.
A picnic lunch will be served after the ceremony on the South Lawn. Tickets can be purchased online.
Procession and Lineup
Graduates will line up at 9:15 a.m. on Commencement day in the lobby of CFA. The severe weather location is T. Fleming Fieldhouse.
Hotel Rooms for Your Family
Please encourage your parents, family, and guests to book their hotel rooms as soon as possible. Refer to the lodging and accommodations page for area accommodations. One Galesburg hotel has a block of rooms reserved for Knox College Commencement, but book soon -- only a few rooms are left, and they will fill up quickly.
Senior Week Events
We have a variety of events lined up for Senior Week, including a senior/faculty softball game, craft beer and BBQ with the president, a trip to FunCity, and jazz night. View the Commencement Week schedule for full details.
Students in Off-Campus Programs
Contact Kathleen Drake at 309-341-7303 or kdrake@knox.edu if you were unable to attend the Almost There Fair due to being off campus. She will make sure your cap, gown, and tassel are ordered. At Commencement rehearsal, you can get your cap and gown set and pick up your Commencement tickets.
Dorm Check-Out
Please check out of your dorm/apartment by 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 9. Keys must be returned to Campus Security.
More Questions? Need Help?
Contact the Campus Life Office (across from Founder's Computer Lab) by phone at 309-341-7527.