Knox College defines domestic partners as two individuals of the same or opposite sex who are in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration. There must be an exclusive mutual commitment, in which the partners agree to be responsible for each other's welfare and share financial obligations. Domestic partner relationships differ from common-law relationships in that in the former, partners do not set themselves out as being married.

In order to be eligible for benefits, employees and their domestic partners must sign a Statement of Domestic Partnership indicating that they meet the requirements set forth in the document.