Plans for the 2008 Knox College Commencement are subject to change on short notice, so please keep an eye on this page and the Knox news page. We will post new information here whenever there is an update. Be sure to bookmark this page.

Do we need tickets for Commencement?
The ceremony at Knox College is outside and open to the public, but limited reserved seating is available by ticket only. We recommend visiting families and friends acquire a ticket from a graduating student. Tickets for guests of the college will be provided by invitation.  Please note that all ticket holders must be seated by 9:45 a.m., at which time all unoccupied seats will be released.

Graduates
Each graduating senior will be allotted up to ten tickets.  Family and Friends should possess a ticket, to gain access to the reserved sections, to gain a seat if the ceremony were to move indoors due to severe weather, and to gain access to the luncheon following the ceremony. In our attempt to accommodate all attendees with seating, we are asking our graduates to only request as many tickets as you need (maximum ten). If you have four family members attending, please only request four tickets. We appreciate your honesty in this matter. Tickets will be distributed by the Alumni Relations Office during Senior Week (June 2-6, 2008).

Faculty & Staff
Knox College faculty and staff will secure tickets through the Alumni Relations Office.  Tickets for faculty and staff serve as admission for the families and guests to the luncheon following the ceremony.  Knox Faculty and Staff may request up to two additional tickets and utilize their Knox ID for the lunch.  Ticket distribution information will be emailed out to Faculty and Staff in late May.

Alumni
Alumni are asked to utilize general seating at the ceremony. Due to the outside nature of Knox College's Commencement ceremony, you may also bring a chair(s) to view the program.  For more information, e-mail Alumni Relations at alumni@knox.edu.

Guests without Tickets
Members of the general public without tickets are welcome to attend Commencement. However, they are encouraged to bring their own seating, such as lawn chairs or blankets.

Do the media need credentials?
Members of the media should contact the Public Relations office at pr@knox.edu or by calling 309-341-7337 to request credentials. Space on the video platform and access to the sound booth is available to those who have reserved a place. Access to the media availability with Secretary Albright is by credentials only.

Where is the ceremony?
Knox College will hold the ceremony on the south lawn of Old Main, rain or shine. Guests are advised to dress for the weather. Commencement will be moved to the T. Fleming Fieldhouse only in the case of lightning or threatened lightning.

What is the dress code for Commencement and the weekend?
There is no formal dress code. Some people will dress more formally, but the majority dress "smart, casual." Please no bare feet. Please remember to come prepared for any kind of weather (warm coats, raincoats, umbrellas, etc.) and be sure to wear shoes appropriate for damp, grassy terrain.

What time does Commencement start on Saturday and how long is the ceremony?
This year's Commencement ceremony will be held at Knox College on Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. and will finish at approximately noon.

Pets are not allowed on campus.

For Families of Graduates
Where do I meet my graduate after Commencement?
Graduates will recess to a location near the Ford Center for the Fine Arts. Guests should prearrange a meeting place with their graduate.

What about professional photography?
Knox College has contracted for professional photographers from Heart of America/Chappell Photography to capture the special moment on film. As the graduates cross the stage and receive their diploma, their picture will be taken. A proof of that photo will be sent to their home address over the summer and will be available for ordering.

Video
Knox College has contracted a videographer to record the ceremony. Students, families and guests are able to purchase either a tape or DVD for a reasonable price. Orders will be taken near the Gizmo patio just before and just after the ceremony. In addition, an order form will be sent to Families during the Commencement March mailout.   The order form from Video Media Productions may be accessed online,  (http://www.videomediaproductions.net/08form.pdf), printed, and mailed to the address on the order form.

Are there plans for Friday night?
A reception for seniors, their families, trustees, faculty, and staff will be held on Friday evening.  Appetizers will be served. This event will occur in the courtyard of the Best Western Prairie Inn beginning at 8p.m. on Friday, June, 6.

Guests should make individual arrangements for dinner that night.

Should I make lunch arrangements for Saturday afternoon and when?
A picnic lunch will be served on the lawn south of Seymour Union. Attendance is limited to graduates, their families, trustees, faculty, staff, and invited guests with tickets. In the event of inclement weather, the picnic will be held in Seymour Union.

More Questions? Need Help?
Additional information for graduating seniors and their families is available by contacting Jimmy Stewart in the Office of Campus Life (across from Founder's Computer Lab), 309-341-7303, or via e-mail  at jstewart@knox.edu.

Alumni should contact Amy Roth in the Alumni Relations office at alumni@knox.edu.

Media and other visitors should contact the Public Relations office at pr@knox.edu, or 309-341-7337.