Commencement

We are pleased to announce the current plan for Commencement exercises for the Class of 2021. After discussions with class leadership, consultations with public health officials and higher education colleagues, and scenario planning with campus staff, we will be hosting Commencement for the Class of 2021 on Saturday, June 5, 2021, with Sunday, June 6 as the severe weather contingency date.

Commencement exercises will be split into two sessions on that day—a morning session and an afternoon session—and each will be ticketed and held in Knosher Bowl. This will enable the class to safely bring two guests observing appropriate safety protocols to campus. Unlike previous years when commencement was held on the South Lawn, we have selected Knosher Bowl to limit access to only those participating and guests, ensuring the safety and well-being of our extended Knox community.

Should public health metrics continue to improve as we near our date for Commencement, it is possible that we would allow more guests per graduate. This change is contingent on the pandemic and related metrics.

We will livestream the Commencement as we have in the past, and this year, we will pre-record honorary degree recipients and our commencement speaker. Student speakers may address attendees live, and our current plan is to safely present diplomas at the event.

There are many more details to follow as we continue our planning, and we will share additional logistical information, including how students will be assigned to a ceremony time and how tickets will be distributed, in the coming weeks. We want to assure you that we will make any changes necessary to protect the health of Commencement participants and guests, based upon public health guidance. Also, should restrictions be lifted, we will make every effort to provide a more robust and celebratory experience for all.

We also wanted to let you know that we have surveyed the Class of 2020 about options for their Commencement celebration. They overwhelmingly voted for a celebration during Homecoming Weekend, October 8-10, 2021. The current date for that celebration is Sunday, October 10.