We want to start your college experience with one of our favorite Knox vocabulary words:

Preceptorial: noun

1. a college course that emphasizes independent reading, discussion in small groups, and individual conferences with the teacher

“First-year Knox students learn how to get the most out of college classes because of what they learn in their first-year preceptorial classes”

synonyms: engaging, interesting, fascinating, one of the best parts of the Knox first-year experience

Placement exams

Accurate course placement is vital to your academic success at Knox. Knox offers placement exams to help us ensure you're enrolled in the level appropriate for your skills.

All students will need to take 1 or more placement exam. Please review the directions for each test to determine what tests you need to complete. These short online exams help us ensure you're enrolled in the level appropriate for your skills. Every student must take their exam(s) by June 13th. These tests will be available on your Pre-Arrival Tracker.

First-Year Preceptorial

Each year, First-Year Preceptorial (FP) introduces students to liberal learning by teaching them the skills necessary for creative thinking, responsible choice, and problem-solving. In keeping with the College's spirit of intellectual inquiry, FP introduces a range of ever-evolving topics.

Be sure to complete your preceptorial preference form on your Pre-Arrival Tracker.

Summer Common Reading

All incoming students will receive a copy of the summer common reading, Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect by John Inazu, with a summer assignment tied to the reading. This book will be distributed in July. International students can expect to receive an e-book copy, with hard copies of the book available upon their arrival on campus. Summer common reading is a part of the fall FP curriculum. A summer assignment tied to the reading will be sent to you from your assigned FP instructor.

Smart Start

Smart Start prepares you to launch into summer advising.

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, all new students must attend an informational session to help them prepare to meet their academic advisors in the following weeks. There are two ways to participate:

1. Live Online Sessions: Late morning (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CST) and evening sessions (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST) on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
2. If you cannot attend those times, you can watch the recordings of these sessions on the Smart Start landing page. (Recordings will be posted by June 13).

Smart Start will explain how to prepare for your summer advising meetings and assist you in completing the course interest form before you meet with your academic advisor for fall registration. One-on-one meetings with your advisor will happen between Monday, June 16th, and Friday, June 27th.

Seymour Library

Seymour Library is a great on-campus resource for those looking to check out books and other materials. From the Knox College Archives to the many study spaces found within, the Seymour Library is one of the most powerful campus resources for students.

Another incredible tool offered through our library is I-Share, an online resource through your My.Knox Hub used to borrow textbooks and other materials for class – free of charge! Learn more about everything the library offers. 

Coming Up Next 

Next week, Blaze A Trail Tuesday will feature important information about signing up for housing at Knox.

See you down the trail!