Knox College announced current plans to host in-person Commencement exercises for the Class of 2021 on Saturday, June 5, 2021, on the Knox campus. The College is also preparing for an alternate rain date of Sunday, June 6, in the event of severe weather.

While the plans are subject to change, President Teresa Amott said that the decision on Commencement was made after discussions with Class of 2021 leadership, consultations with public health officials, and planning with campus staff.

Commencement exercises will be split into two sessions on the same day—a morning session and an afternoon session. Tickets will be required, enabling each member of the Class of 2021 to safely bring two guests to campus as long as all observe appropriate safety protocols.

The College is still considering several possible outdoor campus locations for the exercises, depending on which can offer the greatest level of safety and comfort for graduating seniors and their families. If public health metrics improve as the date approaches, it is also possible that Knox will allow each graduate to bring additional guests.

The Commencement exercises will be livestreamed on the Knox College YouTube channel, and remarks from the honorary degree recipients and the Commencement speaker will be pre-recorded. Student speakers may address attendees live, and Knox's current plan is to safely present diplomas at the event.

Planning for Commencement continues. In the coming weeks, Knox will share additional logistical information, including how students will be assigned a ceremony time and how tickets will be distributed. Knox is committed to making any changes necessary to protect the health of Commencement participants and guests, based upon public health guidance. Also, should restrictions be lifted, Knox will make every effort to provide a more robust and celebratory experience for all.

In addition to the June Commencement exercises for the Class of 2021, Knox plans to honor the Class of 2020, whose Commencement exercises were curtailed by the pandemic, later this year. Members of the Class of 2020 were surveyed about options for their Commencement celebration, and they overwhelmingly voted for a celebration during Homecoming weekend on October 8–10, 2021. That celebration is now tentatively scheduled for Sunday, October 10.