Knox College is joining the list of area schools planning to hold in-person graduation ceremonies.
The liberal arts college announced yesterday that the Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2021 will be held on Saturday, June 5, at the Knosher Bowl on the college’s campus. The school is also prepping for the event of severe weather with a rain date of Sunday, June 6.
Knox College President Teresa Amott said that the decision was made after discussions with public health officials, campus staff planning, and leadership for the Class of 2021.
Commencement will be split into two sessions on the same day — one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Tickets will be required, enabling each member of the Class of 2021 to bring two guests safely to campus as long as all observe the appropriate safety protocols. If public health metrics improve as the date approaches, it is possible that Knox will allow each graduate to bring additional guests.
Knox says that unlike in previous years, the Commencement will be held in the Knoxher Bowl instead of the South Lawn of Old Main as a means to protect the safety and well-being of the extended Knox community.
The Commencement ceremonies will be live-streamed on the Knox College YouTube channel and remarks from the honorary degree recipients and commencement speaker will be pre-recorded. Student speakers may address attendees live.
The school says that planning is ongoing. Additional logistical information will be shared, including how students will be assigned a ceremony time and how tickets will be distributed.
Knox says that should restrictions be lifted, the school will make every effort to provide a more robust and celebratory experience for all.
Because of the pandemic curtailing the Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2020, the college plans to honor the previous graduating class during Homecoming this year, scheduled tentatively for Sunday, October 10.