Knox: The Big Picture
Knox could fall under the Cheer's theme song ("Where everybody knows your name...") because the size of the campus really does lead to an overwhelming awareness of every one on campus. You may not know a person, but you definitely know who they are and probably something about them. This gives the campus a personal and comfortable feel that sometimes can be overwhelming or lead to what some call our "rumor mill" or "gossip mill," but which mostly provides the energy and life of our campus social life and I don't think that most people would be willing to give it up if they really though about it. Everyone has a niche on campus, whether you are the gaming type, activist type, uber-academic, fun-loving, athletic, or any other category that you would be willing to file yourself under. Your interests and extra curriculars really define who you are on our campus and there are plenty of opportunities to create your own niche. At Knox, you really feel like you have the power to accomplish things. The administration understands that we are adults who are capable of making many decisions for ourselves and allows us to learn from the challenges we may face by trying to make them. Independence and freedom are two qualities that I say define every part of the Knox experience.
Knox Academic Life
Student-professor relationships at Knox are very strong. Class sizes are always small with the exception of large introductory classes that usually fall under the sciences, and even then, professors are extremely accessible. Professors want to help you, guide you, and challenge you to go above and beyond what is assigned. They are truly interested and passionate about what they are teaching and that is reflected in how their enthusiasm spreads to the student body. Many students pursue topics and things that would not normally be presented in the mainstream, but which can easily be researched in the Knox environment. Knox provides a very inter-disciplinary environment where you can always apply what you are learning in one class to another even if on the surface the two subjects seem totally irrelatable. Studying is definitely a necessity at Knox if you want to make the top grades. Independent work is a big component so you must be able to have a good sense of self-discipline to keep yourself on track. The trimester system is nice because you only take approximately three classes at a time which allows you to focus more on what you are learning.
Knox's Student Body
Most students at Knox are liberal, middle to upper middle class, and from urban areas (with a large percentage coming from the Chicago region). Knox has a very laid back feel and people do what they wanna do, say what they wanna say, and wear what they wanna wear. While the size of our campus definitely leads to the creation of cliques, it does not mean that groups don't crossover and there is definitely a lot of intermixing between social groups on campus. Many students don't desire a post Knox experience that includes sitting in a cubicle playing Solitaire. For the most part, we all seem to have the desire to be movers and shakers who will be able to make a difference even if it means we will be eating Ramen for the next 10 years.
Knox Student Activities + Social Life
Despite the small size of Galesburg, there is so much going on within our campus that many students don't even notice their surroundings at all and exist in what we call the "Knox bubble." Plays go up almost every week, dance shows, art shows, sports events, and events put on by the Union Board are always going on as well. Students spend their time with the clubs and organizations they choose to involve themselves in. Free time can be spent how you want: you could hang out with your friends or fill your time with club meetings, IM and NCAA sports, or working on academic projects. The living environment for first years at Knox is extremely conducive to meeting your closest friends at Knox as these people become much like your college family and share in everything with you. Many of the groups paired together in their first year, continue to live together for the rest of their time at Knox. Parties definitely go on during the weekend, but it is by no means the only option for socializing.
The Greek organizations on campus have a strong presence, but one that is much different from the stereotyped images of Greek life nationally. Members are highly involved in other organizations on campus and the groups definitely reinforce the often ignored positive aspects of Greek life such as leadership development, the creation of support systems, and social and philanthropic involvement.
