Each member society in good standing with Engineering Council, Dean, and Department Head receives 2 nominations during closed pool nomination stage. These parties may submit any additional number of nominees during open pool nominations. The nominees selected by these various groups must complete an application packet and two letters of recommendation for further award consideration.

The Knights Selection Committee, which is comprised of former Knights, Honorary Knights, and Golden Shamrocks, reviews the nominations and selects applicants for interviews, which will take place after students return from Winter Break in January. Based on these interviews, 8 to 12 people will be selected as Knights and will be honored at the annual Knights of St. Patrick Ball immediately following the Grainger Student Awards Ceremony.