Baccalaureate service

[1] The term baccalaureate may also be applied to similar, graduation-related events at some American high schools, such as presentations of awards and scholarships.

"[2] However, it was "examinatory sermons" that were required of all Oxford bachelors before their "inception" or commencement; these were mentioned in a 1311 statute.

[4][5] The earliest known held in the United States is at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1760.

[6] Because of United States Supreme Court rulings such as Lee v. Weisman (1992) regarding the separation of church and state at public school graduation ceremonies, baccalaureate services are usually unofficial, school-sponsored events at American public schools.

[7] However, many have student-initiated services at private facilities not paid for with government funds, and as such are fully permitted by law.