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Baccalaureate Service

The Baccalaureate Service for our graduates and guests is a multi-faith worship service planned by the Senior Class and Campus Ministries United (a group that represents major faith traditions) to celebrate the completion of each undergraduate's academic career.
  • Speake addresses the audience at the baccalaureate ceremony during commencement.

    Baccalaureate Service highlights include hymns, musical selections, readings, reflections, and speeches by students. All undergraduate degree candidates and their guests are invited to attend.

  • Students stand and sing during the baccalaureate weekend

    The Baccalaureate Service is believed to have originated at Oxford University in 1432 when each bachelor was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of his academic exercise.

  • Baccalaureate graduates smile before the ceremony

    This historical British practice continued with the earliest universities in this country. W&M is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the country.

  • Baccalaureate grads have a quick discussion with a professor before the ceremony

    The Baccalaureate Service is a multi-faith service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate's academic career.