These matriculation records relate to formal registration as a member of the University. The term matriculation comes from the requirement that undergraduates enter their names on the 'matricula' or roll of a Master, later of the University. Matriculation was instituted by statute in 1544. Registration at one time extended to College and University servants as well as to students and, extends still, to lecturers, professors, etc., and higher grade administrative officers from outside the University of Cambridge. From 1724 individuals signed their own name in the registers. For many centuries, matriculation was conditional on the taking of oaths, or making of declarations of allegiance to the Crown and of assent to the established religion. Until 1962, matriculation was performed publicly, but it now entails only the signing of a form.