graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates typically move the tassel to the left side after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Tassel colors may vary by institution to represent specific degrees, honors, or fields of study, but wearing rules are often set by the school or university organizing the event. Always check with your specific institution for any additional guidelines, as practices can differ.





what side does tassel go on before college graduation


The tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the college graduation ceremony.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the official conferral of the degree, symbolizing the student status. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to represent the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in many English-speaking countries.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


In many graduation ceremonies, especially in the United States, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side at the start of the event. Moving it to the left side signifies the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom originated in American universities and is a symbolic gesture of academic achievement.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


The color of a graduation cap tassel typically represents the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:

Black for arts and sciences, blue for education or philosophy, gold for science or engineering, green for medicine, orange for engineering, purple for law, red for journalism or theology, white for arts and letters, and yellow for business or social sciences. Some schools use other colors for specific programs, such as pink for music or brown for fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations.





tassel graduation


A graduation tassel is a decorative cord attached to the mortarboard cap worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies, commonly in educational traditions like those in the United States and other English-speaking countries. It symbolizes academic achievement and is often color-coded to represent the graduate's field of study, institution, or degree level—for example, gold for business or blue for education.

During the ceremony, participants typically wear the tassel on the right side of the cap initially. After receiving their diploma or as part of the event's rituals, they may flip it to the left side to signify the completion of their studies and entry into the professional world. This practice varies by institution but is a widespread custom in high school and university graduations. Tassels can also be personalized or kept as mementos.





how to put tassel on graduation cap


Take the tassel and locate the small loop or string attached to it. Find the button or loop in the center of the graduation cap's top. Slip the tassel's loop over the button, then pull it gently to secure it in place. Adjust the tassel so it hangs straight and evenly from the cap. If needed, flip the tassel to the correct side for your ceremony tradition.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap during the event. At a key moment—often right after receiving a diploma or at the ceremony's end—the graduate moves the tassel to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic journey and their official transition from student to graduate.