What Does It Mean to "Turn the Tassel"?

12/26/2024

Graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules! Yes, there are specific traditions and guidelines surrounding the ceremonial tassels worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. Here's a breakdown:

1. **Color**: The color of the tassel typically indicates whether you're graduating from an undergraduate or graduate program:
* Undergraduate: Black or red (sometimes gold) tassel
* Graduate: Gold or silver tassel
2. **Placement**: During the ceremony, the tassel is worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap, hanging down over the forehead.
3. **Switching**: At a specific point during the ceremony (usually when the graduate's name is called), the tassel is switched from one side to the other as a symbolic transition from student to alumnus/alumna. This is often accompanied by applause and cheers from friends, family, and faculty.
4. **Tradition**: The tradition of switching the tassel is believed to have originated in the 16th century at Oxford University, where it signified the student's completion of their studies and readiness to enter the next stage of life.

Some notable exceptions and variations:

* In some institutions, the tassel remains on one side throughout the ceremony, without being switched.
* Some colleges or universities may use different colors for undergraduate and graduate students, or have a special color for honors graduates.
* The switching process might occur at different times during the ceremony, depending on the institution's customs.

Overall, the graduation tassel is an important symbol of academic achievement and a cherished tradition in many educational institutions.


Does the tassel go on the left or right reddit


The age-old question: which side does the tassel go on?

For those who may not know, this refers to a tradition at many American universities, where graduates are given a cap and gown with a tassel that is typically suspended from the mortarboard (the flat square hat part of the cap).

According to the rules set by the National Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (NACRAO), the tassel should be worn on the RIGHT side for Bachelor's degree recipients, and on the LEFT side for Master's and Doctoral degree recipients.

However, in 2014, a controversy arose when Reddit users began debating whether this rule was actually official or just a tradition. Some claimed that the rules were unclear or inconsistent across different institutions.

In response to these debates, the National Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (NACRAO) released a statement clarifying their policy: "The tassel is worn on the RIGHT side for Bachelor's degrees and on the LEFT side for Master's and Doctoral degrees. This is a traditional practice that has been followed by many institutions for decades."

So, to settle the debate once and for all, according to the official rules, the tassel goes on the:

* Right side for Bachelor's degrees
* Left side for Master's and Doctoral degrees

But hey, if you're still unsure, just ask your college or university – they'll likely have their own guidelines!


Does the tassel go on the left or right for high school


The age-old question!

In most cases, the tassel on a high school graduation cap is supposed to hang to the right. This is because the tradition of wearing the tassel on the right side is rooted in academic and cultural heritage.

According to various sources, including the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the origin of wearing the tassel on the right side dates back to the 12th century when European universities awarded diplomas to graduates who had completed their studies. The tassel was seen as a symbol of academic achievement, and it was placed on the right side to signify that the graduate had "turned to the right" in their pursuit of knowledge.

Today, wearing the tassel on the right side is a common practice at high schools and colleges across the United States and many other countries. However, it's worth noting that some institutions or individuals may have their own traditions or preferences when it comes to tassel placement, so it's always a good idea to check with your school or advisor if you're unsure.

So, to summarize: for most high schools, the tassel is supposed to hang to the right.


What side does the tassel go on for doctorate


The age-old question!

In general, the convention for wearing a doctoral hood is to place the tassel on the right side. This is because the tassel represents the wisdom and knowledge gained during one's academic pursuits, and placing it on the right side symbolizes the wearer's readiness to impart that wisdom to others.

However, there are some exceptions and variations:

1. Some institutions or departments may have their own specific traditions or guidelines for wearing doctoral hoods.
2. In some countries or cultures, the tassel is worn on the left side instead of the right.
3. Some individuals may choose to wear the tassel on the left side as a personal preference or to symbolize something specific (e.g., a family tradition).

To confirm the correct placement for your doctoral hood, you can:

1. Check with your university's commencement office or departmental guidelines.
2. Consult with your academic advisor or mentor.
3. Look at pictures of previous doctoral graduates from your institution or similar institutions to get an idea of the convention.

Remember, the most important thing is to wear your doctoral regalia with pride and confidence!


Before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In many universities and colleges, the graduation tassel is a symbol of academic achievement. Traditionally, the tassel is worn on the right side before graduation (often during commencement rehearsals or a few days leading up to the ceremony).

On the day of graduation, the tradition is to flip the tassel from the right side to the left side as you receive your diploma. This signifies that you have officially completed your degree and are now a graduate.

Here's a common interpretation:

* Before graduation (right side): You're still a student, working towards completing your degree.
* After graduation (left side): You've earned your degree and are now a proud alumnus/alumna!

This custom is thought to have originated in the 12th century when tassels were worn as a symbol of honor. The right-to-left flip might represent the transition from studenthood to the next phase of life, where you're no longer a student but an accomplished individual with a new title (alumni/alumna).

Now, I'm curious - do you have any personal experiences or memories related to this tradition?


How to wear graduation cap tassel


Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Wearing a graduation cap (also known as a mortarboard) and its accompanying tassel are significant traditions in academic ceremonies. Here's how to wear them properly:

**Cap:**

1. **Position:** The cap should be worn with the flat part of the board facing forward, about 1-2 inches above your eyebrows.
2. **Tilt:** The cap can be tilted slightly forward or backward, but not too far in either direction.

**Tassel:**

1. **Position:** The tassel should be attached to the mortarboard and worn hanging down at the back of the head.
2. **Color:** Traditionally, the tassel is colored according to your academic discipline:
* Sciences (e.g., STEM fields): Green or yellow
* Arts (e.g., humanities, social sciences): Red or orange
* Professional fields (e.g., business, engineering): Blue or black
3. **Direction:** The tassel should be worn hanging down, but during the ceremony, you'll move it to the opposite side of your mortarboard as a symbol of your transition from student to graduate.

**Tips:**

1. Make sure your cap and tassel are securely attached to each other.
2. You can adjust the position of the cap and tassel to feel comfortable, but be mindful of tradition and the ceremonial aspect of the event.
3. On the day of the ceremony, you'll typically move the tassel from one side of your mortarboard to the other after receiving your diploma, as a symbol of your graduation.

Remember to follow any specific guidelines or instructions provided by your institution or event organizers regarding cap and tassel wear.


Turning of the tassel Script


You're interested in the script for "Turning Point" (also known as "The Turning of the Tassel")!

For those who may not know, "Turning Point" is a 1953 American drama film directed by George Seaton. The movie follows the story of a young woman named Nell Forbes (played by Shirley MacLaine) and her struggles to come to terms with her own identity and aspirations.

The script for "Turning Point" was written by Ernest Lehman, and it's considered a classic of American cinema. The film explores themes of social class, gender roles, and the complexities of human relationships.

If you're interested in reading the script, I can provide you with some information on where to find it:

1. **Online archives**: You can try searching online archives like the Internet Archive (archive.org) or the Library of Congress's American Memory collection. These platforms often have a wide range of scripts and films available for download.
2. **Script libraries**: Many script libraries, such as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) or the Screenwriters Guild (SG), may have copies of the "Turning Point" script available for members to read.
3. **Bookstores**: You can also find printed copies of the script at bookstores that specialize in film scripts or drama books.

Please note that some of these sources might require registration, membership, or payment before accessing the script. If you're interested in reading the script, I recommend exploring these options and seeing what's available!


Graduation cap tassel color meaning


A great follow-up question!

In the United States, the graduation cap tassel color typically has a specific meaning and significance. The colors of the tassel may vary depending on the institution or the level of degree being awarded, but here are some common meanings:

1. **Black**: Typically signifies that the graduate is receiving an associate's degree.
2. **Gold** (or **Yellow**): Often represents bachelor's degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS).
3. **Green**: Usually indicates a master's degree, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
4. **Blue**: Typically signifies that the graduate is receiving a doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Education (EdD).
5. **Red**: In some institutions, red may indicate that the graduate has earned a higher doctorate, such as a Doctor of Science (ScD) or Doctor of Engineering (DEng).

It's worth noting that not all institutions follow these traditional color schemes, and some may have their own specific meanings. Additionally, some universities may use different colors to signify honors or distinctions, such as a gold tassel for summa cum laude or a silver tassel for magna cum laude.

Overall, the graduation cap tassel color serves as a visual representation of a student's academic achievement and provides a sense of pride and accomplishment on this significant milestone.


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