graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules vary by institution, but common practices in the United States include:

Tassels are worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony to signify student status. They are typically moved to the left side after receiving a diploma or during a designated moment, such as the conferring of degrees, to symbolize the transition to graduate status.

The tassel color often represents the field of study, degree level, or school affiliation—for example, gold for business, blue for philosophy, or school-specific colors. Some schools require specific tassels for honors graduates, like a separate cord or a colored tassel.

Institutions may have additional rules, such as prohibiting tampering with tassels or specifying when to wear them. Always check with your school for exact guidelines, as these traditions can differ regionally or by country.





graduation cap tassel


A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord or string attached to the top of a mortarboard-style cap, worn during academic ceremonies like graduations. It typically hangs from the center and is often flipped from one side of the cap to the other during the ceremony to symbolize the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. Tassels may vary in color to represent different academic fields or institutions.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


The graduation tassel is a hanging ornament on a cap worn during ceremonies. Traditionally, before the ceremony, it's positioned on the right side to indicate the student is not yet a graduate. After officially receiving the diploma, the wearer moves it to the left side as a symbolic gesture of completing their studies and entering the next phase of life. This custom varies by institution but is common in many English-speaking countries.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


For graduation ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side of your cap before the event starts, ensuring the cap sits level on your head with the front edge about an inch above your eyebrows. During the ceremony, after receiving your diploma or as directed by your school, move the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of your degree. Always check your institution's specific traditions, as they may vary. To keep it secure, gently flip the tassel over the top of the cap without disturbing the rest of the mortarboard.





graduation tassel side doctorate


For doctorate graduates, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the left side after the degree is conferred, symbolizing completion. In many U.S. ceremonies, all candidates start with it on the right and move it to the left upon receiving their degree, including doctorates, though practices can vary by institution. Doctorate tassels are often distinguished by specific colors, such as gold for some fields.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


The color of a graduation cap tassel often represents the wearer's academic field or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include: gold for science, engineering, or mathematics; white for arts, letters, or humanities; dark blue for philosophy; light blue for education; purple for law; green for medicine; orange for engineering in some cases; maize for agriculture; pink for music; and citron for social work. Always check with the specific school for accurate interpretations.





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. During the ceremony, it is moved to the left side after receiving the degree.





graduation cap tassel meaning


The tassel on a graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, symbolizes the completion of an academic degree and the transition from student to graduate. Traditionally, it is worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and flipped to the left side after receiving the diploma, signifying achievement and readiness for the next phase of life. The color of the tassel often represents the field of study, such as gold for science or blue for philosophy, and may vary by institution or country.