graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules generally involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony for most undergraduate students. After receiving the diploma, the tassel is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree. Tassel colors often correspond to the field of study or the institution's traditions, such as gold for business or blue for education. Rules can vary by school, with some ceremonies having officials move the tassel or specific protocols for graduate degrees.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony to indicate the student has not yet completed their degree. After officially graduating—often marked by a speech, diploma presentation, or symbolic moment—the tassel is flipped to the left side to signify the achievement and completion of the academic milestone. This custom varies by institution but is common in many English-speaking countries.





what side does the tassel go on for doctorate


For a doctorate, the tassel on the academic cap is traditionally worn on the left side, symbolizing the completion of the degree. This is the standard practice in most U.S. institutions, though specific customs may vary by school.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


Moving the tassel from right to left during a graduation ceremony is a tradition in many academic settings, particularly in the United States, to symbolize the completion of your degree. It represents the transition from being a student to becoming a graduate, often done after receiving your diploma.





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 flip the tassel on their mortarboard cap from the right side to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their studies and the transition from student to graduate, often occurring right after receiving a diploma or during the final moments of the ceremony.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear your graduation cap tassel, start by placing the mortarboard cap squarely on your head with the front edge aligned just above your eyebrows and the tassel attached to the center top. Position the tassel on the right side initially, as is traditional for most ceremonies. Once you receive your degree or as directed by your school, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of your studies. Ensure the cap sits level and secure, adjusting as needed for comfort during the event.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


The color of a graduation cap tassel often represents the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include white for arts and humanities, gold or yellow for sciences and engineering, red for theology or journalism, blue for philosophy or education, green for medicine or pharmacy, orange for engineering, purple for law or architecture, and pink for music. Black tassels are sometimes used for general or unspecified degrees. Always check with the specific school for accurate interpretations.





turning of the tassel script


Graduates, as a symbol of your academic journey's completion and your entry into the next chapter of life, I invite you to turn your tassels from the right side to the left. On the count of three: one, two, three—turn your tassels now. Congratulations to the Class of [Year]!