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 undergraduates, symbolizing that the degree has not yet been conferred. After receiving the diploma or during a specific moment in the ceremony, the tassel is moved to the left side to indicate completion of the degree. For graduate students, such as those with master's or doctoral degrees, the tassel is often worn on the left from the start. Colors of tassels may represent specific fields of study or institutions, but exact practices can vary by school, region, or country.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is typically worn on the right side, symbolizing that the student has not yet completed their studies. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to signify the achievement of the degree and the transition to graduate status. This tradition varies by institution but is common in many educational ceremonies.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from right to left during a ceremony symbolizes the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, to mark the moment of achievement.





graduation tassel side doctorate


For doctoral graduations in English-speaking traditions, such as in the United States, the tassel on the graduation cap is typically worn on the left side throughout the ceremony. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel often starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral. However, practices can vary by institution or country. Tassel colors for doctorates are usually gold or discipline-specific, but the side remains a symbolic element of academic achievement.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many educational institutions, particularly in the United States, where graduates move the tassel on their mortarboard cap from the right side to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic program and their transition from student to graduate. It typically occurs at the end of the commencement ceremony, often after receiving a diploma or as directed by the presiding official.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the mortarboard cap on your head so that the front edge sits about an inch above your eyebrows and the cap is level. Attach or position the tassel on the right side of the cap, ensuring it's hanging freely without obstructing your view. For most ceremonies, keep it on the right until you're instructed to move it to the left after receiving your degree. Adjust as needed for comfort and security.





graduation tassel color meaning


Graduation tassel colors typically represent a student's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:

Black for arts and letters or general use
Blue for philosophy, education, or political science
Gold or yellow for science, business, or accounting
Green for medicine, pharmacy, or health sciences
Orange for engineering
Purple for law, architecture, or government
Red for journalism, theology, or social work
White for arts, humanities, or liberal arts
Drab (light brown) for commerce or business administration
Pink for music
Silver for veterinary science or agriculture

Always check with the specific school, as colors may differ.





graduation tassel 2025


A graduation tassel for 2025 is a decorative cord attached to a mortarboard cap, commonly worn by students graduating in that year. It symbolizes the completion of academic studies and is often customized with the year 2025 printed or embroidered on it. Tassels come in various colors, which may represent specific schools, degrees, or fields of study—such as gold for business or blue for education. During the ceremony, the tassel is typically worn on one side of the cap and flipped to the other to signify the official conferral of the degree. These tassels can be purchased online or from school stores, with options for personalization like beads or charms.