graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules vary by institution, but common practices in many English-speaking countries, especially the United States, include the following: Tassels are typically worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony to signify that the graduate has not yet officially completed their degree. During the ceremony, often after receiving the diploma or at a designated moment like the commencement speech, graduates move the tassel to the left side to symbolize the transition to alumni status. Tassel colors may indicate the field of study, such as gold for science or blue for education, and should follow the school's specific color codes. Some ceremonies require wearing additional honors cords or stoles with the tassel, and participants should adhere to any additional guidelines provided by their institution to ensure proper etiquette. Always check with your school for exact protocols, as rules can differ.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side, symbolizing that the student has not yet completed their studies. After graduation—often during the ceremony or upon receiving the diploma—the tassel is flipped to the left side to represent the transition to graduate status. This custom varies by institution and country but is common in many English-speaking educational traditions.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


Moving the tassel from right to left on a graduation cap is a traditional symbol in many academic ceremonies, particularly in the United States. It signifies the completion of your studies and your official transition from student to graduate. Before the ceremony, the tassel is worn on the right side; it's then moved to the left side, often after receiving a diploma or at a designated moment, to mark this milestone.





graduation tassel side doctorate


For doctorate graduations, the tassel on the mortarboard cap is traditionally worn on the left side, symbolizing the completion of the highest level of academic degree. This practice may vary by institution, but it generally aligns with the custom of moving the tassel from right to left during the ceremony to indicate conferral of the degree.





tassel graduation


A tassel in graduation refers to a decorative bundle of threads or cords attached to the top of a graduation cap, typically a mortarboard. In many English-speaking countries, especially the United States, it's a key element of academic regalia worn during commencement ceremonies. The tassel often features a color that represents the graduate's field of study or degree, such as gold for science or blue for philosophy. A common tradition involves wearing the tassel on the right side at the start of the ceremony and moving it to the left after receiving a diploma, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. This practice varies by institution but is widely recognized in English traditions.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, first attach it securely to the center of the cap's button or loop. Position the cap on your head so it's level and sits about an inch above your eyebrows, with the tassel hanging on the right side for most ceremonies, especially for undergraduates. During the event, after receiving your diploma or at the designated moment, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize completing your degree. Ensure the tassel is not tangled and moves smoothly to avoid distractions. If your institution has specific traditions, follow those guidelines for placement.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


Tassel colors on graduation caps typically represent the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include: black for business or accounting, blue for education or philosophy, gold for science or engineering, green for medicine or pharmacy, orange for engineering in some cases, purple for law or government, red for journalism, theology, or humanities, and white for arts and letters. Always check with the specific school for accurate interpretations.





what side does the tassel go on for masters degree


For a master's degree in academic traditions, such as those in the United States, the tassel on the graduation cap is worn on the left side throughout the ceremony. This is in contrast to bachelor's degrees, where it starts on the right and is moved to the left upon completion. Always check with your specific institution for any variations.