graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules typically involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. After receiving the diploma, graduates move it to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent specific fields of study, honors, or institutions—for example, gold for high honors or colors like blue for education or green for medicine. These rules can vary by school, country, or event, so it's best to check with the specific institution for exact guidelines.





graduation cap tassel left or right


In many graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States and other Western countries, the tassel on a graduation cap is worn on the right side at the start of the event to indicate that the graduate has not yet officially received their degree. Once the degree is conferred—often during a specific moment in the ceremony—the tassel is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of studies and the transition to alumni status. This tradition can vary by institution or country, so it's best to follow the specific guidelines provided by your school.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the official conferral of the degree, symbolizing that the student is still in the process of completing their studies. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to indicate that the student has successfully earned their degree and is now a graduate. This custom varies by institution and culture but is a common ritual in many English-speaking countries.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


Tassel colors on graduation caps typically represent the graduate's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Here are common associations in U.S. academic traditions:

- Agriculture: Maize (yellow)
- Architecture: Blue-violet
- Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
- Business Administration: Drab (light brown)
- Education: Light blue
- Engineering: Orange
- Fine Arts: Brown
- Law: Purple
- Library Science: Lemon yellow
- Medicine: Kelly green
- Music: Pink
- Nursing: Apricot
- Philosophy: Dark blue
- Physical Education: Sage green
- Science: Golden yellow
- Social Work: Citron
- Theology: Scarlet

Some schools use black or school-specific colors for general degrees, and international practices may differ. Always check with the specific university for exact meanings.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, attach it to the button or loop on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the degree is conferred. Once you receive your degree, move the tassel to the left side as a symbol of completion. Ensure the cap sits flat on your head with the tassel hanging straight down the chosen side.





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.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


The tradition of moving the graduation cap tassel from right to left during a ceremony symbolizes the transition from student to graduate. It signifies that you have completed your academic studies and are now officially recognized as an alumnus or alumna. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, and dates back to academic traditions in Europe.





graduation cap tassel meaning


The graduation cap tassel is a symbolic element in academic ceremonies, often attached to the mortarboard cap. It represents the completion of a degree and the transition from student to graduate. Traditionally, the tassel is worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and moved to the left side after receiving the diploma, signifying academic achievement. The tassel's color can denote the field of study, such as gold for business, blue for philosophy, or red for journalism, though this varies by institution.