graduation cap tassel left or right
The tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side during the ceremony for undergraduate students in many Western countries, such as the United States. It is moved to the left side after the degree is conferred, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. For other levels like master's or doctoral degrees, it may already start on the left, depending on the institution's customs. Always check with your school for specific guidelines.
graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates typically move the tassel to the left side after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Tassel colors may vary by institution to represent specific degrees, honors, or fields of study, but wearing rules are often set by the school or university organizing the event. Always check with your specific institution for any additional guidelines, as practices can differ.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the cap on your head so it sits flat and level, with the front edge about an inch above your eyebrows and the back parallel to the floor. Attach the tassel to the button on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the event begins. During the ceremony, after your name is called or degrees are conferred, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize completion. Adjust as needed for comfort and to keep it from obstructing your view.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side. After graduation, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Graduation cap tassel colors often represent the wearer's field of study or degree type in academic ceremonies. Common meanings include:
- White: Arts, letters, humanities
- Drab (light brown): Business, accountancy
- Light blue: Education
- Orange: Engineering
- Brown: Fine arts
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine, health sciences
- Pink: Music
- Apricot: Nursing
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Golden yellow: Science
- Maize: Agriculture
Colors can vary by institution, so it's best to check with the specific school for exact meanings.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from right to left originated in the United States and symbolizes the completion of a degree. Initially, the tassel is worn on the right side to represent being a student. Once the degree is conferred, moving it to the left signifies that the graduate has officially become an alumnus or alumna. This practice is common in many academic institutions as a rite of passage.
graduation tassel side doctorate
For a doctorate degree in academic traditions, particularly in the United States, the graduation tassel is typically worn on the left side of the mortarboard cap throughout the ceremony. This distinguishes it from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon completion. Variations may exist based on specific institutional customs.
how to wear graduation cap for guys
To wear a graduation cap for guys, start by holding the mortarboard cap with the flat top facing up and the tassel on the right side. Position the cap on your head so the front edge sits about an inch above your eyebrows, ensuring it feels secure and level. Adjust the elastic band or inner straps if available for a comfortable fit, making sure the cap is straight and not tilted. During the ceremony, keep the tassel on the right side until you receive your degree, then switch it to the left side as a traditional symbol of completion. If you have longer hair, tuck it neatly under the cap to maintain a clean appearance.