graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules vary by institution but generally follow these traditions in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United States:

Tassels are attached to the mortarboard cap and often color-coded to represent the degree field or academic honors. For most ceremonies, wear the tassel on the right side before the event begins. During the ceremony, after receiving the diploma or at a designated moment like the commencement speech, move the tassel to the left side to signify the transition from student to graduate.

Some schools have specific variations: honors students might wear a gold tassel or keep it on the left from the start, and certain programs could require tassels on the left initially. Always check with your school for exact guidelines, as rules can differ by region or institution.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In many graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is worn on the right side before the graduate receives their diploma. After the ceremony or upon completing the degree, the tassel is traditionally moved to the left side to symbolize the transition from student to graduate. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in Western traditions.





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.





graduation cap tassel


A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord attached to the top of a mortarboard cap, worn during academic ceremonies like graduations. It typically features a string with a knot or bead at the end and comes in various colors to represent the wearer's degree, field of study, or institution. During the ceremony, the tassel is often flipped from one side of the cap to the other to symbolize the transition from student to graduate. In some traditions, its color holds specific meanings, such as gold for business or blue for philosophy.





how to put tassel on graduation cap


To put a tassel on a graduation cap, start by locating the small button or loop at the center top of the cap. Take the end of the tassel's string or loop and slide it over the button, making sure it's secure. Pull the tassel gently to tighten the loop around the button. If the cap has a mortarboard, ensure the tassel hangs evenly over the edge. Finally, flip the tassel to the appropriate side based on your school's tradition, such as right to left after graduating.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


The color of a graduation cap tassel typically represents the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution, country, or specific school traditions. Common tassel color meanings include:

Black for arts, humanities, or general studies; blue for philosophy, education, or sometimes nursing; gold or yellow for science, engineering, or business; green for medicine or pharmacy; orange for engineering or industrial arts; purple for law or jurisprudence; red for journalism, theology, or social sciences; white for arts and letters or liberal arts; and pink for music or fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations, as customs differ.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from right to left symbolizes the transition from student to graduate, marking the official conferral of the degree during the ceremony. This custom originated in the United States and is commonly practiced in academic settings to signify academic achievement.





how to wear a graduation cap


Place the graduation cap on your head with the mortarboard flat and parallel to the ground. Position the tassel on the right side initially. Adjust the elastic band or strings under your chin for a comfortable and secure fit. Make sure the cap sits evenly, about one inch above your eyebrows. During the ceremony, after receiving your diploma, flip the tassel to the left side to signify completion.