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.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


The graduation tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony and moved to the left side after graduation, symbolizing the completion of studies in many educational traditions.





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 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.





tassel graduation


A tassel in graduation refers to the decorative cord attached to the mortarboard cap worn by graduates, commonly in academic ceremonies. Traditionally, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is flipped to the left side after the degree is conferred, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. This custom originated in the United States and is often associated with high school and college ceremonies, where tassel colors may represent specific fields of study, such as engineering or arts. The practice adds a ceremonial element to mark academic achievement.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, during academic ceremonies. Graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel, which starts on the right side. At a key moment, often after receiving their diploma or as directed by the ceremony leader, they move the tassel to the left side. This simple act represents the completion of their studies and the transition from student to graduate.





how to put tassel on graduation cap


Hold the graduation cap with the top facing up and locate the small button or loop in the center. Take the tassel and find the loop at the end of its string. Slip the tassel's loop over the button or through the loop on the cap. Gently pull to secure it in place. If needed, adjust the tassel so it hangs straight. For the ceremony, start with it on the right side and move it to the 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.