graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules typically require wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. For most undergraduate events, graduates move it to the left side after receiving their diploma to symbolize completing their degree. Tassel colors often indicate the field of study, such as gold for science or white for arts, and may vary by institution. Honors students might have special tassels or cords. Always confirm specific guidelines with your school, as practices can differ regionally or by tradition.
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 the student status. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to represent the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in many English-speaking countries.
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.
what side does tassel go on for graduation pictures
For graduation pictures in the US, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony and moved to the left side after receiving your diploma, symbolizing the completion of your studies. If the picture is meant to represent the pre-ceremony moment, keep it on the right; for post-ceremony, use the left. Always check with your school for any specific traditions.
graduation cap tassel
A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord or string attached to the top of a mortarboard cap, commonly worn during academic graduation ceremonies. It is typically made of silk, nylon, or similar materials and features a small, often colorful, knot or bead at the end. The tassel's color can represent the wearer's degree, field of study, or institution—such as gold for business or blue for philosophy. During the ceremony, it is traditionally worn on the right side and flipped to the left to symbolize the completion of studies. Tassels add a personalized and ceremonial element to the cap, reflecting academic traditions in many educational systems.
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.
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.
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. Common associations include:
Black for arts and sciences, blue for education or philosophy, gold for science or engineering, green for medicine, orange for engineering, purple for law, red for journalism or theology, white for arts and letters, and yellow for business or social sciences. Some schools use other colors for specific programs, such as pink for music or brown for fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations.