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.





graduation cap tassel left or right


For most graduation ceremonies in the United States and similar Western traditions, the tassel on a graduation cap is worn on the right side before the official conferral of the degree. Once the graduate receives their diploma or crosses the stage, they move the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of their studies and entry into the next phase of life. This practice can vary by institution or country, so it's best to check specific guidelines from 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 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 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.





tassel graduation


A graduation tassel is a decorative cord or fringe attached to the mortarboard cap worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. It is often color-coded to represent the graduate's field of study, degree level, or institution. In many traditions, particularly in the United States, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is moved to the left after the graduate receives their diploma, symbolizing the transition from student to alumnus. This practice is part of academic regalia and varies by country and institution.





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.





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.





graduation cap tassel meaning


The tassel on a graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, symbolizes academic achievement and the transition from student to graduate. It is traditionally worn on the right side of the cap during the ceremony and flipped to the left side after the degree is conferred, marking the completion of studies. The tassel's color often indicates the field of study, such as gold for science, blue for philosophy, or red for journalism, though specific colors vary by institution. This custom originated in U.S. universities and has become a widespread tradition in many English-speaking countries.