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.
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.
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.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap during the event. At a key moment—often right after receiving a diploma or at the ceremony's end—the graduate moves the tassel to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic journey and their official transition from student to graduate.
turning of the tassel script
Graduates, it is now time to turn your tassels from right to left, symbolizing the completion of your studies and your entry into the next phase of your lives. Please turn your tassels at this time.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
The color of a graduation cap tassel often represents the graduate's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution or country. Common associations include: gold for science, engineering, or mathematics; white for arts, humanities, or letters; drab for business or commerce; purple for law or government; light blue for education; dark blue for philosophy; maize for agriculture; and scarlet for theology. Some schools use black for all tassels or specific colors for honors, but always check with the institution for exact interpretations.
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 tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree, graduation tassel rules typically follow these guidelines in many U.S. and international institutions:
- The tassel is worn on the left side of the mortarboard (cap) throughout the ceremony, symbolizing that the wearer has already attained a higher level of education.
- Unlike bachelor's degrees, where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral, master's tassels do not require moving.
- Tassels for master's degrees are often in the color associated with the specific field of study (e.g., gold for science, blue for philosophy), as designated by the institution's academic regalia standards.
- Always check with your university or graduation coordinator, as rules can vary by school or country. For example, some institutions may have additional customs or color specifications based on their traditions.