graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules generally involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the cap at the start of the ceremony to signify that the student has not yet officially graduated. During the ceremony, typically after receiving the diploma or at a designated moment like the commencement speech, the student moves the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent the field of study, school, or honors status, such as gold for business or red for journalism, and these are determined by the institution's guidelines. Some schools may have additional rules, like restrictions on customizing tassels or specific protocols for multiple degrees. Always check with your school for exact procedures, as rules can vary.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, where graduates move the tassel on their mortarboard cap from the right side to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their degree, marking the transition from student to graduate, and is often done at the end of the ceremony after receiving a diploma.





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.





graduation cap tassel left or right


In most Western graduation traditions, particularly in the United States, the tassel on a graduation cap is worn on the right side at the start of the ceremony. It is then moved to the left side after the graduate receives their diploma, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Always check with your specific institution for any variations.





graduation tassel color meaning


Graduation tassel colors typically represent a student's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:

Black for arts and letters or general use
Blue for philosophy, education, or political science
Gold or yellow for science, business, or accounting
Green for medicine, pharmacy, or health sciences
Orange for engineering
Purple for law, architecture, or government
Red for journalism, theology, or social work
White for arts, humanities, or liberal arts
Drab (light brown) for commerce or business administration
Pink for music
Silver for veterinary science or agriculture

Always check with the specific school, as colors may differ.





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.





turning the tassel meaning


Turning the tassel refers to a traditional ritual in graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States, where graduates move the tassel on their mortarboard cap from one side (usually the right) to the other (usually the left). This act symbolizes the completion of their academic degree and their official transition from student to graduate.





graduation tassel side doctorate


For a doctorate graduation in English-speaking traditions, such as in the United States, the tassel on the academic cap is typically worn on the left side. This signifies that the degree has been conferred, distinguishing it from undergraduate ceremonies where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon completion. However, customs can vary by institution, so it's advisable to check specific university guidelines.