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 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 completion of the degree. After graduating, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the achievement and transition to the next phase of life. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States.
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.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Tassel colors on graduation caps typically represent the graduate's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Here are common associations in U.S. academic traditions:
- Agriculture: Maize (yellow)
- Architecture: Blue-violet
- Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
- Business Administration: Drab (light brown)
- Education: Light blue
- Engineering: Orange
- Fine Arts: Brown
- Law: Purple
- Library Science: Lemon yellow
- Medicine: Kelly green
- Music: Pink
- Nursing: Apricot
- Philosophy: Dark blue
- Physical Education: Sage green
- Science: Golden yellow
- Social Work: Citron
- Theology: Scarlet
Some schools use black or school-specific colors for general degrees, and international practices may differ. Always check with the specific university for exact meanings.
turning of the tassel script
Will the graduates please stand and turn their tassels from the right side to the left side of their caps, symbolizing the completion of your studies and the start of your next chapter.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree, graduation tassel rules generally follow guidelines from the American Council on Education (ACE) and can vary by institution. The tassel is typically worn on the left side of the mortarboard cap throughout the ceremony, unlike undergraduate tassels which are moved from right to left upon graduation.
Tassel colors often represent the field of study, with common ACE standards including:
- Black for most general master's degrees
- Drab (light brown) for business
- White for arts and letters
- Golden yellow for science
- Light blue for education
- Purple for law or philosophy
Always check with your specific university, as some schools use custom colors or additional rules, such as prohibiting personalization of tassels. Tassels are usually provided by the institution or purchased from approved vendors to ensure compliance.
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.