A question that gets to the heart of academic tradition!
The correct side for a graduation tassel is typically:
* For baccalaureate degrees (Bachelor's): The tassel hangs on the RIGHT SIDE of the mortarboard cap.
* For advanced degrees (Master's, Doctoral, etc.): The tassel hangs on the LEFT SIDE of the mortarboard cap.
This convention is widely observed in the United States and many other countries. The reason for this distinction is not entirely clear, but it may have originated from the idea that the right side represents the student's "old" self, while the left side represents their "new" self as a graduate.
Of course, there can be variations depending on the specific institution or tradition, so it's always a good idea to check with your university or academic department for any specific guidelines.
Graduation tassel rules! While there may not be strict, universally accepted "rules" for graduation tassels, there are some common traditions and guidelines that many universities and institutions follow:
1. **Tassel color**: Typically, the tassel is worn on the right side of the head for students who have completed their undergraduate degree (Bachelor's). For graduate students, the tassel is often worn on the left side.
2. **Direction of wear**: The direction of wear can also indicate the level of education being earned:
* Undergraduate: Wear the tassel pointing to the right (or away from the face).
* Graduate: Wear the tassel pointing to the left (or towards the face).
3. **Order of donning**: When donning your graduation regalia, it's customary to put on the mortarboard cap first, followed by the stole or honor cords (if applicable), and finally the tassel.
4. **Tassel placement**: The tassel should be placed at the center of the mortarboard cap, with the end pointing in the direction indicated above.
5. **Consistency is key**: To avoid confusion, it's best to follow the same tassel wear rules throughout your institution or department.
Some notable exceptions:
* Some universities may have specific tassel colors or designs that represent different academic programs or honors.
* In some cases, the tassel color may be reversed for students earning a Master's or Doctoral degree.
* A few institutions might have unique traditions surrounding the tassel, such as wearing it in a particular way to indicate membership in a student organization or honor society.
Remember, while there are general guidelines for graduation tassels, the specific rules and traditions may vary depending on your institution or department. Be sure to check with your university or academic advisor if you're unsure about the proper way to wear your tassel.
The tradition of the graduation tassel is a significant part of academic ceremonies, and the side it's worn on can have a special meaning.
Traditionally, the graduation tassel is worn on the right side before graduation, with the "wrong" or "older" end facing forward. This signifies that the individual has not yet completed their academic journey and still has more to achieve.
After graduation, the tassel is flipped over to the left side, with the "right" or "newer" end facing forward. This symbolizes the completion of the academic program and the transition from student to alumnus or alumna.
So, to summarize:
* Before graduation: Tassel worn on the right side with the "wrong" end facing forward (representing the individual's unfinished academic journey).
* After graduation: Tassel worn on the left side with the "right" end facing forward (representing the completion of the academic program and the transition to alumni status).
It's a small but meaningful detail that can add to the significance and ceremony of graduation ceremonies.
For a Master's degree, the tradition is to wear the academic regalia with the tassel on the RIGHT SIDE.
This convention dates back to the 12th century, when the University of Oxford awarded degrees. According to legend, students who had completed their studies would wear their mortarboards (caps) at a rakish angle, with the tassel dangling over the right eye. The tradition was later adopted by other institutions, including Cambridge and Harvard.
So, if you're a Master's graduate, make sure to wear that tassel proudly on your right side!
For a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctoral degree, the tradition is to wear the tassel on the right side. This is because many academic institutions have adopted this convention as a symbol of excellence and achievement in one's field.
The origin of wearing the tassel on the right side dates back to medieval times, when mortarboards were first used. The tassel was originally a symbol of nobility, and only those who had earned their degrees from prestigious universities or achieved high academic honors would be allowed to wear it on the right side.
Today, wearing the tassel on the right side is a universal convention in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. It's a way to signify that you have completed your doctoral studies and are now a member of an exclusive group of scholars who have achieved this high level of academic distinction.
So, if you're getting ready to don your mortarboard for your Ph.D. or Doctoral hooding ceremony, remember to put that tassel on the right side – it's a badge of honor!
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
Wearing a graduation cap tassel is an important part of the traditional graduation attire. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wear it:
**Left Side, Right Pride**
In most institutions, graduates are expected to wear their tassels on the right side of their mortarboard (graduation cap) before the ceremony and move them to the left side immediately after receiving their diploma.
Here's how to do it:
1. **Before the ceremony**: Place the tassel on the right side of your mortarboard, about 1-2 inches from the edge. Make sure it's securely fastened with a clip or string.
2. **During the ceremony**: Keep the tassel on the right side as you walk across the stage and receive your diploma.
3. **After the ceremony**: As you're about to leave the stage, move the tassel to the left side of your mortarboard. This symbolizes your transition from student to graduate.
**Tips**
* Make sure the tassel is securely fastened to prevent it from falling off during the ceremony.
* If you have a long or loose tassel, you may want to tie it with a small knot to keep it in place.
* Some institutions may have specific guidelines for wearing the tassel, so check with your school or department if you're unsure.
**Tassel Colors**
Traditionally, graduation caps and gowns come in different colors depending on the institution and academic discipline. Tassels often match the color of the gown or cap. Here are some common meanings:
* Black: Most universities and colleges use black tassels.
* Gold/Silver: Some institutions use gold or silver tassels to represent excellence, achievement, or a specific field of study (e.g., engineering).
* Colors: Tassels may match the school's colors or the color of the gown.
Remember to check with your institution for any specific guidelines on wearing your graduation cap and tassel. Congratulations again on your graduation!
The script for "Turning Point" is an important part of the graduation ceremony at many universities. The script typically includes a series of speeches, readings, and other elements that are designed to mark this important milestone in students' lives.
Here is a sample script for a traditional university graduation ceremony:
**Introduction**
* Welcome: University President or Provost
* Opening remarks: Dean of Students or Faculty Representative
**Processional**
* Marching band or music plays as the faculty, platform party, and graduating students enter the auditorium
* National Anthem (optional)
**Invocation**
* A brief prayer or blessing is offered by a representative from the university's religious community
**Salutatorian Address**
* The salutatorian (highest-ranking student) delivers a speech on behalf of the graduating class
**Valedictorian Address**
* The valedictorian (top-ranked student) delivers a speech that reflects on their academic journey and offers words of wisdom to their peers
**University President's Remarks**
* The university president or provost delivers a congratulatory address and offers words of advice for the graduates as they embark on their future endeavors
**Turning of the Tassel**
* The university president or provost invites the graduating students to turn their tassels from one side to the other, symbolizing their transition from student to alumnus/alumna
* Music plays during this segment
**Conferring of Degrees**
* The dean of the relevant faculty or department confers degrees upon the graduates
**Closing Remarks**
* A farewell message is offered by the university president or provost, and a final thought is shared with the graduating students
This script can be modified to fit the specific needs and traditions of your institution.
The graduation cap tassel is a traditional symbol of academic achievement, and the color has specific meanings depending on the institution or ceremony. Here are some common interpretations:
1. **Gold**: Typically represents excellence, achievement, or high honors. It's often associated with summa cum laude (Latin for "with highest honor") or highest GPA.
2. **Silver or White**: Symbolizes distinction, merit, or magna cum laude (Latin for "with great honor"). This color is usually awarded to students who have achieved a high level of academic success but not quite the highest honors.
3. **Red**: Represents courage, spirit, or highest achievement in a specific field or discipline. In some cases, it might signify a student's achievement in a particular program or major.
4. **Blue**: Often associated with excellence, merit, or cum laude (Latin for "with honor"). This color is commonly used to represent a high level of academic achievement.
5. **Green**: Can symbolize growth, harmony, or environmental awareness. In some cases, it might be used to represent a specific program or major related to sustainability or environmental studies.
Keep in mind that the meaning of graduation cap tassel colors can vary depending on the institution, ceremony, or tradition. Some universities or colleges may have their own specific color schemes and meanings, while others might follow more general guidelines.
It's worth noting that some institutions use a combination of colors for the tassel, such as a gold tassel with a silver or white end, which can represent a higher level of academic achievement within a certain range.