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.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In many graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is worn on the right side before the graduate receives their diploma. After the ceremony or upon completing the degree, the tassel is traditionally moved to the left side to symbolize the transition from student to graduate. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in Western traditions.





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.





what side does tassel go on for graduation pictures


For graduation pictures in the US, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony and moved to the left side after receiving your diploma, symbolizing the completion of your studies. If the picture is meant to represent the pre-ceremony moment, keep it on the right; for post-ceremony, use the left. Always check with your school for any specific traditions.





tassel graduation


A graduation tassel is a decorative cord attached to the mortarboard cap worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies, commonly in educational traditions like those in the United States and other English-speaking countries. It symbolizes academic achievement and is often color-coded to represent the graduate's field of study, institution, or degree level—for example, gold for business or blue for education.

During the ceremony, participants typically wear the tassel on the right side of the cap initially. After receiving their diploma or as part of the event's rituals, they may flip it to the left side to signify the completion of their studies and entry into the professional world. This practice varies by institution but is a widespread custom in high school and university graduations. Tassels can also be personalized or kept as mementos.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the mortarboard cap on your head so that the front edge sits about an inch above your eyebrows and the cap is level. Attach or position the tassel on the right side of the cap, ensuring it's hanging freely without obstructing your view. For most ceremonies, keep it on the right until you're instructed to move it to the left after receiving your degree. Adjust as needed for comfort and security.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many educational institutions, 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 academic program and their transition from student to graduate. It typically occurs at the end of the commencement ceremony, often after receiving a diploma or as directed by the presiding official.





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.