graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules typically involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. After receiving the diploma, graduates move it to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent specific fields of study, honors, or institutions—for example, gold for high honors or colors like blue for education or green for medicine. These rules can vary by school, country, or event, so it's best to check with the specific institution for exact guidelines.
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.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from right to left during a ceremony symbolizes the completion of a student's academic journey and their transition to graduate status. In many educational systems, particularly in the United States, tassels start on the right to represent the pre-graduation phase, and moving them to the left signifies official recognition by the institution. This practice varies by country and institution but is a common ritual to mark achievement.
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.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
The tassel on a graduation cap is typically attached to the button on the top center of the mortarboard. Start by placing the cap on your head with the flat side up and the point or corner facing forward. Hang the tassel on the right side initially, allowing it to dangle freely over the right edge of the cap. During the ceremony, after receiving your diploma or as instructed, move the tassel to the left side by sliding it across the top of the cap to symbolize the completion of your degree. Ensure the cap fits securely and sits straight on your head for the best appearance.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree graduation, tassel rules generally follow academic regalia traditions, which can vary by institution but often align with guidelines from bodies like the American Council on Education. Here's a breakdown:
- **Tassel placement**: The tassel is typically worn on the right side of the mortarboard at the start of the ceremony. It is moved to the left side after the degree is officially conferred, symbolizing the completion of studies. This is the same practice as for bachelor's degrees in many U.S. universities.
- **Tassel color**: Tassels are commonly black, but they may match the color associated with the field of study or the institution's traditions. For example, if your master's is in education, the tassel might be light blue, reflecting the hood color for that discipline. Always confirm with your school's guidelines, as colors can differ.
- **Other rules**: Some schools require tassels to be provided by the university or purchased from an approved vendor. There may also be restrictions on decorations or customizations. If your ceremony includes honors, an additional cord or stole might be worn alongside the tassel, but it doesn't affect the tassel's position.
Check your specific university's graduation office for exact protocols, as rules can vary by country, school, or even department.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, during academic ceremonies. Graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel, which starts on the right side. At a key moment, often after receiving their diploma or as directed by the ceremony leader, they move the tassel to the left side. This simple act represents the completion of their studies and the transition from student to graduate.
graduation photo tassel side
In graduation photos, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony to symbolize not yet having graduated. After receiving the diploma, it's moved to the left side to indicate completion. For photos, many people pose with the tassel on the left to show achievement, though some capture it on both sides for a full representation of the tradition. This custom varies by institution and country, but it's common in U.S. and similar educational systems.