graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates typically move the tassel to the left side after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Tassel colors may vary by institution to represent specific degrees, honors, or fields of study, but wearing rules are often set by the school or university organizing the event. Always check with your specific institution for any additional guidelines, as practices can differ.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side. After graduation, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
In many graduation ceremonies, especially in the United States, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side at the start of the event. Moving it to the left side signifies the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom originated in American universities and is a symbolic gesture of academic achievement.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
The color of a graduation cap tassel typically represents the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:
Black for arts and sciences, blue for education or philosophy, gold for science or engineering, green for medicine, orange for engineering, purple for law, red for journalism or theology, white for arts and letters, and yellow for business or social sciences. Some schools use other colors for specific programs, such as pink for music or brown for fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations.
tassel graduation
A graduation tassel is a decorative cord or fringe attached to the mortarboard cap worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. It is often color-coded to represent the graduate's field of study, degree level, or institution. In many traditions, particularly in the United States, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is moved to the left after the graduate receives their diploma, symbolizing the transition from student to alumnus. This practice is part of academic regalia and varies by country and institution.
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.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree, graduation tassel rules generally follow academic regalia guidelines set by institutions or the American Council on Education. The tassel is typically worn on the left side of the mortarboard from the start of the ceremony, as master's candidates are considered to have already earned the degree upon participation.
Tassel colors often correspond to the field of study, though this varies by school. Common examples include:
- Business: Drab (light brown)
- Arts and Humanities: White
- Science: Golden yellow
- Education: Light blue
- Engineering: Orange
Some institutions may require the tassel to match the school's colors or have specific policies, so always consult your university's guidelines for exact requirements. Tassels are not usually moved during the ceremony for master's degrees, unlike bachelor's degrees.
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.