A classic question!
For those who may not know, in many academic institutions, it's a tradition to wear your graduation cap (also known as a mortarboard) with the tassel hanging on one side or the other. The question is, which side does the tassel go on for graduation?
According to Reddit users and various online sources, here are some general guidelines:
* **For undergraduates**: Typically, the tassel goes on the **LEFT** side of the cap until you graduate. Then, after commencement, you can move it to the **RIGHT** side to signify your new status as an alum.
* **For graduates (master's and higher)**: In some institutions, the tassel is worn on the **RIGHT** side for most of the degree process, but moves to the **LEFT** side at graduation. It's best to check with your specific institution or department to confirm their tradition.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specifics may vary depending on your school, department, or personal preference. So, if you're unsure, it's always a good idea to double-check with your academic advisors or fellow students.
Graduation tassel rules are an important part of the graduation ceremony tradition. Here are some common rules:
1. **Tassel placement**: The tassel is typically worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap, with the end hanging down below the rim.
2. **Color significance**: The color of the tassel often represents the degree level or academic discipline:
* Bachelor's: usually gold (or orange) and hangs to the left
* Master's: usually blue or silver and hangs to the right
* Doctoral: usually purple, red, or a specific color for the field of study (e.g., green for engineering)
3. **Tassel turning**: During the graduation ceremony, the tassel is typically turned from one side to the other as a symbol of completion and transition:
* Bachelor's degree recipients turn their tassels from left to right
* Master's and doctoral degree recipients leave their tassels on the right side
4. **Tassel handling**: It's considered bad luck to touch or move another person's graduation tassel, so be respectful of your fellow graduates' "tassel space."
5. **Tassel removal**: Traditionally, graduates remove their caps and gowns after the ceremony, leaving the tassel as a keepsake.
6. **Tassel preservation**: Many universities or colleges have specific rules about preserving the graduation tassel:
* Some institutions recommend keeping the tassel in its original position (e.g., on the right side) to preserve its integrity
* Others may allow graduates to wear their tassels as a pin or brooch, but not to alter or cut them
Remember to check with your university or college for specific rules regarding graduation tassel placement, handling, and preservation.
For a female graduate, the tradition is to wear the tassel on the RIGHT side of your mortarboard (that's the cap you wear during commencement).
So, as a female graduate, you'd place the tassel on the right side of your cap. This symbolizes that you've completed your degree and are ready to start the next chapter of your life!
The tradition of wearing the tassel on the correct side of the mortarboard cap is a time-honored one.
Before graduation, the tassel is typically worn on the right side of the cap. This represents the student's journey towards completing their degree and all the hard work that has gone into getting to this point.
After graduation, the tassel is flipped to the left side of the cap, signifying the completion of the educational journey and the transition from student to alumnus/alumna. The act of flipping the tassel can be seen as a symbolic gesture of closure on one chapter of life and the beginning of another.
It's worth noting that some institutions may have slightly different traditions or customs surrounding the tassel, so it's always a good idea to check with your school or department if you're unsure about their specific practices.
For a Master's degree, the tradition varies depending on the institution or department. Here are some common practices:
1. **University-wide tradition**: Some universities have a university-wide tradition to wear the tassel on the left side of your mortarboard (the academic cap) for undergraduate degrees and on the right side for graduate degrees, including Master's.
2. **Departmental tradition**: In many cases, the department or program within an institution has its own tradition for wearing the tassel. For example:
* Some departments may wear the tassel on the left side for all degrees, regardless of level (Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.).
* Others might have a specific color or design for their mortarboard that indicates the degree level.
3. **Academic discipline**: In some cases, the academic discipline or field of study may influence the tassel placement. For example:
* In the humanities and social sciences, the tassel is often worn on the right side for Master's degrees.
* In the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), the tassel might be worn on the left side.
To confirm which side to wear your tassel on for a Master's degree at your institution, I recommend:
1. Checking with your university or department's website.
2. Consulting with your academic advisor or departmental administrator.
3. Looking at photos of previous commencement ceremonies or talking to fellow students who have already graduated.
Remember, the most important thing is that you're proud of your achievement and ready to celebrate!
For a Doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or Ed.D., the tradition varies depending on the institution and country. However, here are some common practices:
1. **United States**: The tassel typically goes to the **right** side of the mortarboard cap.
2. **Canada**: In Canada, it's common for the tassel to go to the **left** side of the mortarboard.
3. **United Kingdom**: In the UK, the tassel usually goes to the **right** side, but some institutions may have a different tradition.
4. **Australia and New Zealand**: These countries often follow the US or Canadian tradition, with the tassel going to the **right** or **left** side, respectively.
It's essential to note that these are general guidelines, and specific institutions or departments within an institution might have their own traditions or customs. If you're unsure which side the tassel should go on for your Doctoral degree, it's always best to check with your university or department directly.
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
Wearing a graduation cap and tassel can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wear your graduation cap and tassel:
**Cap:**
1. Place the cap on your head with the flat side facing forward (the brim should be parallel to the ground).
2. Adjust the cap so that it sits comfortably on your head, with the crown of the cap just above your eyebrows.
3. Make sure the cap is securely fastened under your chin using the Velcro or elastic strap.
**Tassel:**
1. The tassel should be attached to the cap by a small metal clip or cord. Make sure it's securely attached.
2. The tassel should hang down about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) below the cap's brim.
3. To wear the tassel, simply let it dangle freely from the cap.
**Important tips:**
* When walking across the stage to receive your diploma, make sure to keep the tassel on the right side of your cap (for most institutions). This is a tradition that dates back to medieval times, when graduates would wear their tassels on the right side as a sign of having earned their degree.
* If you're wearing a hood (which is common for PhDs and some master's degrees), make sure to adjust it so that it covers your cap and tassel. The hood should be worn over the shoulder, with the edges hanging down evenly on both sides.
**Additional tips for specific situations:**
* If you have long hair or bangs, consider tying them back or wearing a hair tie to keep them out of your face while walking across the stage.
* If you're wearing glasses or contacts, make sure they're securely in place before putting on your cap and tassel.
* Consider practicing how to walk with your cap and tassel beforehand to ensure you feel comfortable and confident.
Remember, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so take your time, enjoy the moment, and have fun!
You're interested in a script for "Turning of the Tassel"!
Here's a possible script for a short film or stage play:
**Title:** The Turning of the Tassel
**Characters:**
1. **JASON**, a college student graduating soon
2. **SARAH**, Jason's high school sweetheart turned rival
3. **PROFESSOR JENKINS**, a wise and witty academic advisor
**Setting:** A university campus, with flashbacks to high school and college memories
**Act 1:**
(The scene opens on a sunny day at the university. Students are walking around, chatting, or studying. Jason, dressed in his cap and gown, stands outside the auditorium, looking nervous.)
JASON: (to himself) This is it. The final chapter of my college journey.
(Sarah appears, holding a bouquet of flowers. They exchange awkward glances.)
SARAH: Congratulations on your graduation, Jason.
JASON: Thanks. It's hard to believe it's come to this.
SARAH: You've changed so much since high school.
JASON: I guess we both have.
(Sarah hands him the flowers and walks away. Jason looks after her, lost in thought.)
**Act 2:**
(The scene shifts to a flashback of their high school days. They're sitting together at lunch, laughing and joking.)
SARAH: (whispering) You're going to be a star quarterback one day.
JASON: (smiling) Yeah, I think so too.
(Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of a bell ringing, signaling the end of lunch. They part ways, promising to stay in touch.)
**Act 3:**
(The scene jumps back to the present, as Jason stands on stage at his graduation ceremony. Professor Jenkins approaches him.)
PROFESSOR JENKINS: Congratulations, Jason! You've made it through.
JASON: Thanks, Professor. I couldn't have done it without your guidance.
PROFESSOR JENKINS: (smiling) That's what mentors are for. But remember, the real turning point is ahead of you now. The tassel may be turned, but life has only just begun.
(Jason looks out at the crowd, seeing Sarah in the audience, smiling at him.)
JASON: (to himself) It's time to take the next step.
(The scene fades to black as Jason turns his tassel, symbolizing the start of a new chapter in his life.)
This script is just one possible interpretation of "The Turning of the Tassel." Feel free to modify or add to it to fit your needs!