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 typically worn on the right side. After graduation, the graduate moves the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of their studies.
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 tassel side doctorate
For a doctorate degree in graduation ceremonies, the tassel on the cap is typically worn on the left side from the beginning, symbolizing that the wearer has already achieved a higher level of education. This is based on standard academic traditions in many English-speaking countries, such as the United States, where bachelor's degree candidates start with the tassel on the right and move it to the left upon completion, while graduate degrees like doctorates begin on the left.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree, graduation tassel rules typically follow these guidelines in many U.S. and international institutions:
- The tassel is worn on the left side of the mortarboard (cap) throughout the ceremony, symbolizing that the wearer has already attained a higher level of education.
- Unlike bachelor's degrees, where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral, master's tassels do not require moving.
- Tassels for master's degrees are often in the color associated with the specific field of study (e.g., gold for science, blue for philosophy), as designated by the institution's academic regalia standards.
- Always check with your university or graduation coordinator, as rules can vary by school or country. For example, some institutions may have additional customs or color specifications based on their traditions.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
The color of a graduation cap tassel often represents the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution, country, or specific traditions. Common associations include:
White for arts, humanities, or general studies
Gold or yellow for science, engineering, or mathematics
Drab (light brown) for business or commerce
Purple for law, government, or philosophy
Light blue for education
Kelly green for medicine
Orange for engineering (in some cases)
Black for all fields (as a neutral option)
Always check with the specific school for accurate interpretations, as these are general guidelines.
how to put tassel on graduation cap
To attach a tassel to a graduation cap, start by locating the small button or loop at the center top of the cap. Take the end of the tassel that has a loop or string, and slide it over the button until it's secure. Gently tug on the tassel to ensure it doesn't slip off. If your cap has a movable part, you can position the tassel to hang straight down from the center. For the ceremony, traditionally move the tassel from the right side to the left side after receiving your diploma.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap during the event. At a key moment—often right after receiving a diploma or at the ceremony's end—the graduate moves the tassel to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic journey and their official transition from student to graduate.