A classic question!
In many American high schools, the tradition is that the tassel goes to the right side of the mortarboard (the square cap) until graduation day. On the day of graduation, students are supposed to move the tassel from the right side to the left side as a symbol of having officially graduated.
So, before you graduate high school, the tassel should be on the right side!
Graduation tassel rules can vary depending on the institution, department, or even program. However, here are some common guidelines and traditions surrounding graduation tassels:
1. **Tassel orientation**: The tassel is typically worn with the end facing towards your dominant hand (the side where you hold your diploma). This is a universal convention across most institutions.
2. **Color significance**: Tassels often come in specific colors or designs that reflect the student's degree, major, or department. For example:
* Bachelor's degrees: Black or gold tassel
* Master's degrees: Gold or silver tassel
* Doctoral degrees: Red or purple tassel
3. **Tassel turning**: During the graduation ceremony, students are typically instructed to turn their tassels from one side to the other as a symbol of their academic achievement and transition to the next stage of life.
4. **Order of tassel turning**: The order in which students turn their tassels can vary depending on the institution or program. Common orders include:
* Turning the tassel from the left to the right (symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another)
* Leaving the tassel as it is, as a symbol of completion
* Following a specific departmental or program tradition (e.g., turning the tassel in a specific color or design)
5. **Tassel etiquette**: To avoid any confusion or embarrassment, students are often advised to:
* Check with their institution or department for specific tassel-turning instructions
* Make sure they have the correct tassel color or orientation before the ceremony
* Keep their tassel secure and prevent it from falling off during the ceremony
Remember that these rules may vary depending on your institution, program, or department. It's always a good idea to check with your school or advisor for specific guidance on graduation tassels and ceremonies.
A classic debate!
"What side does the tassel go on?" is a popular question on Reddit, particularly in the r/college and r/highschool communities. The answer, however, is often met with controversy and heated discussions.
Traditionally, the tassel is supposed to be worn on the right side of the graduation cap when it's hung with the long end facing forward (i.e., pointing towards the front). This is because the right side is said to represent the "right" path or the correct way to move forward in life. Wearing the tassel on the left side, by contrast, is often seen as a sign of not quite being ready for graduation or not having completed one's education.
However, some people argue that wearing the tassel on the left side represents the past (or what's already been accomplished) and that it's perfectly fine to move forward with the knowledge and experience gained. Others simply don't care about the "rules" and wear their tassels however they feel like it!
Ultimately, there is no one "right" answer, and different institutions or cultures may have their own traditions and customs surrounding the tassel. So, what side does your tassel go on?
The age-old question!
Traditionally, the tassel of a graduation cap is worn on the right side when you're an undergraduate (bachelor's degree) and then moved to the left side after you've earned your master's or doctoral degree.
Here's why:
* When you graduate with a bachelor's degree, the tassel is typically worn on the right side because you're "righting" yourself for the next stage of your education and career.
* After completing a master's or doctoral program, the tassel is moved to the left side because you've "graduated" to a higher level of academic achievement. The left side represents completion and mastery.
However, it's worth noting that not all institutions follow this tradition. Some may have their own customs or guidelines for wearing the graduation tassel. So, if you're unsure which side to wear your tassel on, it's always best to check with your university or college administration for specific instructions.
For a Doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or Ed.D., the tradition is to wear the tassel on the right side of your mortarboard.
Here's why:
* In the United States, it's common practice for graduates to wear their tassels on the right side of their cap during the ceremony, with the tassel hanging down.
* This symbolizes that the graduate has completed all the requirements for their degree and is now ready to "swing" into their new role as a Doctoral degree holder.
The age-old tradition of wearing the academic tassel on different sides of the mortarboard cap, depending on one's graduation status!
**Before Graduation:**
When you're still a student and haven't yet graduated, your tassel is worn on the right side of the mortarboard. This symbolizes that you have not yet achieved your academic goal.
**After Graduation:**
Once you've completed your degree requirements and are officially a graduate, the tassel is moved to the left side of the mortarboard. This represents the accomplishment of achieving your educational milestone and signifies that you have "crossed the finish line."
So, in summary:
* Right side (before graduation): You're still working towards your goal.
* Left side (after graduation): You've achieved your academic goal!
It's a small but meaningful tradition that adds to the pomp and circumstance of commencement ceremonies!
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
Wearing a graduation cap and tassel is a significant part of the ceremony, and it's essential to know how to wear them correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide:
**How to Wear Your Graduation Cap (Toga)**
1. **Place the cap on your head**: Hold the cap with both hands and place it on your head, positioning it slightly back and to one side. The cap should sit comfortably, about 1-2 inches above your eyebrows.
2. **Adjust the Velcro strap**: Make sure the Velcro strap is securely fastened under the chin or at the back of the cap, depending on the design. This will keep the cap in place throughout the ceremony.
3. **Tuck the ties**: Tuck the two ties (or straps) that come out from underneath the cap into your shirt or gown to keep them from flapping around.
**How to Wear Your Graduation Tassel**
1. **Attach the tassel to your cap**: The tassel usually comes attached to a cord or string that you'll wrap around the cap's crown. Make sure it's securely fastened.
2. **Position the tassel**: Place the tassel on the right side of the cap, about 1-2 inches from the front edge. This is the traditional positioning for most universities and colleges.
**Important Tips**
* Wear your graduation regalia (cap, gown, and tassel) exactly as you received them. The colors and design may have specific meanings, so be sure to follow the guidelines provided by your university or college.
* Keep your cap and tassel securely fastened throughout the ceremony to avoid any accidents or mishaps during the processional or other events.
* After the ceremony, you can remove your cap and tassel as a symbol of your accomplishment. Some universities may have specific traditions or customs regarding the handling of these items.
By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to wear your graduation cap and tassel with confidence and pride on this special day. Congratulations again!
The traditional graduation tassel is usually worn with the pompous end pointing to the wearer's right. However, when a student graduates with a doctorate degree (such as Ph.D., Ed.D., or D.Sc.), there is a slight variation.
In this case, the graduation tassel is typically worn with the pompous end pointing to the left, signifying that the wearer has earned a doctoral-level degree. This is a long-standing tradition in many academic institutions and is often specified by the university's commencement policies.
So, to summarize:
* Bachelor's and Master's degrees: Tassel points to the right
* Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Sc., etc.): Tassel points to the left