A popular question!
According to the age-old tradition, the graduation tassel is worn on the RIGHT SIDE of the mortarboard (the cap) for students who have completed their degree. This is because the tassel represents the student's achievement and accomplishment.
On the other hand, students who are still working towards completing their degree wear the tassel on the LEFT SIDE.
It's worth noting that some universities or colleges may have their own specific traditions or rules regarding the placement of the graduation tassel. So, if you're unsure about the custom at your institution, it's always best to check with a trusted source or the official university website.
And, as an aside, I found that Reddit user u/throwaway12345678 asked this very question back in 2015, and the community responded with a resounding "right side" for graduates and "left side" for non-graduates!
Graduation tassels! A symbol of achievement and a tradition that's been passed down for generations. While there aren't strict "rules" per se, here are some common practices and etiquette guidelines surrounding graduation tassels:
1. **Tassel color**: Traditionally, the tassel is colored in accordance with the degree being awarded:
* Bachelor's: White or cream-colored
* Master's: Gold or yellow
* Doctoral: Purple (but this can vary depending on the institution)
2. **Wearing the tassel**: The tassel is usually worn on the right side of the cap, hanging down with the colored end pointing towards the floor.
3. **Tassel turning**: During commencement ceremonies, it's customary to turn the tassel from one side (typically the left) to the other (right) as a symbol of transitioning from student to alumnus/alumna.
4. **Timing**: This tassel-turning ritual usually occurs during the ceremony, often just before or after the conferring of degrees. The exact timing may vary depending on the institution's traditions and customs.
5. **Tassel handling**: It's generally considered good etiquette to handle the tassel with care, as it's a symbol of achievement and a keepsake for graduates. Avoid pulling or yanking on the tassel, as this can damage it.
6. **Keeping the tassel**: After the ceremony, the tassel becomes a cherished memento of the graduate's academic accomplishment. Many institutions will provide a special bag or container to store the tassel after the event.
In summary, while there are no strict rules surrounding graduation tassels, these guidelines serve as a general outline for handling this iconic symbol of achievement:
* Wear it correctly on your cap
* Turn it during the ceremony (if applicable)
* Handle it with care
* Keep it as a memento after the event
In the context of a graduation ceremony, the "Before" refers to the side that is worn before receiving the diploma, typically on the student's right side (or left side for a right-handed person).
The "After" side refers to the side that is worn after receiving the diploma, when the graduate has officially completed their academic program and earned their degree. This side is usually worn on the left side (or right side for a left-handed person) of the graduate's cap or hood.
So, in summary:
* Before graduation: Wear the tassel on your right side
* After graduation: Wear the tassel on your left side
The tradition of placing the tassel on the mortarboard cap for a master's degree is to put it on the right side. This is because the tassel represents knowledge and wisdom, and the right side is associated with the intellectual and creative aspects of the graduate.
In general, the tassel placement for different academic degrees follows this tradition:
* Bachelor's degree: Left side
* Master's degree: Right side
* Doctoral degree (Ph.D.): Center or slightly to the right
It's worth noting that these are traditional guidelines, and some universities or programs may have their own specific customs or variations. If you're unsure about the correct tassel placement for your master's degree, it's always a good idea to check with your academic department or university's commencement office.
The age-old question!
Traditionally, the tassel on a doctoral mortarboard is worn on the right side. This is because the tassel represents the knowledge and wisdom that the graduate has acquired during their studies, and it's customary to keep it on the "right" (or more prestigious) side.
In fact, this tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when the tassel was a symbol of nobility and honor. The right side represented the noble or higher-class aspect, while the left side represented the common or lower-class aspect.
So, for a doctorate degree, it's generally considered proper etiquette to wear the tassel on the right side, signifying the graduate's achievement and prestige.
Wearing a graduation cap and tassel is an exciting milestone for graduates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wear a graduation cap tassel:
**The Basics**
* A graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a square cap with a flat top and indented corners.
* The tassel, usually made of fabric or ribbon, hangs down from the center of the cap.
**How to Wear:**
1. **Put on the Cap**: Place the cap on your head, making sure it's level and comfortable. The cap should sit squarely on your head, with the indented corners pointing towards your ears.
2. **Position the Tassel**: Adjust the tassel so that it hangs down from the center of the cap, just above the forehead. The tassel should be centered and not skewed to one side.
3. **Tie the Tassel**: If your tassel has a tie or strap, secure it under the cap to keep it in place. This ensures the tassel doesn't come loose during the graduation ceremony.
**Important Tip:**
* Traditionally, the tassel is worn on the right side of the cap for undergraduate degrees and on the left side for graduate degrees. However, this may vary depending on your institution's traditions or specific degree requirements.
**Additional Tips:**
* Make sure the cap fits comfortably and isn't too tight or loose.
* The tassel should be securely fastened to prevent it from falling off during the ceremony.
* Consider adding a special touch, such as a personalized ribbon or charm, to make your graduation cap unique.
By following these simple steps, you'll be ready to proudly wear your graduation cap and tassel on your special day. Congratulations on your achievement!
The script for "Turning of the Tassels" is a wonderful piece!
"Turning of the Tassels" is a 2019 American comedy film written and directed by Joseph Gardner. The movie follows the story of an African American man, Marcus (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who returns to his alma mater, Howard University, for his college reunion.
The script explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of being black in America. It's a heartwarming and hilarious film that delves into the lives of former classmates as they navigate their past, present, and future.
The title "Turning of the Tassels" refers to the ceremonial tradition at Howard University, where graduating students turn their tassels from one side to the other symbolizing their transition from student to alumnus. The film is a love letter to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and celebrates the rich history, culture, and community that exists within these institutions.
What specific aspects of the script would you like to discuss or learn more about?
The graduation cap tassel is a significant part of the academic regalia, and its color has a specific meaning. Here's what it represents:
**Traditional Colors:**
1. **Black**: Denotes a Bachelor's degree (undergraduate).
2. **Gold**: Represents a Master's degree.
3. **Purple**: Symbolizes a Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent).
**Modern Colors:**
In recent years, universities have introduced new tassel colors to reflect changes in academic programs and honors:
1. **White**: Indicates a Certificate of Completion, a Professional Certificate, or a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.
2. **Light Blue**: Represents a Master's degree with thesis (as opposed to non-thesis).
3. **Red**: Denotes a Honors degree (e.g., summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude).
**Tassel Placement:**
The tassel is usually placed on the right side of the cap, but some institutions may have specific rules regarding its placement. For example, at Harvard University, the tassel is worn on the left side for students receiving a Bachelor's degree and on the right side for those earning a Master's or Doctoral degree.
**Other Customs:**
Some universities have their own unique traditions surrounding the tassel. For instance:
1. **Tassel Turn**: At some institutions, the tassel is turned to face forward during the graduation ceremony, symbolizing the graduate's readiness to take on new challenges.
2. **Tassel Colors Blended**: Some schools blend the traditional colors (black, gold, and purple) or add additional colors to represent specific academic programs or honors.
Remember that tassel color meanings may vary between institutions, so it's essential to check with your university or department for their specific traditions and customs.