graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules typically require wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony, symbolizing that the student has not yet graduated. Once the diploma is received or at a designated moment, such as during the conferring of degrees, the tassel is moved to the left side to indicate the transition to graduate status. Tassel colors often represent the field of study or degree type—for example, gold for business, white for arts, or blue for education—though specific colors and rules vary by school or country. Some institutions may have additional guidelines, like reserving certain tassels for honors students or prohibiting unauthorized colors. Always check with your school for exact protocols.
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 tassel side doctorate
In academic regalia for a doctorate degree, the graduation tassel is typically worn on the left side of the cap throughout the ceremony. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel often starts on the right and is moved to the left upon completion, symbolizing the transition. For doctorates, it's already on the left to denote the highest level of achievement. Practices may vary by institution or country, so it's best to check specific guidelines from your school.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Graduation cap tassel colors often represent the wearer's field of study or degree type in academic ceremonies. Common meanings include:
- White: Arts, letters, humanities
- Drab (light brown): Business, accountancy
- Light blue: Education
- Orange: Engineering
- Brown: Fine arts
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine, health sciences
- Pink: Music
- Apricot: Nursing
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Golden yellow: Science
- Maize: Agriculture
Colors can vary by institution, so it's best to check with the specific school for exact meanings.
tassel graduation
A graduation tassel is a decorative cord attached to the top of a mortarboard cap worn by graduates during ceremonies. In many traditions, particularly in the United States, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is flipped to the left side after the graduate receives their diploma, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. Tassel colors often represent the field of study or degree level, such as gold for science or blue for education. This practice is a common ritual in high school and college graduations.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree graduation in many U.S. institutions, the tassel is typically worn on the left side of the mortarboard cap from the start of the ceremony, symbolizing that the degree has already been earned. Unlike bachelor's degrees, where the tassel is often moved from right to left during the event, master's candidates generally do not move theirs. Tassel colors can vary by school and field of study—for example, gold might represent business or science—but this is not standardized and depends on the institution's traditions. Always confirm specific rules with your university, as practices can differ.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
Place the graduation cap on your head with the front edge aligned just above your eyebrows and the tassel hanging on the right side. Ensure the cap sits level and feels secure. During the ceremony, after receiving your diploma, gently move the tassel from the right side to the left side to symbolize the completion of your degree. For mortarboard caps, keep the tassel out of your face by adjusting it as needed. If your school has specific traditions, follow those guidelines.