graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules generally vary by institution and country, but common practices in English-speaking traditions, particularly in the United States, include the following: Tassels are attached to the mortarboard cap and often represent the wearer's degree or field of study through color. For undergraduate ceremonies, the tassel is typically worn on the right side at the start and moved to the left after receiving the diploma to symbolize completion. Graduate students, such as those with master's or doctoral degrees, usually wear the tassel on the left side throughout the event. Always check with your specific school for any additional guidelines, as rules can differ based on academic level, honors, or cultural customs.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
Graduates move their tassel from right to left during a commencement ceremony to symbolize the completion of their academic journey and their transition to alumni status. This tradition, common in the United States, indicates that they have officially earned their degree.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side, symbolizing that the student has not yet completed their studies. After the graduation ceremony, the tassel is moved to the left side, representing the official completion of the degree and the transition to the next phase of life. This custom is common in many educational traditions, particularly in the United States.
what side does the tassel go on for masters degree
For a Master's degree in most U.S. academic traditions, the tassel on the graduation cap is worn on the left side throughout the ceremony, as opposed to Bachelor's degrees where it starts on the right and is moved to the left after conferral. However, practices can vary by institution, so it's best to check with your specific school for any local guidelines.
what side does the tassel go on for doctorate
For a doctorate degree in academic regalia, the tassel on the graduation cap is traditionally worn on the left side throughout the ceremony, as it signifies a higher level of achievement compared to bachelor's degrees (where it's often moved from right to left). However, practices can vary slightly by institution, so it's best to check with your specific university's guidelines.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where students wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. During the ceremony, graduates typically move the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left side, often at a specific moment like after receiving their diploma, to signify the completion of their academic program and their official status as graduates. This simple act represents a rite of passage and is a widely recognized custom in educational ceremonies.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Tassel colors on graduation caps often represent the field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:
- White: Arts, humanities, or letters
- Light blue: Education
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Golden yellow: Science
- Drab (light brown): Business or commerce
- Orange: Engineering
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine or pharmacy
- Pink: Music
- Scarlet: Theology
- Maize yellow: Agriculture
- Blue-violet: Architecture
Always check with your specific school, as interpretations may differ.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the cap on your head so it sits flat and level, with the front pointing forward. Position the tassel on the right side initially, allowing it to hang freely without tangling. Ensure the cap is secure and comfortable. During the ceremony, you may need to move the tassel to the left side as a symbolic gesture, often after receiving your diploma or as instructed by your school. Always check your institution's specific traditions for any variations.