why do you move your tassel from right to left


The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from right to left during a ceremony symbolizes the transition from student to graduate. In many educational institutions, particularly in the United States, the tassel starts on the right side to represent being a student. Once you've received your diploma or completed the ceremony, moving it to the left signifies that you've officially earned your degree. This custom varies by school or country but is a common way to mark academic achievement.





graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules generally involve the following traditions in many U.S. schools and universities:

Tassels are worn on mortarboard caps and symbolize academic achievement. They are typically worn on the right side at the beginning of the ceremony. During the event, often after crossing the stage or receiving a diploma, the tassel is moved to the left side to mark the transition from student to graduate.

Tassel colors vary by institution and may indicate the school, degree type, or honors. For example, a gold tassel might denote high honors, while specific colors represent fields like engineering or business. Some schools have strict guidelines, such as only allowing official tassels or requiring them to match school colors.

In some cases, international or military graduates may follow different customs, but the left-right switch is a common U.S. practice. Always check with your specific school for any additional rules.





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 flipped to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree. This custom varies by institution and country but is common in many English-speaking educational systems.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear your graduation cap tassel, start by placing the mortarboard cap on your head so it sits flat and level, with the front edge facing forward and the tassel attached to the top center.

For undergraduates, position the tassel on the right side before the ceremony to signify you haven't yet received your degree.

During the ceremony, once you receive your diploma or as instructed, flip the tassel from the right side to the left side to indicate graduation.

Make sure the cap fits securely and adjust as needed for comfort.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


Tassel colors on graduation caps often represent the graduate's field of study, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:

- White: Arts, letters, humanities
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Light blue: Education
- Golden yellow: Science
- Drab (light brown): Business administration
- Orange: Engineering
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine
- Pink: Music
- Brown: Fine arts
- Apricot: Nursing
- Citron: Social work
- Scarlet: Theology
- Maize: Agriculture

Exact colors and interpretations may differ, so check with your specific school for details.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, especially the United States. It involves graduates wearing a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel, which they move from the right side to the left side of the cap at a designated moment during the ceremony. This act signifies the completion of their academic program and their transition from student to graduate. The specific timing can vary, but it's often done after receiving a diploma or as directed by ceremony leaders.





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.





turning of the tassel script


Master of Ceremonies: Graduates, as we reach this momentous point in your ceremony, please stand and hold your tassels.

We invite you to turn your tassels from the right side to the left, symbolizing your completion of studies and entry into the next chapter of life.

[Pause for graduates to turn tassels]

President: By turning your tassels, you are now officially recognized as alumni. Congratulations!