graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules typically involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. After receiving the diploma, graduates move it to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent specific fields of study, honors, or institutions—for example, gold for high honors or colors like blue for education or green for medicine. These rules can vary by school, country, or event, so it's best to check with the specific institution for exact guidelines.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is typically worn on the right side. After graduation, it is traditionally moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
Moving the tassel from right to left during a graduation ceremony is a tradition in many countries, such as the United States, that symbolizes the transition from student to graduate. The tassel starts on the right side to represent being a student and is moved to the left after completing the degree, signifying academic achievement and entry into the professional world. This custom varies by institution and culture but is a common way to mark the milestone.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Tassel colors on graduation caps typically represent the graduate's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Here are common associations in U.S. academic traditions:
- Agriculture: Maize (yellow)
- Architecture: Blue-violet
- Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
- Business Administration: Drab (light brown)
- Education: Light blue
- Engineering: Orange
- Fine Arts: Brown
- Law: Purple
- Library Science: Lemon yellow
- Medicine: Kelly green
- Music: Pink
- Nursing: Apricot
- Philosophy: Dark blue
- Physical Education: Sage green
- Science: Golden yellow
- Social Work: Citron
- Theology: Scarlet
Some schools use black or school-specific colors for general degrees, and international practices may differ. Always check with the specific university for exact meanings.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the mortarboard cap on your head so that the front edge sits about an inch above your eyebrows and the cap is level. Attach or position the tassel on the right side of the cap, ensuring it's hanging freely without obstructing your view. For most ceremonies, keep it on the right until you're instructed to move it to the left after receiving your degree. Adjust as needed for comfort and security.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, during academic ceremonies. Graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel, which starts on the right side. At a key moment, often after receiving their diploma or as directed by the ceremony leader, they move the tassel to the left side. This simple act represents the completion of their studies and the transition from student to graduate.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree, the graduation tassel is typically worn on the left side of the cap throughout the ceremony, symbolizing a higher level of academic achievement. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel often starts on the right and is moved to the left upon completion. Tassel colors generally correspond to the field of study—such as gold for science, blue for philosophy, or black for general use—but these can vary by institution, country, or specific school guidelines. Always confirm with your university for precise rules, as practices may differ.
turning of the tassel script
Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the turning of the tassel. Graduates, as a symbol of your academic achievement and transition to the next chapter of your lives, please turn your tassels from the right side to the left side. Congratulations, you have successfully completed your studies.