graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules vary by institution, but common practices in many schools include wearing the tassel on the right side of the cap at the beginning of the ceremony to indicate the student has not yet graduated. After receiving the diploma or during a specific moment like the conferring of degrees, graduates move the tassel to the left side to symbolize completion. Tassel colors often represent the field of study, school, or honors, such as gold for academic achievement. Some schools have additional guidelines, like reserving certain tassels for honor societies or specific degrees, so it's best to check with the institution 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.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap during the event. At a key moment—often right after receiving a diploma or at the ceremony's end—the graduate moves the tassel to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic journey and their official transition from student to graduate.
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 edge about an inch above your eyebrows and the back parallel to the floor. Attach the tassel to the button on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the event begins. During the ceremony, after your name is called or degrees are conferred, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize completion. Adjust as needed for comfort and to keep it from obstructing your view.
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.
turning of the tassel script
Graduates, please rise and hold your tassels. By turning them from the right side to the left, you symbolize the completion of your studies and your entry into the next chapter of your lives. Congratulations to the Class of [Year]. You may now be seated.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree, graduation tassel rules typically follow these guidelines in many U.S. and international institutions:
- The tassel is worn on the left side of the mortarboard (cap) throughout the ceremony, symbolizing that the wearer has already attained a higher level of education.
- Unlike bachelor's degrees, where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral, master's tassels do not require moving.
- Tassels for master's degrees are often in the color associated with the specific field of study (e.g., gold for science, blue for philosophy), as designated by the institution's academic regalia standards.
- Always check with your university or graduation coordinator, as rules can vary by school or country. For example, some institutions may have additional customs or color specifications based on their traditions.