graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates typically move the tassel to the left side after receiving their diploma or at a designated moment, symbolizing the completion of their studies. Tassel colors may vary by institution to represent specific degrees, honors, or fields of study, but wearing rules are often set by the school or university organizing the event. Always check with your specific institution for any additional guidelines, as practices can differ.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


Moving the tassel from right to left during a graduation ceremony is a traditional symbol in many educational systems, particularly in the United States. It represents the completion of your studies and your official transition from student to graduate. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side and is moved to the left after receiving your degree, signifying academic achievement.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the official conferral of the degree, symbolizing the student status. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to represent the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in many English-speaking countries.





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.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


The color of a graduation cap tassel typically represents the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:

Black for arts and sciences, blue for education or philosophy, gold for science or engineering, green for medicine, orange for engineering, purple for law, red for journalism or theology, white for arts and letters, and yellow for business or social sciences. Some schools use other colors for specific programs, such as pink for music or brown for fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations.





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.





turning of the tassel script


Graduates, please stand and take hold of your tassels. As we celebrate this milestone, turn your tassel from the right side to the left side of your cap, symbolizing the completion of your academic journey and your transition into the world beyond. Congratulations on your achievement.





graduation tassel rules masters degree


For a master's degree, graduation tassel rules generally follow academic regalia traditions, which can vary by institution but often include the following:

- The tassel is typically worn on the left side of the cap throughout the entire ceremony, as master's graduates are considered to have already achieved a higher level of education. This contrasts with bachelor's degrees, where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon receiving the degree.

- Tassel color is often based on the field of study, following guidelines from organizations like the American Council on Education. Common examples include:
- Citron for library science
- Drab for business
- Gold for science
- Kelly green for medicine
- Purple for law
- White for arts and letters

Always check with your specific university or college, as rules may differ and some institutions have unique customs or require purchasing tassels from approved vendors.