graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules generally involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the cap at the start of the ceremony to signify that the student has not yet officially graduated. During the ceremony, typically after receiving the diploma or at a designated moment like the commencement speech, the student moves the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent the field of study, school, or honors status, such as gold for business or red for journalism, and these are determined by the institution's guidelines. Some schools may have additional rules, like restrictions on customizing tassels or specific protocols for multiple degrees. Always check with your school for exact procedures, as rules can vary.





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.





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 completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, to mark the moment of achievement.





what side does the tassel go on for graduation pictures


For graduation pictures, the tassel on the cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony and moved to the left side after receiving your diploma. If the photo is taken pre-ceremony, use the right side; for post-ceremony, use the left side. Always check with your school for any specific guidelines.





graduation cap tassel


A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord or string attached to the top of a mortarboard cap, commonly worn during academic graduation ceremonies. It is typically made of silk, nylon, or similar materials and features a small, often colorful, knot or bead at the end. The tassel's color can represent the wearer's degree, field of study, or institution—such as gold for business or blue for philosophy. During the ceremony, it is traditionally worn on the right side and flipped to the left to symbolize the completion of studies. Tassels add a personalized and ceremonial element to the cap, reflecting academic traditions in many educational systems.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear your 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. Attach the tassel to the button or loop at the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side initially. During the event, you may need to move it to the left side as a symbolic gesture, often after receiving your diploma or as directed by the ceremony instructions. Ensure the tassel hangs straight and doesn't obstruct your view.





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, country, or specific school traditions. Common tassel color meanings include:

Black for arts, humanities, or general studies; blue for philosophy, education, or sometimes nursing; gold or yellow for science, engineering, or business; green for medicine or pharmacy; orange for engineering or industrial arts; purple for law or jurisprudence; red for journalism, theology, or social sciences; white for arts and letters or liberal arts; and pink for music or fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations, as customs differ.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many educational institutions, particularly in the United States, where graduates move the tassel on their mortarboard cap from the right side to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic program and their transition from student to graduate. It typically occurs at the end of the commencement ceremony, often after receiving a diploma or as directed by the presiding official.