graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules vary by institution but generally follow these traditions in many English-speaking countries like the United States and United Kingdom:
Tassels are worn on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony to indicate the student has not yet graduated. After receiving a diploma or during a designated moment, such as crossing the stage, the tassel is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree.
Tassel colors often represent the school, degree level, or field of study—for example, gold for business, red for journalism, or blue for education. Some institutions assign specific colors for honors or academic achievements.
Additional rules may include:
- Wearing only one official tassel, unless additional cords or honors are specified.
- Ensuring the tassel is securely attached and not altered.
- Following any school-specific instructions, such as when to move the tassel or how to handle multiple tassels for dual degrees.
Always check with your school or university for exact guidelines, as customs can differ.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is typically worn on the right side before the event to represent ongoing student status. After receiving the diploma or completing the ceremony, it is moved to the left side to signify graduation and the transition to alumni status. This tradition is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States.
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 academic degree and your official transition from student to graduate. In many educational systems, particularly in the United States, tassels start on the right to represent ongoing studies and are moved to the left to signify achievement and entry into the next phase of life. This practice varies by institution but is a common ritual to mark the milestone.
graduation tassel side doctorate
For a doctorate graduation, the tassel on the mortarboard cap is traditionally worn on the left side throughout the ceremony, distinguishing it from undergraduate traditions where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon completion. This practice can vary slightly by institution, but the left side is standard for doctoral recipients in most English-speaking countries.
graduation cap tassel
A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord with a cluster of threads at the end, attached to the top of a mortarboard cap worn during graduation ceremonies. It symbolizes academic achievement and is often flipped from the right side to the left side of the cap to mark the transition from student to graduate. Tassels may vary in color to represent specific degrees, fields of study, or institutions.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
Place your graduation cap on your head so it's level and the front edge aligns with your eyebrows. The tassel attaches to the button on top of the cap. For most ceremonies, start with the tassel hanging over the right side. During the event, after receiving your diploma or when directed, gently move the tassel to the left side to symbolize completing your degree. Ensure the tassel doesn't obstruct your view and keep it neat throughout the ceremony. If your school has specific traditions, follow those guidelines.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, especially in the United States. During the event, 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 hearing a signal—they move the tassel to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic program and their transition to alumni status. It represents achievement, new beginnings, and is a personal milestone for many graduates.
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:
- White: Arts, humanities, or letters
- Gold or yellow: Science, business, or economics
- Drab (light brown): Accounting or business administration
- Light blue: Education
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine or pharmacy
- Orange: Engineering
- Red: Journalism, theology, or music
- Pink: Music or fine arts
Always check with your specific school for exact interpretations, as standards differ.