graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules generally dictate that undergraduates wear the tassel on the right side of their mortarboard at the start of the ceremony and move it to the left side after receiving their diploma, symbolizing the completion of their degree. Tassel colors are often standardized to represent specific fields of study or institutions, such as gold for science or blue for philosophy, based on guidelines from organizations like the American Council on Education. For graduate degrees, tassels may remain on the left side throughout or vary by school policy, and additional tassels or cords can indicate honors or affiliations. Always check with your institution for exact protocols, as rules can differ by country, university, or event.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side, symbolizing that the wearer is still a student. After graduation, during the ceremony, the tassel is flipped to the left side to indicate that the individual has officially become a graduate. This custom varies by institution or culture but is common in many English-speaking countries.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


In graduation ceremonies, the tradition of moving the tassel from the right side to the left side of the cap symbolizes the completion of academic studies and the official conferral of the degree. This act marks the transition from student to graduate, originating from U.S. academic customs in the 19th century, where it signifies achievement and readiness for the next stage of life.





graduation tassel side doctorate


In graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States, the tassel on a doctoral cap is traditionally worn on the left side throughout the event. This placement signifies that the highest degree has been conferred, distinguishing it from bachelor's ceremonies where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon graduation. For doctorates, no tassel movement is typically required, as the honor is already recognized. This custom can vary slightly by institution or country, but the left side is the standard for doctoral regalia. Tassels for doctorates are often in a specific color, such as gold, to denote the degree level.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, place the mortarboard cap on your head with the front edge aligned just above your eyebrows and the tassel attached to the top center. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side if you're an undergraduate or on the left if you're a graduate student. Ensure the cap is level and secure. During the ceremony, after receiving your diploma, gently flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of your degree. Adjust as needed for comfort and school-specific traditions.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, where graduates wear a cap (often called a mortarboard) with a dangling tassel. During the event, participants move the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left side, symbolizing the completion of their degree and their official transition from student to graduate or alumnus. This simple act is a rite of passage, often done at the end of the ceremony to mark the moment of achievement.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


Graduation cap tassel colors often represent the field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include: gold for business or science, white for arts and humanities, blue for education or philosophy, red for journalism or theology, green for medicine or pharmacy, purple for law or government, orange for engineering, and black for general or unspecified fields. Always check with your school for specific guidelines.





graduation tassel 2025


A graduation tassel for 2025 is a decorative cord, typically made of silk or synthetic material, attached to a mortarboard cap worn during graduation ceremonies. It symbolizes the academic year of completion, with "2025" often embroidered or printed on it to denote the graduating class. Tassels are commonly flipped from right to left at the end of the ceremony to signify the transition from student to graduate. They can be customized in colors representing school, degree, or personal preferences, and are popular as keepsakes or gifts.