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 many graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is worn on the right side before the graduate receives their diploma. After the ceremony or upon completing the degree, the tassel is traditionally moved to the left side to symbolize the transition from student to graduate. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in Western traditions.
what side does tassel go on for graduation pictures
For graduation pictures, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the ceremony and moved to the left side after officially receiving the degree. This practice is common in the United States and may vary by institution or country.
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, rayon, or synthetic materials and hangs from a button or loop on the cap. Tassels often come in specific colors that represent the wearer's degree, field of study, or institution—such as gold for business or blue for education. During the ceremony, the tassel is traditionally flipped from one side of the cap to the other, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. This custom varies by country and institution but is a widespread tradition in English-speaking educational systems.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
Wear the tassel attached to the button on the top of your graduation cap, positioning it to hang on the right side at the start of the ceremony. For most traditions, move it to the left side after receiving your diploma or being conferred your degree. Ensure the cap is worn flat on your head with the mortarboard parallel to the ground.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
The tradition of moving the graduation cap tassel from right to left during a ceremony symbolizes the transition from student to graduate. It signifies that you have completed your academic studies and are now officially recognized as an alumnus or alumna. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, and dates back to academic traditions in Europe.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Tassel colors on graduation caps typically represent the graduate's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Here are common associations in U.S. academic traditions:
- Agriculture: Maize (yellow)
- Architecture: Blue-violet
- Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
- Business Administration: Drab (light brown)
- Education: Light blue
- Engineering: Orange
- Fine Arts: Brown
- Law: Purple
- Library Science: Lemon yellow
- Medicine: Kelly green
- Music: Pink
- Nursing: Apricot
- Philosophy: Dark blue
- Physical Education: Sage green
- Science: Golden yellow
- Social Work: Citron
- Theology: Scarlet
Some schools use black or school-specific colors for general degrees, and international practices may differ. Always check with the specific university for exact meanings.
how to wear a graduation cap
Hold the graduation cap with the tassel on the right side and the mortarboard facing forward. Place it on your head so the front edge aligns straight with your eyebrows and sits level. Adjust the cap to fit securely without tilting. For most ceremonies, keep the tassel on the right until you're instructed to move it to the left after receiving your diploma.