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.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is typically worn on the right side. After graduation, it is flipped to the left side to symbolize the completion of studies and the transition to the next phase of life. This tradition is common in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
In many graduation ceremonies, especially in the United States, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side at the start of the event. Moving it to the left side signifies the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom originated in American universities and is a symbolic gesture of academic achievement.
graduation tassel side doctorate
For a doctorate degree in graduation ceremonies, the tassel on the cap is typically worn on the right side at the start of the event. During the ceremony, after the degree is conferred, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. This practice is common in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, though specific traditions may vary by institution.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Graduation cap tassel colors often represent the wearer's field of study or degree type in academic ceremonies. Common meanings include:
- White: Arts, letters, humanities
- Drab (light brown): Business, accountancy
- Light blue: Education
- Orange: Engineering
- Brown: Fine arts
- Purple: Law
- Green: Medicine, health sciences
- Pink: Music
- Apricot: Nursing
- Dark blue: Philosophy
- Golden yellow: Science
- Maize: Agriculture
Colors can vary by institution, so it's best to check with the specific school for exact meanings.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition commonly observed in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, during high school or university ceremonies. Graduates wear a cap with a tassel, typically starting on the right side. At a designated moment, often after receiving their diploma or as part of the final proceedings, they move the tassel to the left side. This simple act represents the completion of their studies and the official transition from student to graduate. The tradition varies slightly by institution but is widely recognized as a personal milestone in the graduation process.
graduation tassel rules masters degree
For a master's degree, graduation tassel rules typically follow these guidelines in many U.S. and international institutions:
- The tassel is worn on the left side of the mortarboard (cap) throughout the ceremony, symbolizing that the wearer has already attained a higher level of education.
- Unlike bachelor's degrees, where the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral, master's tassels do not require moving.
- Tassels for master's degrees are often in the color associated with the specific field of study (e.g., gold for science, blue for philosophy), as designated by the institution's academic regalia standards.
- Always check with your university or graduation coordinator, as rules can vary by school or country. For example, some institutions may have additional customs or color specifications based on their traditions.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a 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 and the back parallel to the floor. Attach the tassel to the button on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the event begins. During the ceremony, after your name is called or degrees are conferred, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize completion. Adjust as needed for comfort and to keep it from obstructing your view.