graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules generally involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. It is traditionally moved to the left side after the graduate receives their diploma or at a designated point, symbolizing the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent the school, field of study, or academic honors, such as gold for high honors, and may vary by institution. For ceremonies with multiple degrees, some schools specify additional guidelines, like wearing separate tassels or following a specific order. Always check with your school for any local variations.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
Moving the tassel from right to left during a graduation ceremony is a tradition in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. It signifies that the individual has officially earned their degree, often occurring after receiving a diploma or at a designated moment in the ceremony. This custom dates back to academic traditions in Europe and has been adopted widely in modern graduations.
before and after graduation graduation tassel side
The graduation tassel is traditionally worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony, symbolizing that the student has not yet completed their degree. After graduating or receiving the diploma, it is moved to the left side to represent the official completion of the academic program. This custom is common in many educational traditions, particularly in the United States.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
To wear a graduation cap tassel, place the cap on your head so the front edge sits about an inch above your eyebrows, with the flat top parallel to the ground. The tassel should hang on the right side at the start of the ceremony. Once you receive your diploma or as directed by your school, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of your degree. Adjust as needed for comfort, ensuring the cap stays secure.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap during the ceremony. At the end of the event, graduates flip it to the left side, representing the completion of their degree and their transition from student to graduate. This simple act is a personal milestone, often done individually or as part of a group, and varies slightly by institution but remains a widespread custom in academic celebrations.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Graduation cap tassel colors typically represent the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include gold for business or accounting, white for arts and humanities, red for journalism or social sciences, light blue for education, dark blue for philosophy, green for medicine or science, orange for engineering, purple for law, and yellow for social sciences or general studies. Always check with your specific school for accurate details.
graduation tassel side doctorate
In academic traditions, especially in the United States, the graduation tassel is worn on the right side of the cap at the beginning of the ceremony for all graduates, including those receiving a doctorate. After being awarded the degree, the tassel is traditionally moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of studies. For doctorates, the tassel may also feature a specific color (often gold) to denote the degree level, but the side-switching custom remains the same.
graduation tassel 2025
A graduation tassel is a decorative cord attached to a mortarboard cap, traditionally worn by students during graduation ceremonies. For 2025, it typically represents the graduating class of that year, often in a color associated with the school, degree, or institution. Tassels can be customized with beads, charms, or engravings to personalize them, symbolizing academic achievement and the transition to the next life stage. They are usually flipped from one side of the cap to the other during the ceremony to mark the official completion of studies.