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


Before graduation, the tassel on a graduation cap is traditionally worn on the right side. After graduation, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree.





what side does the tassel go on for graduation pictures


For graduation pictures in most English-speaking countries like the United States, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the left side to signify that the graduate has completed their degree. If the photo is taken before the ceremony, it may be on the right side, but for standard posed pictures, left is the common practice. Always check with your school or institution for any specific traditions.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from the right side to the left during a ceremony symbolizes the completion of your academic studies and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, and dates back to academic traditions in Europe.





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


To wear a graduation cap tassel, start by placing the mortarboard cap on your head so that the front edge sits about an inch above your eyebrows and the cap is level. Attach or position the tassel on the right side of the cap, ensuring it's hanging freely without obstructing your view. For most ceremonies, keep it on the right until you're instructed to move it to the left after receiving your degree. Adjust as needed for comfort and security.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many educational institutions, particularly in the United States, where graduates move the tassel on their mortarboard cap from the right side to the left side. This simple act symbolizes the completion of their academic program and their transition from student to graduate. It typically occurs at the end of the commencement ceremony, often after receiving a diploma or as directed by the presiding official.





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, country, or specific school traditions. Common tassel color meanings include:

Black for arts, humanities, or general studies; blue for philosophy, education, or sometimes nursing; gold or yellow for science, engineering, or business; green for medicine or pharmacy; orange for engineering or industrial arts; purple for law or jurisprudence; red for journalism, theology, or social sciences; white for arts and letters or liberal arts; and pink for music or fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations, as customs differ.