graduation tassel rules
Graduation tassel rules generally involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony. During the event, graduates move it to the left side to signify completing their degree. Tassel colors often correspond to the field of study, school, or honors, such as gold for academic achievement. Specific guidelines, like when exactly to move the tassel, can vary by institution or country, so it's best to follow the directions provided by your school. For multiple degrees, additional tassels may be worn according to institutional policies.
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.
why do you move your tassel from right to left
In many graduation ceremonies, particularly in the United States, moving the tassel from the right side of your cap to the left symbolizes the completion of your degree and your official transition from student to graduate. This tradition originated in American universities and is a visual representation of academic achievement.
turning the tassel at graduation
Turning the tassel at graduation is a traditional ceremony in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where students wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. Typically, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap. During the ceremony, often after receiving a diploma or at a designated moment, graduates move the tassel to the left side to symbolize the official completion of their degree and their new status as alumni. This simple act represents academic achievement and the transition from student to graduate.
graduation tassel side doctorate
For a doctorate graduation, the tassel on the cap is traditionally worn on the left side from the start, symbolizing the completion of a higher degree. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel begins on the right and is moved to the left during the ceremony. Practices may vary slightly by institution.
graduation cap tassel
A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord, typically made of silk or rayon, attached to the center button of a mortarboard cap worn during graduation ceremonies. It features a string with a knotted end and often includes a small charm or bead. The tassel's color usually signifies the graduate's field of study, school, or academic honors—for example, gold for business or blue for education. During the ceremony, the tassel is traditionally worn on the right side and flipped to the left side upon receiving the diploma, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. In some cultures, like in the United States, this act represents official completion of studies. Tassels can be customized with personal touches, such as engraving or additional colors, and are kept as mementos after the event.
graduation cap tassel color meaning
Tassel colors on graduation caps often signify the graduate's field of study, though meanings can vary by institution. Common associations include:
- White: Arts, humanities, letters
- Gold or yellow: Science, business, accounting
- Royal blue: Philosophy, education
- Light blue: Education (sometimes)
- Drab (light brown): Business or commerce
- Purple: Law, government
- Green: Medicine, pharmacy
- Olive green: Pharmacy (alternative)
- Red or scarlet: Theology, journalism, communication
- Pink: Music
- Orange: Engineering
- Brown: Fine arts
- Citron: Social sciences
- Maize: Agriculture
- Lemon yellow: Library science
- Apricot: Nursing
- Sage green: Physical education
These are based on general U.S. academic traditions and may differ internationally or by school.
how to wear graduation cap tassel
Place the tassel on the right side of your graduation cap at the start of the ceremony. The tassel attaches to the center of the cap via a loop or button. Ensure the cap is worn flat on your head with the point facing forward. During the ceremony, when your name is called or as instructed by the event coordinator, flip the tassel to the left side to symbolize the completion of your degree. Keep the tassel hanging straight and avoid letting it dangle in your face. If it's windy, secure the cap with bobby pins if needed.