graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules typically involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. After receiving the diploma, graduates move it to the left side to signify completion of their studies. Tassel colors often represent the degree field or institution, such as gold for business or blue for education, though specifics vary by school or country. Always follow the guidelines provided by your educational institution for any local variations.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the official conferral of the degree, symbolizing the student status. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to represent the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in many English-speaking countries.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from right to left symbolizes the transition from student to graduate, marking the official conferral of the degree during the ceremony. This custom originated in the United States and is commonly practiced in academic settings to signify academic achievement.





graduation tassel side doctorate


For doctoral graduations in English-speaking traditions, such as in the United States, the tassel on the graduation cap is typically worn on the left side throughout the ceremony. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel often starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral. However, practices can vary by institution or country. Tassel colors for doctorates are usually gold or discipline-specific, but the side remains a symbolic element of academic achievement.





tassel graduation


A tassel in graduation refers to the decorative cord attached to the mortarboard cap worn by graduates, commonly in academic ceremonies. Traditionally, the tassel starts on the right side of the cap and is flipped to the left side after the degree is conferred, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. This custom originated in the United States and is often associated with high school and college ceremonies, where tassel colors may represent specific fields of study, such as engineering or arts. The practice adds a ceremonial element to mark academic achievement.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


To wear a graduation cap tassel, attach it to the button or loop on the top center of the cap. For most ceremonies, position the tassel on the right side before the degree is conferred. Once you receive your degree, move the tassel to the left side as a symbol of completion. Ensure the cap sits flat on your head with the tassel hanging straight down the chosen side.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition commonly observed in educational ceremonies, especially in the United States. During the event, graduates wear a cap (mortarboard) with a dangling tassel. At a designated moment—often right after receiving their diploma or as part of the final proceedings—they move the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left side. This simple act represents the transition from student to graduate, marking the completion of their academic journey. The tradition varies slightly by institution but is widely recognized as a rite of passage.





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.