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 traditionally worn on the right side. After graduation, it is moved to the left side to symbolize the completion of the degree.
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 graduates wear a cap (often called a mortarboard) with a dangling tassel. During the event, the graduate moves the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left side, symbolizing the completion of their academic program and their official transition from student to graduate. This simple act is often done at a specific moment, such as after receiving a diploma or as directed by the ceremony leader, and it represents personal achievement and new beginnings.
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, that symbolizes the transition from student to graduate. The tassel starts on the right side to represent being a student, and moving it to the left signifies the completion of academic requirements and the official conferral of the degree. This practice varies by institution but is often done at a key moment, like after receiving a diploma.
turning of the tassel script
The turning of the tassel is a traditional ritual in graduation ceremonies, typically performed by students to symbolize the completion of their degree. In a ceremony script, this moment is often led by the presiding official with simple instructions and remarks.
Sample script excerpt:
"Graduates, as a mark of your academic achievement, I invite you to turn your tassels from the right side to the left. This act represents the transition from student to alumni. Please proceed now."
graduation tassel side doctorate
In graduation ceremonies, particularly in the U.S., the tassel on a doctoral cap is traditionally worn on the right side at the start of the event, symbolizing the candidate's status before conferral. After receiving the doctorate, the tassel is moved to the left side to indicate the degree has been earned. This practice is similar for other degrees but highlights achievement at the highest academic level for doctorates, where tassels are often in gold or discipline-specific colors.
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.
how to put tassel on graduation cap
Hold the graduation cap with the button on top. Take the tassel and find the loop at the end of its string. Slide the loop over the button until it's secure. Adjust the tassel so it hangs straight and evenly from the center of the cap. If the loop is too tight, gently wiggle it into place without forcing it. Once attached, give it a light tug to ensure it won't come off during the ceremony.