Know the rules for graduation tassels so you can show off your success and avoid any awkward moments.
Wearing that cap and tassel on the correct side is a significant aspect of a graduation ceremony. The graduation tassel side can symbolize whether you've gotten the degree yet, so it's important to get the rules right.
In most cases, when placing your cap on for graduation, you'll want to start with it on the right and end the ceremony with it on the left. The best time to switch depends on your school, degree, and local customs. Here are some tips to remember when making the switch.
Start Graduation With Tassels on the Right Side (Usually)
Graduation tassels go on the right side of your cap before you graduate - at least most of the time. If you're graduating from high school or getting your undergrad degree in college, it's usually going to mean tassels on the right.
When you move the tassel during the ceremony will depend on your school. In some schools, you move the tassel over to the left after you shake the hand of the person who grants your diploma. In certain schools, the principal or dean will announce when your class has graduated. They will then instruct everyone to move at the same time. You must wait for their signal before moving.
Helpful Hack
If you're having trouble remembering the graduation tassel rules, use this handy little saying: "Start right."
Exception: Start on the Left if You're a Graduate Student
In grad school, since you already have your bachelor's degree, your tassel will be on the left side. It will not move during the ceremony. After getting a master's or doctorate degree, keep your tassel on the left side of your cap. Don't move it to the right; leave it on the left before, during, and after graduation.
Candidates getting master's or doctorate degrees get a hood symbolizing their academic field. The tassel takes the place of the hooding ceremony at the high school and bachelor's degree levels.
Exception: Be Camera Ready
While tradition dictates that the tassel be worn on the right and moved to the left after you receive your diploma (or at the conclusion of the ceremony), note that sometimes schools will direct you to place the tassel on the left. Generally, this is because they have the photographer set up to take pictures from the right, and they want your face fully visible for some great shots. After all, no one wants a graduation picture featuring their tassel in the middle of their face.
Graduation Tassel Rules and Etiquette Tips
Why do you move the graduation tassel from left to right, anyway? The graduation tassel is a symbol of success. Some believe the reason why you place the tassel on the right is because you have earned the right to graduate. Moving the tassel to the left after graduating is symbolic of crossing over from high school (or college) to another stage in your life. This is a rite of passage, and the literal movement of the tassel acts as a symbol.
Ultimately, the rules for wearing a tassel are just there to avoid any awkwardness - just like any etiquette guidelines. Keeping a few extra tips in mind can help you avoid any difficulties.
Wear Multiple Tassels Together
If you have more than one tassel, which is common if you are graduating with honors or are part of a special group, you should wear both tassels together. When it's time to move the tassel, move both (or all of them if you have more than two).
Check to Make Sure Your Tassel Isn't Tangled
Before you put your tassel on your graduation cap, give it a quick brushing out. If it's tangled, it won't hang right and might end up snagging when you try to switch it.
You Do (Usually) Have to Wear a Tassel
In most cases, you do need to wear a tassel at graduation. If you feel like it doesn't represent you or isn't right in some way, you should discuss this with your school.
Don't Wear the Tassel on the Back of Your Cap
A typical graduation cap has four corners with one pointing forward. The tassel hangs on the left or right of this front point, framing your face. Don't wear it on the back side.
Save Your Tassel as a Sign of Achievement
Once graduation is over, don't just throw your tassel in a box and forget about it. Be proud of your achievement and display it as a reminder of how far you've come.
Some people have it put into a frame with a picture from graduation. Others drape it around their rear-view mirror in their car. Wherever you choose to place your tassel, make sure to look at it often, as it will remind you of your success and give you hope for the future.