It’s one of the biggest questions on graduation day, and luckily, the answer is simple. Before your name is called and your degree is officially conferred, your tassel belongs on the right side of your cap. After you’ve crossed the stage, you’ll move it to the left side. This small, symbolic act is known as the "turning of the tassel," and it’s a powerful moment that signifies your official transition from student to graduate.
Understanding Tassel Placement Before And After The Ceremony
This simple right-to-left movement is a time-honored tradition steeped in symbolism. Think of it as a physical representation of your academic journey. When the tassel is on the right, it shows you're still a candidate—someone who has done the work but is awaiting the final recognition.
The moment you switch it to the left side, often in unison with your entire graduating class, is a non-verbal announcement. It declares that you've officially earned your diploma or degree. This tradition is a cornerstone of American graduation ceremonies, from high school auditoriums to university stadiums. You can learn more about the deep history of academic regalia and its meaning from organizations like the Honor Society.
Tassel Placement At a Glance Before and After Conferral
To cut through any confusion on the big day, here's a quick reference guide. Just find your degree level to see exactly where your tassel should be.
| Academic Level | Before Degree Conferral | After Degree Conferral |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Right Side | Left Side |
| Associate's Degree | Right Side | Left Side |
| Bachelor's Degree | Right Side | Left Side |
| Master's Degree | Left Side | Left Side |
| Doctoral Degree | Left Side | Left Side |
As you can see, the tradition changes once you reach postgraduate studies. For Master's and Doctoral candidates, the tassel usually stays on the left side for the entire ceremony. Why? Because these graduates already hold a bachelor's degree. Their key ceremonial moment isn't the tassel turn but the symbolic "hooding" that signifies their advanced academic achievement.
This gesture connects graduates across generations. The right side honors the journey you've completed, while the left side points toward the future you're about to begin.
Ultimately, the turning of the tassel is more than just following rules. It’s a shared, unifying experience for the entire graduating class—the final, collective moment that says, "We made it."
The Story Behind the Tassel Turn
Moving your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left is one of the most iconic moments of any graduation. It’s more than just a quick flick of the wrist; it’s a physical gesture that connects you to a long line of scholars and marks a pivotal moment in your life. With that simple action, you’re closing one chapter and officially starting the next.
This tradition, like so much of our academic dress, has roots stretching all the way back to medieval European universities. While historians debate the exact origin of the tassel turn, it clearly grew out of the need to formalize graduation ceremonies. It became a simple, elegant way to show a student’s change in status in front of their peers, professors, and proud family members.
From Ancient Custom to Modern Milestone
Believe it or not, the familiar mortarboard cap and tassel weren't always part of the picture. Early academics in the 12th and 13th centuries wore hoods and gowns mostly for a very practical reason: to stay warm in drafty, unheated university halls. Over centuries, this functional clothing became standardized, and different pieces took on deeper, symbolic meanings. The tassel was one of those elements that evolved to become a star player in the ceremony.
While academic wear is ancient, the tassel-turning part of the ceremony is surprisingly modern, likely becoming a widespread practice only in the last 40 to 50 years. It's part of a collection of graduation customs, like the cap toss (which started at the United States Naval Academy back in 1912), that make the day so memorable.
The tassel turn is a universal language in American graduation ceremonies. It's a silent, collective acknowledgment that every graduate in the room has crossed the finish line together, marking a shared moment of success.
Knowing this history adds so much more weight to the question of whether to wear your graduation tassel right or left. It's not just some random rule but a tradition that's been polished over time to create a powerful, shared experience. If you want to dig deeper into what the tassel represents, our guide on the academic regalia tassel is a great place to start.
Symbolism in Motion
At its heart, the movement of the tassel is pure symbolism. It draws a clean line between who you were and who you are now.
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The Right Side (The Past): Keeping your tassel on the right shows you're still a candidate for graduation. It represents all the hard work—the long hours in the library, the challenging exams, and the dedication—that got you to this day.
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The Left Side (The Future): Shifting it to the left announces your new status as a graduate. It’s a symbol of your readiness to take on the world with your new degree. Now, your tassel hangs over your heart, right alongside the diploma you worked so hard to earn.
In that single moment, your cap and gown transform from a simple uniform into a personal trophy. It's a small, quiet action that carries the immense weight of your achievement.
How Tassel Rules Change by Degree Level
While the classic right-to-left tassel turn is the defining moment for high school and bachelor's ceremonies, the rules definitely shift as you move up the academic ranks. Knowing these small but important differences ensures you're following the right etiquette for your specific achievement. Honestly, the higher the degree, the less the ceremony focuses on the tassel itself.
For anyone earning a terminal degree, like a Master's or a Doctorate, the tradition looks quite different. These graduates have already done the symbolic tassel turn when they finished their bachelor's degree. Because of that, their new accomplishment is honored in a more distinguished way.
The Master's and Doctoral Tassel Placement
If you're earning an advanced degree, the whole graduation tassel right or left question has a straightforward answer: you'll wear your tassel on the left side for the entire ceremony. It starts on the left and stays on the left.
This isn't an accident or a forgotten step. It’s a deliberate nod to your academic status. Since you already have an undergraduate degree, you aren't "entering" the world of scholars for the first time. Your ceremony is all about recognizing the new level of expertise you've achieved.
This small detail is important because it sets the stage for the real main event for postgraduate students: the hooding ceremony.
The consistent left-side placement for advanced degrees signifies that the graduate is already a member of the scholarly community. The focus shifts from the initial entry (the tassel turn) to the specialized achievement (the hooding).
Why the Hooding Ceremony Takes Precedence
For a Master's or Doctoral candidate, the most memorable moment isn't turning the tassel—it's receiving their academic hood. This is a powerful, formal part of the ceremony where a faculty member or mentor drapes the ornate hood over the graduate's shoulders.
The academic hood is packed with symbolism, with its colors representing three key things:
- The University: The hood's lining shows off the official colors of the school granting the degree.
- The Field of Study: The color of the velvet trim points to your specific academic discipline (like light blue for education or golden yellow for sciences).
- The Degree Level: The hood's size and shape are different for Master's and Doctoral degrees.
Because the hooding is the central rite of passage for advanced degrees, the tassel turn simply takes a backseat. You’ve been there, done that. This new ceremony is about celebrating a higher level of scholarly work, making the hood—not the tassel—the true star of the show. Getting a handle on how these traditions adapt is part of the experience, and you can learn more about the full spectrum of academic celebrations by exploring various university events.
Whether you’re shopping for traditional high school caps & gowns or the specific regalia needed for Master's and Doctoral degrees, understanding these traditions helps you appreciate every moment. Each piece of regalia tells a part of your unique academic story.
Decoding Tassel Colors and Honor Cords
While figuring out whether to wear your graduation tassel right or left is all about following tradition, the color of that tassel tells a much more personal story. That specific shade isn't just for decoration; it's a visual code that speaks volumes about your academic journey and your field of study.
This color system connects you to a long lineage of scholars in your discipline. For example, a student graduating with a degree in education will typically sport a light blue tassel, while someone in the sciences will often have one in golden yellow. It adds a whole other layer of meaning to the ceremony.
Understanding the Spectrum of Academic Colors
The color of a tassel is a quick, vibrant way to identify a graduate's area of expertise. In the United States, you’ll see some common themes: purple often signifies a law degree, green is associated with medicine, and, as mentioned, light blue is the classic color for education.
This system helps everyone in the audience appreciate the diversity of accomplishments. A wave of orange tassels crossing the stage points to a strong class of engineers, whereas a drab (a specific light brown) tassel indicates a graduate from the school of business or accounting.
The color of your tassel is a badge of honor. It not only represents your major but also connects you to a global community of professionals and academics in your specific field.
When you and your family understand what these colors mean, you can better appreciate the rich tapestry of knowledge being celebrated. It’s a quiet acknowledgment of the unique path every single graduate walked to get to that stage.
Beyond the Tassel: Honor Cords and Stoles
Your tassel is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll often see graduates adorned with other regalia, like honor cords and stoles, which signify special achievements and memberships earned during their academic career. These are draped around the neck and add even more personal detail to your graduation look.
Honor cords are distinctive ropes, usually with a tassel at each end, and their colors shout out specific accomplishments.
- Academic Honors: Gold is the universal signifier of high academic achievement. If you see someone with a gold cord, they likely graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors), magna cum laude (with great honor), or cum laude (with honor), placing them in the top 5-10% of their class.
- Society Membership: Many honor societies have their own color combinations. Think of the blue and gold of Alpha Kappa Mu or the red and white cords for Phi Upsilon Omicron.
- University-Specific Awards: Schools also use custom cords to recognize leadership roles, community service, or participation in unique university programs.
Stoles are the decorative sashes worn over the shoulders, and they’re another great way to show off affiliations. You'll see stoles for everything from Greek life and student government to cultural heritage groups and study abroad programs. To get a better sense of all the possibilities, you can learn more about the specific graduation honor cords color meanings.
Ultimately, every piece of your regalia—from the tassel's color and placement to the cords and stoles you’ve earned—comes together to tell the complete story of your academic success.
Practical Tips for a Flawless Graduation Day
Knowing whether your graduation tassel goes right or left is a big part of the ceremony, but let’s be honest—the practical stuff matters just as much. The last thing you want is to be fidgeting with a wobbly cap or a rogue tassel during your big moment. A little prep goes a long way in making sure your regalia looks flawless from the moment you walk in to the final cap toss.
That mortarboard cap can be a real pain to keep in place, especially if you have an elaborate hairstyle. The trick is to get it secure without giving yourself a headache. A handful of bobby pins that match your hair color are about to become your best friend.
Securing Your Cap and Tassel
Before you even head out the door, take a few minutes to get your cap situated properly. The pointed end should face forward, making a diamond shape on your head. Once it feels centered, use bobby pins to lock it down on all four sides. Just slide them under the cap’s fabric edge so they stay hidden.
As for the tassel, make sure its loop is hooked firmly around the button in the middle of your mortarboard. Give it a gentle tug to double-check. If you need a visual, we have detailed instructions on how to properly put a tassel on a graduation cap.
A quick tip from graduates who've been there: If your hair is on the finer or silkier side, try a light spritz of hairspray right where the cap will sit. This gives it just enough extra grip to stop it from slipping during a long ceremony.
From Regalia to Keepsake
Once all the diplomas have been handed out, your tassel makes the leap from academic accessory to a treasured memento. Don't just toss it in a junk drawer! Preserving it the right way keeps the memory of your achievement alive for years.
Here are a few popular ideas for displaying your tassel:
- Shadow Box: This is a classic for a reason. Frame your tassel with your diploma, a great photo from the day, and maybe your honor cords.
- Rearview Mirror: Nothing says "proud grad" like hanging the tassel from your car's rearview mirror. It’s a great daily reminder of all that hard work.
- Holiday Ornament: Some grads turn their tassel into a special ornament they can hang on a tree every year, making their accomplishment part of a family tradition.
And while you're thinking about keepsakes, you might also consider what other presents can mark this milestone. It's worth exploring the top jewelry gifts for graduates for some timeless ideas.
To keep your tassel looking its best, just let it hang freely so the strands don't get crimped. And try to keep it out of direct sunlight, which can cause those vibrant colors to fade over time. Taking care of these little details means you can focus on what really matters—celebrating your incredible accomplishment with total confidence.
Common Questions About Graduation Tassels
Even after you've learned the ropes, it's natural for a few last-minute questions to pop up on graduation day. You want every detail to be just right, and that's completely understandable. This section is here to clear up some of the most common worries we hear from graduates, so you can walk that stage feeling totally prepared.
Think of this as your quick-reference guide for any tassel-related curveballs the big day might throw your way.
What if My School Has a Different Tassel Tradition?
While the right-to-left switch is the standard across the country, your school's specific rules always come first. The most important thing you can do is listen carefully during rehearsal or for any announcements made just before the ceremony begins.
You’ll almost always hear a clear verbal cue, like, "Graduates, you may now move your tassels." If you're ever unsure, just watch what the faculty on stage and the students around you are doing. When it comes to graduation day, your institution's tradition is the one that counts.
I'm Earning Two Degrees—How Does That Affect My Tassel?
First of all, that's a huge accomplishment—congratulations! If you're graduating with two degrees at the same time, the general rule is to wear the regalia for the primary or higher-level degree. It’s a common scenario with a pretty simple solution.
Some schools even offer custom tassels that blend the academic colors of both your fields of study, which is a great way to represent both achievements.
The best advice? Check in with your university's registrar or commencement office. They'll give you the official word for your specific situation, making sure you honor your dual achievement the right way.
This is the only way to be 100% sure you're following your school's official protocol for graduates with multiple majors.
Can I Decorate My Cap Without Messing Up My Tassel?
Decorating your mortarboard is a fun, creative way to show off your personality, thank your family, or celebrate your future. But before you start hot-gluing, make sure you know your school's policy. Some institutions have strict rules against it, and you don't want any surprises on graduation day.
If you get the all-clear, design your masterpiece with the tassel's big moment in mind. The key is to keep the central button on top of the cap completely clear of any decorations. This ensures your tassel can swing smoothly from right to left without getting snagged when it's time to make the switch.
What Should I Do with My Tassel After Graduation?
Your tassel isn't just a piece of string; it's a trophy symbolizing years of dedication. Don't just toss it in a junk drawer! Many graduates find creative ways to display it as a proud reminder of their accomplishment.
Here are a few popular ideas:
- Frame it with your diploma. This creates a classic, professional display for your office or home.
- Create a shadow box. You can include photos, your honor cords, a program, or other meaningful mementos.
- Hang it from your car's rearview mirror. It's a great daily reminder of what you've achieved.
To keep it looking sharp, store your tassel away from direct sunlight, which can fade the color over time. And be sure to let the strands hang freely so they don't get bent or tangled.
At Gradshop, we provide high-quality regalia to help you celebrate this incredible milestone in style. Whether you need complete high school caps & gowns, elegant stoles, or distinguished regalia for Master's and Doctoral degrees, we have everything you need for a picture-perfect ceremony.