Which Side Does The Tassel Go On Before Graduation? Your Complete Guide
Introduction: Unraveling a Graduation Mystery
What side does the tassel go on before graduation? It’s a question that plagues thousands of soon-to-be graduates every spring as they stand in their caps and gowns, suddenly unsure about one of the most iconic symbols of their academic achievement. That simple dangling tassel holds immense symbolic weight, and getting its placement wrong can feel like a major faux pas on your big day. You’ve spent years (or decades!) earning this degree, and you want every detail to be perfect. The good news? The rule is remarkably consistent, but understanding the why behind it will make you feel confident and connected to a centuries-old tradition. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the pre-ceremony positioning to the dramatic moment of the turn, ensuring you look like a pro when your name is called.
Graduation is a milestone wrapped in ritual. From the gown’s flowing sleeves to the hood’s vibrant colors, every element tells a story. The tassel, often overlooked until the last minute, is your final personal touch before you join the ranks of alumni. Misplacing it can lead to awkward photos or, worse, a moment of confusion during the ceremony. But fear not. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know exactly where that tassel belongs but also appreciate the rich history and precise choreography that make commencement such a powerful event. Let’s demystify this small but significant piece of academic regalia.
The Golden Rule: The Tassel Starts on the Right
The Pre-Ceremony Standard: Right Side, Always
Before the official start of the graduation ceremony, the tassel must be worn on the right side of the mortarboard. This is the universal, non-negotiable starting point for all candidates receiving a degree, whether it’s a high school diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree. This placement signifies that you are still a candidate for graduation—you have completed your requirements but have not yet been officially conferred your degree. It’s a visual marker of your status in transition. Think of it as the "before" picture in your academic journey. You are positioned on the right, ready to move to the left upon the symbolic act of degree conferral.
This convention is followed by the vast majority of colleges and universities in the United States, as well as many high schools. It’s a standardized rule that allows for a unified, visually striking moment during the ceremony when hundreds or thousands of graduates simultaneously move their tassels. If you arrive at your ceremony and see others with their tassel on the left before it starts, they are likely misinformed or following an outdated or non-standard practice. Your safest and correct bet is to place it on the right. A quick check with your school’s commencement guide or a faculty member will confirm this, but you can confidently proceed with this knowledge.
Why the Right? Symbolism and History
The choice of the right side isn’t arbitrary. In many cultural and historical contexts, the right side is associated with honor, authority, and the active state. For a graduating candidate, being on the right indicates they are in a state of readiness and anticipation. The subsequent move to the left upon degree conferral symbolizes a transition—from candidate to graduate, from student to alumnus, from one phase of life to the next. It’s a physical manifestation of change. This directional shift (right to left) is consistent with other ceremonial traditions where movement from the right (often seen as the side of the sword or strength) to the left signifies a new, peaceful, or scholarly state.
Historically, academic regalia evolved from the everyday dress of medieval European scholars and clergy. The mortarboard itself is believed to have originated from the biretta, a square cap worn by Roman Catholic clerics. The tassel’s movement may have roots in similar symbolic gestures of turning or shifting allegiance. While the exact historical origin of the tassel turn is debated, the modern interpretation is clear and powerful. It’s a shared, synchronized ritual that connects you to every graduate in that room and to generations past who have performed the same simple, profound action.
The Pivotal Moment: The Tassel Turn Ceremony
When and How to Move Your Tassel
The defining moment arrives when the presiding official (often the Chancellor, President, or Dean) announces the conferral of degrees. The phrasing is typically something like, "By the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees, I confer upon you the degree of [Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science, etc.]." At that exact moment, you are instructed to move your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left side. This is not a random instruction; it is the official, ceremonial act that signifies your new status as a graduate.
The action itself should be deliberate and respectful. Use your right hand to reach up, grasp the tassel gently, and sweep it across the top of the cap to rest on the left side. Do it in one smooth motion. You will often hear a collective rustle as hundreds of tassels swing in unison. This is the climax of the ceremony for the graduates. It’s a moment of immense personal victory and collective celebration. Remember, you do this after the degree is conferred, not when your name is called. Your name being called is for you to stand and be recognized; the tassel turn is for the entire graduating class together.
Variations by Degree Level and Institution
While the right-to-left rule is standard for undergraduate and most master’s candidates, there are important variations to be aware of:
- Doctoral Graduates: Doctoral candidates (Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.) often have a different tradition. Their hooding is a separate, more elaborate ceremony. Their tassel may be moved at a different point, sometimes during the hooding itself, or they may follow a different side rule. Always check with your specific graduate school. Some doctoral programs have their graduates keep the tassel on the left throughout or move it at a unique moment.
- International Differences: In some countries, the conventions differ. For example, in the UK, tassels are not typically used in the same way. If you are participating in an international ceremony, research the local custom.
- School-Specific Quirks: A very small number of institutions may have a unique tradition (e.g., tassel on the left initially). This is rare, but your commencement program or rehearsal will explicitly state this if it applies. Never assume; verify with your official school materials.
Common Questions and Practical Tips
"What if I mess up during the ceremony?"
First, take a breath. Everyone is focused on their own moment. The collective turn means if you are a second late or early, it’s barely noticeable. The most important thing is that you do it when the official instruction is given. If you completely miss it, a discreet, quick adjustment during the next quiet moment is fine. No one will remember in the joy of the occasion. The goal is participation, not perfection.
"Do I wear the tassel on the left for photos before the ceremony?"
No. For all pre-ceremony photos—whether with family on the quad, in your dorm, or before you line up—keep the tassel on the right. This correctly depicts your status as a candidate. Moving it for photos beforehand creates a confusing narrative. Save the left-side tassel for the official, post-conferral photos after the ceremony. Those photos will carry the true meaning of your achievement.
"What about the cap? Are there rules for that?"
Yes, but they’re simpler. The mortarboard should be worn level on your head, not tilted back or forward. The front tip should rest roughly between your eyebrows. The tassel hangs from the center button. For men, this is straightforward. For women, if you have long hair, it’s helpful to secure it so the cap sits properly and doesn’t slip. Bobby pins are your friend. The cap is removed only for men when the national anthem is played (if applicable), but check your specific ceremony’s protocol.
Actionable Pre-Graduation Checklist
- Confirm with Your School: Read your official commencement guide or attend the rehearsal. The word there is law.
- Practice the Move: At home, put on your cap and gown. Practice the smooth, right-to-left sweep with your right hand. Do it until it feels natural.
- Cap Fit: Ensure your cap fits snugly but comfortably. A slipping cap will lead to a fiddly tassel adjustment.
- Family Education: Tell your family the plan! Explain that pre-ceremony photos should have the tassel on the right. This avoids them trying to "correct" you.
- Mind the Gown: Make sure your gown’s collar isn’t pushing the cap forward, altering the angle.
The Deeper Meaning: More Than Just a Tassel
A Symbol of Academic Journey and Community
That small tassel is a tangible thread connecting you to a global community of scholars. Its color often denotes your specific degree or school within the university (e.g., gold for general studies, white for arts, purple for law). When you move it, you’re not just changing sides; you’re publicly claiming your place in that lineage. You’re signaling that you have endured the late-night study sessions, the challenging exams, the research papers, and the personal growth. It’s the final, public punctuation mark on a years-long sentence.
Furthermore, the synchronized movement creates a powerful visual spectacle. Imagine a stadium or auditorium filled with thousands of people, all performing the same simple, coordinated action. It represents unity, shared experience, and collective accomplishment. It transforms a room of individuals into a unified graduating class. This shared ritual is what makes commencement so emotionally resonant. It’s a moment where personal triumph is celebrated in a communal, almost ceremonial dance.
Photography and Memory: Capturing the Correct Moment
Understanding tassel placement is crucial for preserving the correct memory in your graduation photos. Photographers will be everywhere. The iconic "cap toss" photo happens after the ceremony, with tassels on the left. The photo of you in your seat, just after your name is called, should have the tassel still on the right (you are still a candidate at that precise moment). The photo immediately following the official turn, with tassel on the left, is your true "graduate" portrait. Communicating this to your family photographer ensures your album tells the accurate story of your day.
Conclusion: Embrace the Ritual with Confidence
So, to answer the burning question with absolute clarity: before your degree is officially conferred, your tassel belongs on the right side of your mortarboard. Upon the ceremonial instruction, you will move it to the left, symbolizing your transition from candidate to graduate. This simple rule is the cornerstone of graduation attire etiquette. It’s a tradition steeped in history, rich in symbolism, and designed to create a powerful, unified moment for your entire class.
As you prepare for your commencement, don’t let this small detail cause stress. Instead, see it for what it is: your final, formal act as a student. It’s a deliberate step in a ceremony that has been performed for centuries. When that moment comes, and you sweep your tassel across your cap, do it with pride. Feel the weight of the tradition and the joy of your accomplishment. You’ve earned the right to wear that cap and gown, and now you know exactly how to wear them. Congratulations, graduate. Now go take that perfect left-side-tassel photo and celebrate!
