Every graduate faces the same small but significant moment: which side of the cap does the tassel go on? This seemingly simple detail is a crucial piece of academic regalia, steeped in tradition and symbolism. As of the current academic season in December 2025, the rules are clear, but they depend entirely on your level of study—whether you are a high school senior, an undergraduate, or a doctoral candidate.

The tradition of 'turning the tassel' is one of the most iconic parts of the commencement ceremony, marking the official transition from student to graduate. Getting the starting position right is the first step in honoring this rite of passage, ensuring you are in sync with centuries of academic custom and ceremony etiquette.

Academic Regalia 101: The Definitive Rules for Tassel Placement

The answer to "what side do tassels start on" is not a single, universal rule. It is determined by the degree you are receiving, which dictates whether the tassel will be moved during the ceremony or if it will remain fixed. Understanding these distinctions is key to proper commencement ceremony participation.

Rule 1: High School and Undergraduate Degrees Start on the Right Side

For the vast majority of graduates, including those receiving a high school diploma or an undergraduate degree (such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science), the tassel begins on the right side of the mortarboard (cap). This initial placement symbolizes the candidate's status as a student and marks them as being 'in transition' to becoming a full graduate. The right side is the 'candidate side.'

• High School Graduates: Tassel starts on the right.
• Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees: Tassel starts on the right.
• The Symbolism: Starting on the right side signifies that the individual has not yet received their degree and is still technically a degree candidate.

Rule 2: The Moment of Transition—Moving the Tassel to the Left

The pivot point of the graduation ceremony for high school and undergraduate students is the moment of the tassel turn. This is when the tassel moves from the right side to the left side. This movement is a powerful, symbolic rite of passage, confirming the individual's newfound status as a graduate.

• When to Move It: The tassel is typically moved as a group, either after all degrees have been conferred or at the specific instruction of the presiding officer (such as the Dean or President of the university).
• The Meaning of the Left Side: Once on the left, the tassel signifies that the person has officially earned their degree and is now a certified graduate. The left side is therefore considered the 'graduate side.'

This tradition is a universally recognized component of academic regalia, representing the transformation and achievement of the student. It is one of the most photographed moments of the entire commencement ceremony.

Rule 3: Master’s and Doctoral Graduates Start and Stay on the Left Side

The rules for graduate-level degrees—Master's (M.A., M.S., M.B.A.) and Doctoral (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., M.D.)—are fundamentally different. For these advanced degrees, the tassel starts on the left side and remains there for the entire ceremony.

Why the difference? A student receiving a master's or doctoral degree is often considered a graduate before the ceremony begins, especially if they have already successfully defended a thesis or dissertation and fulfilled all requirements. Their status as a scholarly professional is already established.

• Master’s Degrees: Tassel starts on the left and stays there.
• Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D., etc.): Tassel starts on the left and stays there.
• Rationale: The graduate is already considered to have achieved full academic status, so the symbolic 'turn' is not necessary.

This distinction is a key element of proper graduation etiquette and ensures that the higher-level degrees are recognized with their own unique academic tradition.

Understanding the Symbolism and History of the Tassel Tradition

The tradition of academic regalia, including the cap and gown, dates back to the 12th century in European universities. The tassel itself, while a relatively modern addition to the ceremony, carries significant meaning that enhances the topical authority of the commencement.

The Right-to-Left Philosophy

The movement from the right side to the left side is more than just a formality; it is an academic custom with deep roots. Historically, the right side often symbolized the uninitiated or unlearned, while the left side, closer to the heart, represented knowledge, completion, and official status. The tassel turn, therefore, is a physical representation of the intellectual and personal transformation a student has undergone.

• Transformation: It marks the transition from one phase of life (student) to the next (graduate/professional).
• Achievement: It is the public acknowledgment of the completion of a rigorous academic program.
• Unity: The collective act of turning the tassel creates a powerful sense of unity and shared accomplishment among the graduating class.

Tassel Color and Other Relevant Entities

While the side of the tassel is dictated by your degree level, the color of the tassel is determined by the specific field of study (or school colors for high school). These colors are part of the broader system of academic regalia and help identify the college or discipline of the graduate. For example, a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy might wear a dark blue tassel, while a Bachelor of Science in Engineering might wear an orange tassel.

Other Key Entities in Academic Regalia:

• Mortarboard: The square cap on which the tassel is worn.
• Academic Hood: Worn by Master's and Doctoral graduates, its color and velvet trim signify the degree earned and the institution that granted it.
• Stoles and Cords: Additional regalia worn to denote academic honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude), membership in honor societies, or military service.

Common Tassel Questions and Graduation Etiquette

To ensure a seamless graduation day, many students have last-minute questions about their academic attire. Understanding these nuances is essential for proper graduation etiquette.

What if I am receiving two Bachelor's degrees?

If you are receiving multiple undergraduate degrees, the rule remains the same: the tassel starts on the right side and is moved to the left at the designated time. The focus is on the level of degree (undergraduate) rather than the number of degrees.

What if I forget to move my tassel?

While the moment is highly symbolic, forgetting to move your tassel is not a catastrophic error. Many graduates simply move it themselves immediately after the official group turn, or even after the ceremony is over. The important thing is that once you have your diploma, the tassel should be on the left side to reflect your status as a graduate.

Can I wear a souvenir or different tassel?

Most institutions require you to wear the official tassel provided by the school for the ceremony. However, many graduates purchase souvenir tassels in their school colors or year to keep as mementos. It is best practice to wear the official academic regalia tassel during the commencement ceremony itself.

In summary, the side your tassel starts on is a simple yet profound detail. For high school and undergraduate degrees, it’s the right side, moving to the left. For graduate degrees, it’s the left side, staying put. By adhering to these clear rules, you participate fully in the rich tradition and symbolism of your achievement, officially turning the page from student to graduate.