Graduation day marks a significant milestone, a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and countless hours spent studying. As you prepare to walk across that stage and receive your Master’s degree, you might be wondering about the finer details of academic regalia, specifically: Which side does the tassel go on? This question, seemingly simple, actually has a nuanced answer with established traditions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of tassel etiquette for Master’s graduates, ensuring you look and feel your best on this momentous occasion.
Understanding Graduation Tassel Traditions
The graduation tassel is more than just a decorative accessory; it’s a symbol with a rich history, representing academic achievement and progression. The placement of the tassel signifies your current status, whether you’re a graduating student or already a graduate. Understanding this symbolism helps you appreciate the significance of this small, yet important, detail.
The Historical Significance of the Tassel
The tassel’s origins can be traced back to medieval universities, where it served a practical purpose: indicating a student’s academic discipline. Different colored tassels represented different faculties or fields of study. Over time, the tassel evolved into a symbol of academic standing, marking the transition from student to graduate. The shifting of the tassel is not merely a symbolic gesture, it is rooted in a long history of academic tradition.
Tassel Colors and Their Meanings
While black is the most common color for graduation tassels, other colors are often used to represent specific academic disciplines. For example, a specific shade of green might signify a medical degree, while a crimson tassel could indicate a degree in journalism. Consult with your university to confirm the appropriate tassel color for your specific degree program. Wearing the correct tassel color demonstrates respect for your field of study and adherence to academic tradition.
Master’s Degree Tassel Placement: The Correct Side
The standard practice for Master’s graduates is to begin the graduation ceremony with the tassel on the right side of the cap. This signifies that you are a candidate for graduation, not yet officially a graduate.
Moving the Tassel: The Symbolic Shift
The moment of transition occurs when the degree is conferred. After the university president or designated official declares that the degrees have been awarded, graduates typically move their tassels from the right side to the left side of the cap. This action symbolizes the transition from student to graduate. This shift signifies your new status as a Master’s degree holder. It’s a visual representation of your achievement and a public declaration of your completed studies.
Exceptions and University-Specific Guidelines
While the right-to-left shift is the most common practice, it’s crucial to check with your specific university for any variations or unique traditions. Some institutions might have slightly different protocols for tassel placement, particularly for advanced degrees. Always consult your university’s graduation guidelines to ensure you follow their specific instructions. This will avoid any confusion or awkward moments during the ceremony.
Practical Tips for Tassel Management on Graduation Day
Beyond knowing which side the tassel goes on, here are a few practical tips to help you manage your tassel gracefully on graduation day.
Securing Your Tassel: Preventing Mishaps
Ensure your tassel is securely fastened to your mortarboard. Use a strong clip or fastener to prevent it from falling off during the ceremony. A loose tassel can be distracting and potentially cause you to trip. Double-check the attachment before the ceremony begins.
The Proper Way to Move Your Tassel
When the time comes to move your tassel, do so smoothly and deliberately. Avoid any sudden or jerky movements. A slow and controlled shift will look more polished and avoid accidentally hitting the person next to you. Practice the motion beforehand to feel comfortable with it.
Tassel Etiquette: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Be mindful of your tassel throughout the ceremony. Avoid fidgeting with it or using it as a makeshift fan. Treat it with respect as a symbol of your academic achievement. Maintaining proper etiquette shows respect for the ceremony and your fellow graduates.
Understanding Academic Regalia Beyond the Tassel
While the tassel is a significant component of graduation attire, it’s part of a larger ensemble of academic regalia. Understanding the other elements of this attire can help you appreciate the significance of the entire ensemble.
The Mortarboard (Cap): A Symbol of Scholarly Achievement
The mortarboard, the square academic cap, symbolizes the intellectual achievement and mastery of knowledge. Its flat top and angular shape represent a departure from more rounded caps historically associated with other professions. The cap is a visual representation of the academic rigor and discipline required to earn a Master’s degree.
The Gown: Indicating Degree Level
The academic gown varies in style depending on the degree level. Master’s gowns typically have longer, closed sleeves with slits for the arms. Doctoral gowns often have distinctive velvet panels and bell-shaped sleeves. The specific design of your gown reflects your level of academic achievement.
The Hood: Representing Your Field of Study
The academic hood is perhaps the most colorful and distinctive element of academic regalia. It’s a draped piece of fabric that hangs down the back, with the lining representing the colors of the institution granting the degree and the velvet trim indicating the field of study. For example, a hood with a purple velvet trim indicates a law degree, while a white trim represents arts, letters, or humanities. The hood serves as a visual representation of both your university and your academic discipline.
The Significance of Graduation: A Celebration of Achievement
Graduation is more than just a ceremony; it’s a celebration of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It’s a time to reflect on your accomplishments, acknowledge the support of your family and friends, and look forward to the future with confidence and optimism.
Celebrating Your Success
Take the time to savor the moment and appreciate your achievement. You’ve earned this recognition through your dedication and hard work. Celebrate with your loved ones and allow yourself to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Looking Forward: The Future After Graduation
Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As you move forward, embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and use your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world. Your Master’s degree has equipped you with the tools you need to succeed, so step confidently into your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation Tassels (Removed)
Conclusion: A Final Reminder
So, to reiterate: For Master’s graduates, the tassel typically starts on the right side and is moved to the left side after the degree is conferred. Always verify the specific guidelines of your university to ensure you follow their traditions. By understanding the significance of the tassel and other elements of academic regalia, you can fully appreciate the meaning of graduation and celebrate your accomplishment with pride and confidence. Congratulations on earning your Master’s degree!
FAQ 1: Does the side on which I wear my tassel signify something specific when graduating with a Master’s degree?
Generally, the side you wear your tassel on as a Master’s graduate doesn’t specifically signify your field of study or anything beyond your current candidate status. While undergraduate traditions often involve moving the tassel from right to left upon receiving the degree, marking the transition from student to graduate, this custom is less rigidly enforced or universally practiced at the Master’s level. Therefore, the side often becomes a matter of institutional preference or personal choice within established guidelines.
It’s essential to understand that individual universities or colleges might have their own distinct protocols. Some institutions might direct Master’s candidates to wear their tassels on a particular side throughout the ceremony. Always consult the official guidelines provided by your university regarding graduation attire and procedures. Adhering to these guidelines ensures conformity with the established academic customs of your specific institution and a respectful presentation during the ceremony.
FAQ 2: Is there a standard rule applicable across all universities for Master’s graduate tassel placement?
Unfortunately, there is no single, universally accepted standard rule for Master’s graduate tassel placement applicable across all universities. Graduation traditions and customs can vary significantly between institutions. While many practices remain consistent (like wearing academic regalia appropriate to the degree level), specific details like tassel placement often fall under the purview of individual university policy or the preferences of the faculty.
Therefore, assuming a standardized approach based on experiences at other institutions or general online information can lead to potential errors or non-conformity during your graduation ceremony. Always prioritize the guidelines and instructions provided by your university’s graduation office or academic department. These resources will provide the most accurate and relevant information pertaining to your institution’s specific graduation protocols and requirements, ensuring a proper and respectful presentation.
FAQ 3: What should I do if my university provides no explicit instructions about tassel placement?
If your university provides no explicit instructions regarding tassel placement for Master’s graduates, the first step is to contact the graduation office or the relevant academic department within your college or school. They should be able to provide clarity on any specific expectations or traditions that the university follows. A phone call or email outlining your query is often the most efficient way to receive an official answer.
If, after contacting the appropriate university authorities, you still receive no clear direction, it’s generally acceptable to follow the same practice as Bachelor’s graduates at that institution, which is typically wearing the tassel on the right and moving it to the left upon conferral of the degree. However, confirm that observing other students during previous graduations aligns with official procedures. If uncertainty persists, erring on the side of right-to-left is a common and often acceptable default.
FAQ 4: Will the color of my tassel differ based on my Master’s degree discipline?
Yes, the color of your tassel typically corresponds to the specific discipline or field of study in which you earned your Master’s degree. This color-coding system is part of the broader academic regalia tradition and helps visually represent the area of academic expertise. For example, a Master of Arts (MA) degree often has a white tassel, while a Master of Science (MS) degree might have a golden yellow tassel. Education degrees often feature a light blue tassel.
The specific colors associated with each discipline are generally standardized, although minor variations might exist between different universities. Your university’s graduation information should explicitly state the appropriate tassel color for your particular degree. If you are unsure, consult your academic advisor or the graduation office to ensure you obtain and wear the correct tassel color during the ceremony. Wearing the correct tassel demonstrates respect for academic traditions and accurately represents your field of study.
FAQ 5: Is it acceptable to wear my graduation tassel on a particular side based on personal preference?
While expressing individuality is generally encouraged, it is usually not acceptable to choose a side for your graduation tassel placement solely based on personal preference, especially if the university has established guidelines. Graduation ceremonies are formal events steeped in tradition, and adhering to the prescribed procedures demonstrates respect for the institution and the collective achievement being celebrated. Deviation from established norms can be perceived as disrespectful or disruptive.
Therefore, always prioritize the official guidance provided by your university regarding tassel placement. If no specific instructions are given, discreetly observing the practices of previous graduates or consulting with faculty members can provide valuable insights. While you might have personal reasons for preferring one side over the other, maintaining conformity with the institution’s standards is crucial for ensuring a smooth and respectful graduation experience for yourself and your fellow graduates.
FAQ 6: What happens if I mistakenly wear my tassel on the wrong side during the graduation ceremony?
If you mistakenly wear your tassel on the wrong side during the graduation ceremony, don’t panic. Minor errors in academic regalia are not uncommon, and faculty members and event staff are generally understanding. It is unlikely to cause any significant disruption or negatively impact your graduation status. The focus remains on celebrating your academic achievement and conferring your degree.
If you notice the mistake yourself, you can discreetly correct it during a less formal portion of the ceremony, such as during a speech or musical performance. If a faculty member or event staff notices the error, they might discreetly signal for you to adjust your tassel. In most cases, a small correction is all that’s required, and the event will continue seamlessly. Remember to focus on enjoying the celebration of your accomplishment.
FAQ 7: Does tassel placement differ for doctoral graduates compared to Master’s graduates?
Yes, tassel placement for doctoral graduates often differs significantly compared to Master’s graduates, primarily because doctoral graduates typically wear a different type of academic regalia, specifically a doctoral gown with velvet panels and a doctoral hood. The hood, which is draped over the graduate’s shoulders, is a more prominent symbol of their achievement than the tassel. As such, the tassel’s role is often less emphasized.
Doctoral graduates usually wear a velvet tam (a soft, round hat) rather than a mortarboard cap, and the tassel is typically attached to the tam. The specific placement of the tassel on the tam can vary depending on the university’s traditions, but it is often worn on the left side throughout the ceremony and is not moved. Check with your university for specifics, but generally the focus for doctoral graduates is on the proper wearing of the doctoral hood, which signifies the degree earned and the institution granting it.