Honor Society® Expert FAQ
What side does the graduation tassel go on?
At many high school and bachelor’s-degree ceremonies, the tassel starts on the wearer’s right and moves to the left when graduates are instructed. Practices vary by institution and degree, so follow your ceremony’s directions.
Use the wearer’s perspective
“Right” means your right while wearing the cap, not the right side of a photograph viewed by someone else. Check the orientation when trying on the cap before the event. Mirrored camera images can make the convention confusing.
Graduate-degree ceremonies may use different practices, and some schools specify that the tassel remains on one side. Do not move it early merely because another group does. The program, rehearsal, or ceremony marshal should tell you when and whether to move it.
Put the answer into practice
- Read the regalia instructions for your degree.
- Check the side while wearing the cap.
- Listen for the official ceremony cue.
- Ask a marshal if the instructions are unclear.
Keep the cap and tassel secure enough for comfortable movement. The graduation checklist can help you organize attire and arrival details alongside the academic paperwork.
About Honor Society® Expert FAQ
Honor Society’s Q&A offers informed perspectives on common questions about scholarships, education, and careers. Our goal is to provide clear, well-researched answers grounded in reliable sources and practical guidance.
