How do graduation hats work?

For an undergraduate degree, the tassel placement rules are the same as a high school commencement. Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left after receiving a diploma or when directed to do so by the graduation speaker.

Why are graduation hats shaped the way they are?

The square academic cap, also called a mortarboard due to the similarity to the mortarboard used by brick masons to hold mortar, is based on British customs and is customarily worn by graduates in many countries including the United States.

Do you keep your cap after graduation?

We always recommend that after certain graduation traditions, such as the throwing of your graduation cap, you retrieve your graduation cap for keepsake. We also always recommend removing your graduation tassel before throwing your cap, so at the very least, you will have a tassel as a keepsake.

What is the rule for graduation tassel?

Traditionally tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left during a special portion of the ceremony for high school graduates. For college graduates, Bachelor again wear tassels on right side until their degrees are conferred, then move to left. Graduate students wear on left from the beginning.

Why do graduates move their tassels?

Depending on your educational level, you may move the tassel left or right after graduating. The tassel before graduation symbolizes your time as a student. When you move it to the other side, you are confirming your newfound graduate status.

How to Wear Your Graduation Regalia | Cap & Gown

What happens if you don t have a cap and gown for graduation?

If cost is an issue, there may be help available or you may be able to borrow one from someone who graduated last semester or year, but most schools and colleges will fefuse to seat you if you do not have a cap and gown on. You can pick up your diploma later, likely the next business day, or have it mailed.

What do you wear under a graduation cap?

Men – The best choice is a collared dress shirt and ties to showcase a professional and tidy appearance. Women – The best choice is a scoop-neck top with a modest cut or a collared blouse.

Should I throw away my graduation gown?

Some people throw away the cap and gown and keep the tassel as a keepsake. Some have the cap and tassel framed. Some save the cap and gown for a Halloween costume. Perhaps, it could be donated to a graduate , the following year, who can't afford one.

Why do only female graduates wear caps?

There are a few reasons why only female graduates wear caps. First, it is a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Second, caps are seen as a symbol of intelligence and success, and female graduates have worked hard to earn their degrees.

Why are graduates hooded?

The hooding ceremony is a unique recognition of the achievement of each student who has earned a doctorate or final master's degree. Each doctoral candidate is introduced individually during the ceremony. You will have your hood placed on you in front of the stage on the field.

Why do we wear gowns at graduation?

Gowns were eventually made the official attire of academics and conferring ceremonies to prevent the need for excessive apparel and to keep a “uniform” of sorts at these ceremonies. In 1321, the University of Coimbra declared a mandate that plain gowns be worn by graduating Licentiates, Bachelors, and Doctors.

Is it better to size up or down for graduation hat?

Measure yourself carefully as needed. Most graduation suppliers only use height and weight to determine size, but if they're asking for other measurements, don't guess – take the time to measure so you know you're making the right choice. If in doubt, go up a size.

How do you wear a graduation cap without falling?

Wear It at a Proper Angle

Ideally, the mortarboard should almost be flat on your head (i.e. perpendicular to your body), because if you have it angled too far back, it will eventually fall off.

Do you keep your graduation cap and gown?

Yes, graduates commonly keep their cap and gown as cherished mementos of their academic achievement. These symbols of success hold sentimental value, representing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

Do all graduates wear caps?

In many graduation ceremonies, graduates do not typically wear different color hats. Instead, the traditional graduation attire includes a cap, gown, and sometimes a hood. The cap, also known as a mortarboard, is typically a flat, square-shaped hat with a tassel attached to the top.

Does everyone get a graduation hood?

A hood is not generally for those graduating with their Bachelors (not that this means you shouldn't be very proud of yourself!). The hood is worn in the back of the gown and may be a different size and/or color depending on the degree you're earning and what college you're graduating from.

Do you need graduation hat?

Generally, the dress code does mean you have to wear an academic gown and sometimes a cap, which you need to order from a shop approved by the university before graduating. Sometimes you can hire these rather than buy, this saves a lot of money.

Do you buy your own graduation gown?

The graduation ceremony is formal and graduates are requested to dress appropriately. Academic dress is compulsory and graduates are required to rent or purchase the academic outfit (gown, hood, cap and tassel) from the official suppliers at their own expense.

Why do I have 2 graduation tassels?

If you are graduating from a school or institution that does not traditionally have the practice of wearing two tassels at graduation, then it can get a little bit trickier. A second tassel is usually associated with membership to an honors society or extra-curricular activity.

Does tassel color matter?

Graduation Tassel Colors

Generally, the color of the tassel coincides with your high school or college's school colors. The same color is used to represent your connection to the school.

What tassel colors mean?