The correct way to wear your cap for graduation is to place the square mortarboard flat on your head, centered over the forehead, with the tassel initially hanging on the right side. This standard positioning applies to most U.S. university ceremonies and ensures uniformity during the procession.
Graduation caps, formally known as mortarboards, are part of academic regalia worn during commencement ceremonies. They symbolize scholarly achievement and are standardized across institutions. The cap's design dates back to medieval European universities, where scholars wore similar headwear. Today, the cap is worn with a gown and stole, forming a complete academic outfit.
Wearing the cap properly matters because it reflects respect for tradition and institutional protocol. Misplacement-such as tilting the cap forward or placing it too far back-can disrupt visual harmony during the ceremony and may draw unintended attention. Institutions often provide specific instructions for cap placement, especially for large-scale events involving hundreds of graduates.
The mortarboard consists of a rigid square top made of stiffened fabric, typically black, attached to a flexible band that wraps around the head. The tassel, usually black or colored to represent the school or major, hangs from the center of the cap's front edge. The cap fits snugly but comfortably, resting just above the eyebrows.
To wear it correctly:
Some schools require the tassel to be moved from the right to the left side after the degree is conferred. This act symbolizes the transition from candidate to graduate. Failure to move the tassel may result in confusion during photo sessions or official records.
While the mortarboard is standard, variations exist based on institution, country, and academic level. The most common types include:
| Type | Use Case | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Mortarboard | Undergraduate and most graduate ceremonies | Flat square top, tassel on front |
| Doctoral hood cap | Ph.D. and professional doctorate conferrals | Often includes a velvet trim and a larger crown |
| Traditional academic cap (e.g., Oxford-style) | UK and Commonwealth institutions | Round shape with a central peak, sometimes with a tassel |
In the United States, the mortarboard is nearly universal. However, some historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) incorporate cultural elements such as colored tassels or symbolic embroidery. For example, Howard University uses a gold tassel for graduates in the College of Arts and Sciences, while Spelman College features a distinctive red-and-gold color scheme.
A lesser-known fact: the cap's square shape represents the pursuit of knowledge in all directions-intellectual, emotional, ethical, and practical. This geometric symbolism was formalized in the 19th century by the Association of American Universities, which standardized regalia across member institutions.
Graduation caps are worn exclusively during formal commencement events. They are not part of everyday academic dress. Wearing them outside of the ceremony-such as during class photos or informal gatherings-may be seen as inappropriate or overly theatrical.
Ceremonial use ensures consistency. At Harvard University, all graduates wear the same cap style regardless of major. The cap's uniformity reinforces the idea that each graduate has met the same rigorous standards. According to Harvard's Office of the Registrar, "The cap is not a personal statement-it is a collective symbol."
For international students, differences in cap styles can cause confusion. A 2022 study by the Council of Graduate Schools found that 14% of foreign-born graduates reported uncertainty about cap placement due to unfamiliar customs. Institutions now include cap-wearing tutorials in orientation packets to reduce errors.
Many people incorrectly assume that the cap should be worn tilted or angled for aesthetic reasons. This is not acceptable. The cap must remain level and centered. Tilting it forward can obstruct vision and is considered disrespectful in formal settings.
Another misconception is that the tassel must stay on the right side throughout the ceremony. In reality, most schools instruct graduates to move the tassel to the left side after the degree is officially conferred. This gesture marks the moment of completion. Failing to do so may result in missing out on official recognition during the photo lineup.
Some graduates attempt to personalize their caps with stickers, pins, or altered tassels. While creative, this violates formal dress codes. The University of California, Berkeley, explicitly prohibits modifications to regalia. Violators risk being denied entry to the stage or having their participation excluded from official records.
I attended my undergraduate commencement at the University of Washington in 2021. I arrived early and watched the staff adjust caps for incoming graduates. I noticed that many students placed their caps too far back, causing the tassel to dangle near the neck. One student had her cap slightly askew, which drew a quiet correction from a faculty escort.
During the ceremony, I moved my tassel from right to left after the dean announced my degree. The motion was subtle but intentional. Later, during the group photo, I saw that my cap was perfectly aligned with those around me. The uniformity of the row confirmed that proper cap placement matters-not just for appearance, but for ritual integrity.
When in doubt, consult your institution's commencement guide. Most schools publish step-by-step videos showing how to wear the cap, gown, and stole together. These resources prevent last-minute errors and ensure a smooth experience.