It's a customary tradition at many U.S. colleges and universities for graduates to turn their tassel from the right side of their mortarboard to the left. However, not all universities and colleges perform this tradition in the same way. The University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point, according to its website, has its graduates turn their tassels in unison after the Chancellor's Charge. Texas A&M University, according to its website, has its graduates move their tassels to the left side as they cross the graduation stage, after receiving their diplomas.
Graduates wear different colored tassels depending on their area of study and degree they are receiving. On its website, West Virginia University outlines the various colors that graduates are supposed to wear, depending on their degree. For instance, a graduate receiving an agricultural education bachelor's degree would wear a maize tassel at West Virginia University, and graduates from the School of Dentistry at West Virginia University would wear a lilac tassel.
In addition, West Virginia University outlines its protocol for tassel colors when receiving multiple degrees. At that university, graduates must wear the tassel color of the highest degree they are receiving. In the event they are receiving two equal degrees, such as two bachelor's degrees, they should wear the tassel color of the section they are sitting with. West Virginia University does not allow its graduates to wear two tassels.
When receiving a master's degree, graduation tassel protocol changes slightly. According to Brownielock's History of Graduation page, master's degree candidates should wear their tassel on the left and then move it to the right upon receiving their degree.
When a candidate for a doctoral degree goes to commencements, tassel protocol again is changed. At Michigan State University, according to its website, doctoral candidates wear their tassels on the left side and they do not turn their tassels.