The big day has arrived and you're preparing to walk across the stage and accept your diploma. You've got your robe on, but may be wondering how to wear the square cap that comes with it. This guide will teach you how to wear a graduation hat.

The square graduation cap, or mortarboard, as it is sometimes called, is traditional garb at many graduation ceremonies worldwide. Traditions vary between countries, schools and ceremonies, so it is a good idea to keep ear out for instructions and an eye on what other people are doing with their caps. There are, however, several standard conventions regarding graduation caps, which are detailed below.

Although some students may feel awkward or silly wearing a graduation hat, it is a vital part of the graduation outfit and wearing mortarboards is a long-standing tradition. The graduation cap is a visual reminder of the solemnity and importance of the graduation day. Wear your graduation hat proudly, as it is a symbol of the monumental accomplishment of graduation.

• Depending on the school from which you are graduating, you may have to purchase your own graduation hat. Other schools will provide caps for their graduates. Regardless of whether you are buying your own cap or will be using one supplied by the school, it is a good idea to know your hat size before obtaining your cap. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your head about one inch above your ears. Make note of the measurement and then provide it to the salesperson or school representative who is handing out the caps.

• Once you have your hat, the next step is placing it on your head. There are two different types of caps common in most parts of North America: Those with rigid hat bases and those with folding elasicized hat bases. Both types of caps should be placed using the following technique:

1. If there is a difference, the larger side of the hat base should be placed on the back of the head
2. If the front of the hat base comes to a point, place the point directly in the middle of your forehead
3. Place the hat so that the board is level and parallel with the ground, not sitting at an angle
4. Girls may want to have some black bobby pins on hand to help secure the hat in place in case it does not fit perfectly

• Look for what others are doing or ask a school representative for instructions regarding tassel placement since conventions vary between schools and degrees. Some ceremonies no longer include the tradition of placing the tassel on one side or the other, but, historically, the tassel was placed on the right side of the student's cap before he or she was awarded a diploma and then moved to the left side after the student received his or her degree. At some university ceremonies, graduate students wear their tassels on the left side of their caps, while undergrads tassels are placed on the right side.