Early Start

Your college career begins now!

Welcome new Sun Devils! We are excited to welcome you to your new academic home in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University!

The transition into an undergraduate program can be challenging. A new environment, new expectations, new challenges…Your success as a communication major is our number one priority, so each year the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication organizes a unique week-long immersion program. 

During this program, you will join fellow communication students on an exciting and engaging journey to explore the importance of human communication in everyday life and how our program can prepare you for an ever-changing world. The program is led by faculty who are dedicated to our student's success. Students who participate in this special program have a head start on their academic careers. 

About our program

The Early Start program in Communication offers you an introduction to a basic foundation of communication principles, including a preview of several courses, the role that communication skills play in landing a strong job out of college, and resources that will make your transition to ASU smoother.  At Early Start, you will:

  • Explore the power of stories through movies, local artists, guest speakers, your own family members, and even your own journey
  • Meet and network with guest speakers including distinguished Hugh Down School Communication Alumni, outstanding communicators, current professors in our major, community leaders, and other role models
  • Develop important relationships with each other as well as with faculty, advisors, and Hugh Downs School Communication graduates
  • Learn about communication skills and how to apply them in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and listening
  • Learn about the library system, advising, health services, the writing center, career services, and many other resources offered to you as a student at ASU
  • Learn about the unique internship opportunities the Hugh Downs School has to offer
  • Learn how communication is involved in both professional and personal relationships
  • Explore careers that are possible with a communication studies major
  • Discover how communication is responsible for your personal and professional success

Our Early Start Team

Elissa Adame
Assistant Professor
Early Start Program Manager

Debbie Daly
Academic Advisor
Early Start Program Advisor

Join us

Participation in the Human Communication Early Start program is by special invitation only.
Space is limited so we encourage you to register early!

Register now

Schedule

During Early Start, you can expect to be busy each day throughout the entirety of the program.
And we promise — you will not be sitting and falling asleep in a classroom all day!

Registration is now open for the 2023 Early Start program.

Please check back on this year's program dates.  
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily
All meals included

Early Start students 2019, with Assistant Professor Elissa Adame

Explore your major in-depth

BS Communication

BA Communication