Early Start
Welcome, new Sun Devils
Your college career begins now
We're 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 organizes a unique, week-long immersion program.
During this program, you'll join fellow communication students on an 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 dedicated to student success. Students who participate get a head start on their academic careers.
1 week
Immersion program
Faculty-led. Built for incoming communication majors.
About our program
The Early Start program in communication offers you an introduction to the basic foundations of communication principles, including a preview of several courses, the role 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:
Storytelling
Explore the power of stories through movies, local artists, guest speakers, your own family members, and even your own journey.
Networking
Meet and network with distinguished Hugh Downs School alumni, outstanding communicators, current professors, community leaders, and other role models.
Relationships
Build important relationships with each other, as well as with faculty, advisors, and Hugh Downs School graduates.
Communication skills
Learn how to apply communication skills in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and listening.
Campus resources
Learn about the library system, advising, health services, the writing center, career services, and other resources available to you as an ASU student.
Internships
Discover the unique internship opportunities the Hugh Downs School has to offer.
Professional and personal life
Learn how communication shapes both your professional and personal relationships.
Career paths
Explore the range of careers possible with a communication studies major.
Your success
Discover how communication drives your personal and professional success.
Schedule
During Early Start, you can expect to be busy each day throughout the entirety of the program. And we promise, you won't be sitting and falling asleep in a classroom all day.
Early Start students 2019, with Assistant Professor Elissa Adame
Registration is now open for the 2025 Early Start program
Dates
Wednesday, August 6 to Saturday, August 16
Daily hours
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meals
All meals included
Explore your major in-depth
Participation in the Human Communication Early Start program is by special invitation only.
Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early.
Our Early Start Team
Elissa Adame
Assistant Professor · Early Start Program Manager
Elissa leads the Early Start program each year, helping new communication majors settle in, meet faculty and peers, and get a strong start on their first semester.