FIDM transition FAQs

Why is FIDM refocusing the college? 

FIDM began a process to identify a sustainable, long-term solution that enabled it to continue its mission of educating students interested in fashion and creative careers. After careful consideration and review of options, the FIDM Governing Board determined that ASU would be the ideal institution to maintain the FIDM legacy due to shared goals, vision for higher education, service to students, and the academic reputation of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and to focus its future on business in the creative industries.

Why is ASU taking such a big interest in LA? 

With activity around the world and aspirations for global impact, ASU looks for dynamic places to engage. Because Los Angeles is a global city and the gateway to the West Coast and Asia Pacific, we have spent many years developing a robust network of relationships, partnerships and collaborations across California.

The Herald Examiner Building — home to the ASU California Center — is the perfect central location for us to cultivate connections throughout the state and the world and pursue opportunities for educational, economic and societal progress. Making education more inclusive means making it more accessible to people who may have historically been denied access. Forty-seven percent of ASU’s incoming first-year students in fall 2022 came from underrepresented backgrounds and 34% of ASU’s undergraduates are first-generation college students.

ASU has 62,000 alumni living in California and 20,000 current California residents as degree-seeking students, and 13% of our graduates overall are working in California. ASU has transfer partnerships with all 116 California community colleges.

To support more learners in California, ASU offers many top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs in Los Angeles. You can read more about ASU in California at california.asu.edu.

What will happen to FIDM’s building? 

ASU FIDM offers fashion degree programs at the former FIDM building, now known as ASU California Center Grand (919 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles).

What does the ASU FIDM transition mean for current students?

FIDM’s and ASU’s joint expertise and innovation around fashion and the creative industries offers students access to a top-tier curriculum with opportunities in Los Angeles and Phoenix. ASU FIDM gives students the opportunity to connect their creative education with a broader interdisciplinary education — with thousands of courses in every discipline available to complement their fashion education, both in person and online.

ASU’s Herberger Institute is the largest comprehensive design and arts college in the country, with 7,800+ students, more than 700 faculty members, 130 program options and a tradition of top-ranked programs. The Herberger Institute is built on a combination of disciplines unlike any other program in the nation, comprising the School of Art; the School of Arts, Media and Engineering; the School of Music, Dance and Theatre; The Design School; The Sidney Poitier New American Film School; and the ASU Art Museum.

After launching in 2017, ASU’s fashion program emerged at the forefront of the industry, forming partnerships with industry and local collaborators across interdisciplinary fields and winning national awards. Led by Program Director and Professor of Practice Dennita Sewell, an accomplished fashion curator, professor and writer, the program exceeded its enrollment goals almost immediately and has continued to grow. Additional ASU fashion faculty include Galina Mihaleva, who leads Fashion and Wearable Technology, Danielle Testa, who leads the Business track, and Alexander Snyder, who leads Fashion Technology initiatives with Optitex and Career Catalyst, a new program that supports the development of fashion industry professionals.

With the expansion of fashion education to Los Angeles, the ASU fashion program became a fashion school: ASU FIDM.In addition to operating in LA, ASU FIDM offers state-of-the-art technology at Fusion on First in downtown Phoenix. This high-tech innovation hub features a suite of industry-standard studio spaces and recording studios, digital media labs, performance spaces, and an interdisciplinary makerspace with laser cutters, 3D printers, felting and industrial knitting machines, and more. Students can extend their collaboration and creative conversations into their residential living quarters for a seamless live-work space that optimizes the creativity and enterprise of ASU students in the heart of a rapidly growing downtown.

Like most creative industries today, fashion is entering a new era; with new technology come new jobs, new connections to manufacturing, new retail experiences and new worlds in the metaverse connected to all areas of fashion. ASU is thrilled to expand as ASU FIDM. We look forward to helping students continue their stories.

Will I have to move to Phoenix to enroll in ASU FIDM?

No, ASU FIDM operates full fashion degree programs in both LA and Phoenix, leveraging the best of both locations to provide students with a variety of robust educational programs and experiences.

While students have the choice to enroll in ASU FIDM in either Los Angeles or on the Downtown Phoenix campus in Arizona, all fashion students at ASU, regardless of location, have access to the creative community of the Herberger Institute, including events, clubs, internships, study abroad and industry connections that span both cities.

Does ASU offer AA degrees in fashion in Los Angeles?

ASU FIDM offers three associate degrees in Los Angeles:

• Pre-Apparel Technical Design, AA This program is pending final approval by the ASU faculty senate. Upon approval, the degree name will be Apparel Technical Design, AA.
• Pre-Fashion Styling, AA This program is pending final approval by the ASU faculty senate. Upon approval, the degree name will be Fashion Styling, AA.
• Pre-Merchandising, AA This program is pending final approval by the ASU faculty senate. Upon approval, the degree name will be Merchandising, AA.

ASU isaccepting applications to these programs for fall 2024 enrollment.

Does ASU offer a fashion degree program online?

ASU does not currently offer fashion degree programs online. Alongside a robust portfolio of classes offered in Los Angeles, ASU offers thousands of online courses that campus-based students can take as part of their curriculum. The fashion minor is offered online to students not majoring in fashion.

Are there other degree programs from ASU offered in Los Angeles?

Yes, there are several degree programs for ASU students interested in studying in L.A. In addition, a new interdisciplinary undergraduate design degree in Los Angeles will offer opportunities to explore visual narratives, product design, environmental graphics and design leadership. 

Existing degree options in LA include:

Undergraduate programs

Graduate programs 

How do I let ASU know that I am interested in continuing?

You can fill out the short Request Info form and an ASU admission representative will contact you to start the process.

Is there an application fee to continue to ASU?

No, ASU is committed to current FIDM students seamlessly transitioning to the university. The application fee will be waived for current FIDM students who wish to continue to ASU. When applying, select pay later at the end of the application and then contact Admission Services at asufidm@asu.edu for them to review your eligibility and to waive the fee.

When is the earliest I can start classes at ASU? 

You can apply now for ASU’s fall semester, which begins Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. Students admitted for fall can begin taking classes in ASU’s summer session. The summer session B courses begin Monday, July 1 2024.

Can I continue taking classes in LA at ASU FIDM if I am an international student?

ASU is currently in the process of receiving SEVIS certification to provide I-20s for F-1 students at ASU FIDM’s Los Angeles location. We are able to provide I-20s at our Downtown Phoenix campus for the fall 2024 semester and encourage international students to enroll. Once ASU is certified at our Los Angeles location, students will have the option to transfer. Please contact asufidm@asu.edu with any questions.

How do I transfer my I-20 to ASU? 

Current international students with an active SEVIS record at FIDM should follow the Request Transfer SEVIS Form I-20 instructions here after completing the admission process to ASU FIDM. Once all required documents are uploaded in My ASU for the I-20, ASU Admission Services will begin the process of creating the transfer I-20.

What will tuition and fees be moving forward?

The total cost of attendance is dependent on each student's individual circumstances. Please contact asufidm@asu.edu to schedule an individual advising appointment as soon as possible.

Can I get financial aid?

The 2024–2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open! You can submit your FAFSA to find out how much federal financial aid you’re eligible for to help pay for tuition and other college expenses for fall 2024. ASU’s priority FAFSA filing date is May 1, 2024. Be sure to include ASU’s Federal School Code: 001081. 

If you haven’t already, create your FSA ID. You will need to create an FSA ID in order to electronically sign and submit your FAFSA. Please note that you can’t create your FSA ID and start your FAFSA on the same day, so make sure to plan ahead.

Do I need to resubmit my portfolio when applying to ASU?

No, you will not need to submit any portfolios when applying.

Will I need to do gen ed courses at ASU that I did not need at FIDM?

Students coming into ASU FIDM Fashion BA with an already completed AA from FIDM will meet lower division general education requirements. You are expected to complete additional upper division general education courses for a bachelor’s degree from ASU.

Can current ASU students complete their degree at ASU FIDM in Los Angeles?

Current ASU students interested in the ASU FIDM program in Los Angeles should contact asufidm@asu.edu for more information.

Does ASU FIDM offer graduate degree programs?

At this time, ASU FIDM does not offer any graduate degree programs.

If I planned to enroll as a FIDM student, will I have to move to Phoenix to enroll in ASU FIDM?

No, ASU FIDM will operate full degree programs in both LA and Phoenix, leveraging the best of both locations to provide students with a variety of robust educational programs and experiences.

While students have the choice to enroll in ASU FIDM in either Los Angeles or on the Downtown Phoenix campus in Arizona, all fashion students at ASU, regardless of location, will have access to the creative community of the Herberger Institute, including events, clubs, internships, study abroad and industry connections that span both cities.

What is the admission criteria to attend ASU FIDM? 

You can review admission criteria here.

I was considering applying to FIDM. Can I apply to attend ASU FIDM in Los Angeles?

Yes, ASU FIDM is accepting new students for fall 2024 in Los Angeles and Phoenix. Please review next steps for applying on the Admission tab.

Can I get financial aid?

The 2024–2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open! You can submit your FAFSA to find out how much federal financial aid you’re eligible for to help pay for tuition and other college expenses for fall 2024. ASU’s priority FAFSA filing date is May 1, 2024. Be sure to include ASU’s Federal School Code: 001081. 

If you haven’t already, create your FSA ID. You will need to create an FSA ID in order to electronically sign and submit your FAFSA. Please note that you can’t create your FSA ID and start your FAFSA on the same day, so make sure to plan ahead.

Am I eligible for any institutional awards?

Arizona State University awards merit scholarships, called New American University scholarships, to incoming first-year students with outstanding academic abilities.

Does ASU FIDM offer graduate degree programs?

At this time, ASU FIDM does not offer any graduate degree programs.

Are there other degree programs from ASU offered in Los Angeles?

Yes, there are several degree programs for ASU students interested in studying in L.A. In addition, a new interdisciplinary undergraduate design degree in Los Angeles will offer opportunities to explore visual narratives, product design, environmental graphics and design leadership. 

Existing degree options in LA include:

Undergraduate programs

Graduate programs 

Where do I apply for housing?

Students interested in applying for university housing can apply via the housing portal, which can be accessed on the My ASU Campus Service tab. Once Housing has received your application, information regarding your assignment will be sent by email within three weeks of applying.

Is there a deadline to apply for housing in downtown Los Angeles?

ASU’s priority deadline for housing in downtown LA is May 15, 2024. We will review applications submitted after the priority deadline and assign if space is available.

Where is ASU housing offered for ASU students in Los Angeles?

Housing is located at Broadway Palace Apartments: 1026 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015. www.broadwaypalaceapartments.com.

How will students pay for their housing charges?

Housing charges will be posted to the ASU student account on a semester basis. Students will pay for their housing charges in the Finances tab on My ASU.

How much will housing cost for ASU students at Broadway Palace?

Housing rates are still being finalized, however for your planning purposes, the housing rate for Los Angeles for 2023-2024 was $7,900/semester, which includes a furnished apartment, utilities, internet, parking if needed, summer housing and an intentionally designed residential experience with university housing staff support on-site. 

Are meal plans required for ASU students in downtown Los Angeles?

Meal plans will not be provided to ASU students in LA.

What if I need ADA accommodations for housing?

ASU students who need assistance or accommodations for their housing should contact the ASU SAILS office at eoss.asu.edu/accessibility and schedule a meeting to discuss their needs.

What is provided in the apartment at Broadway Palace?

The units will be furnished with a twin-XL bed, desk and chair for each person along with a sofa, side chair, coffee table, side table and bar stools. Small housewares are not included.

How close is Broadway Palace to ASU classes in downtown Los Angeles?

Broadway Palace is less than half a mile away from classes — roughly a 10-minute walk.

What type of apartment and bedroom set-up will be available to ASU students?

Four students will share the two-bedroom apartment, splitting the bedrooms with two students per room. In the shared living space, there will be a kitchen, dining area and living room.

Can I request my roommate or provide preference on roommates?

ASU Housing staff will try its best to accommodate roommate preferences, but they are not guaranteed.

What is the duration of the license agreement between ASU Housing and an ASU FIDM student?

The license agreement for housing is for a full academic year. Information regarding the license agreement, including policies and procedures, can be found at housing.asu.edu/housing-resources/license-agreements.

What security is present at Broadway Palace?

24-hour security is provided at Broadway Palace Apartments.

Who do I contact if there is a maintenance or facilities issue in my apartment?

If you encounter a facilities issue in your room, you can log in and complete a work request in your resident portal, or call the 24-hour concierge desk for assistance.

What other amenities are provided at Broadway Palace?

Broadway Palace has a variety of amenities from basketball courts, 24-hour fitness facilities, package concierge and four different resort-style pools. Additionally, Broadway Palace is in close proximity to the Crypto.com Arena, Fashions District and ASU California Center.

When will I be able to move into my apartment for the fall semester?

Move-in details and logistics will be shared as we near the start of classes, but plan to arrive just a few days before your classes begin.