Student Preparedness Initiative: Readiness Inspired by Tradition
SPIRIT is a free program scheduled before the start of the fall semester that will equip you and other students from Indigenous communities with the skills to thrive at ASU. The American Indian Student Support Services staff looks forward to helping you adjust to campus life, build connections and identify mentors.
Starting a new life at a university as large as Arizona State University can be overwhelming, and every learner experience is unique. If you’re an incoming ASU student with an Indigenous background, your journey may hold additional unique experiences and challenges shared by hundreds of other fellow Sun Devils.
The SPIRIT program - Student Preparedness Initiative: Readiness Inspired by Tradition - is designed to help you, alongside other Indigenous Sun Devils, make a smooth transition to ASU, and start your university experience off right through prep sessions, scholarship advice, fun activities and culturally inspired workshops.
SPIRIT begins before the start of fall semester classes. There is no cost to participate.
For more information, please email aisss@asu.edu or call 480-965-8044.
At SPIRIT, you will:
- Learn ways to achieve success.
- Discover ASU resources.
- Experience campus life.
- Connect with academic scholars and educators.
- Build friendships and bond with your peers.
- Participate in traditional and culturally inspired activities.
How to register
In order to participate in SPIRIT, you’ll need to have been admitted to ASU, decided to enroll in fall 2024 courses and for incoming freshmen reserved your spot at ASU by submitting the $300 enrollment deposit.
Please RSVP at https://visit.asu.edu/spirit by July 1. Only a limited number of spots are available.
Here’s a handy checklist to help you figure it out:
| Date May 1 | You will need to pay the 300 enrollment deposit. The deposit date will be made available after spring semester, but the earlier you do so, the more options you'll have for orientation and housing. Remember, the enrollment deposit is needed before you can take any other steps. If you are an Arizona resident who applied for financial aid and received a Pell Grant as a part of your award, you can defer your enrollment deposit and apply for an on-campus housing and dinning for the fall of 2024 semester. You can pay for your deposit at my.asu.edu. |
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Date TBD |
New Student Experience Make sure to register and take part in ASU's New Student Experience between March and July. During orientation, you will: Meet an advisor. Register for classes. Arrange for housing. See details at eoss.asu.edu/orientation. |
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Date July 1 |
Deadline
Sign up at |
| Date Aug. 13 | SPIRIT begins! Enjoy an engaging program of getting oriented to life at ASU, and for making deep connections with your peers and mentors! |
Financial aid
If you are in need of financial aid, make sure to file your FAFSA at students.asu.edu/financialaid/apply.
Daily Schedule
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Classes on college academic expectations.
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Introduction to academic support resources.
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One hour for lunch.
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Meetings and activities with peer ambassadors.
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Programming with guest speakers, including deans, peers and campus resource representatives.
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Traditional and culturally inspired activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SPIRIT | Student Preparedness Initiative Readiness Inspired by Tradition?
SPIRIT is a free program that provides incoming first-time students a head start at Arizona State University (ASU). Students identify resources and participate in workshops which include financial and scholarships, time management, and culturally based activities. Programming includes guest speakers, presentations by ASU staff and faculty, including deans, peers and campus resource representatives. SPIRIT is meant to help students make friends, adjust to campus life and meet support staff.
Is food going to be provided during programming?
Yes. Students will be provided weekday breakfast snacks, lunch and dinner.
Can students attend SPIRIT and other University Summer programs (i.e. E 2 , W. P. Carey)?
Yes. Students must inform AISSS staff of other university programs they are planning to attend.
Will students move into fall housing?
Minimum items to bring for residential housing accommodations:
- Extra-long twin sheets, comforter, blankets and pillows
- Towels
- Shower curtain
- Toiletries, such as soap, shampoo and toilet paper
- Hangers
- Desk lamp
- Shower sandals
For additional information, visit: housing.asu.edu.
Applying for housing?
For instructions on applying for housing at Arizona State University, visit housing.asu.edu.
What is a peer ambassador?
A SPIRIT peer ambassador is a current ASU student and possibly a program alumni. The peer ambassadors are your mentors for the entirety of the program. Peer ambassadors are there to answer any questions, share their perspectives, help students navigate campus, and help students connect with support services.
What is the purpose of an ASU ID card?
ASU requires all students, employees and qualifying university affiliates to obtain an official ASU ID card. If card is damaged, missing or stolen, students MUST report it to cardservices.asu.edu and to their hall front desk immediately. The missing card will be deactivated and the student must obtain a new ASU ID at the ASU Sun Card Office. Students are responsible for a $25 replacement card fee.