Foundations

Overview

The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University (ASU) new student orientation called Foundations eases the transition and adjustment to Thunderbird at the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus. The 4-day orientation process (prior to classes) helps students define their educational purpose while striking a balance between opportunities and expectations. Over the last couple of years, Thunderbird students have appreciated learning about the Thunderbird mystique, fostered a sense of community and collaboration through Foundations. One principle that we teach students, inside and outside the classroom, is that collaboration needs to occur to solve the world’s problems. Foundations is required for all new Thunderbird graduate students.

Foundations will provide all new Thunderbird graduate students with the information, resources, tips and tools you need to make a successful transition to graduate school at ASU. You’ll connect with your peers, Thunderbird staff and faculty, become familiar with the Thunderbird building and ASU campus, participate in team-building activities, learn about opportunities and support networks available to you as a T-bird/Sun Devil and much more.

Throughout your journey, you will hear the term “collaborate to graduate,” and we encourage you to work together to create a student experience that you will never forget. A new community awaits you. New opportunities will present themselves. You will become more self-aware. You will gain an enhanced understanding of diverse cultures and people. During this new student orientation, we encourage you to forge bonds and take one step outside of your comfort zone into your growth zone. Be fearless. Be yourself. Be a T-Bird! 

Image of Dean Khagram speaking at Thunderbird Foundations

Spring 2024

View and download the agenda for the Spring 2024 session of Foundations.

Downtown Dining Guide

Learn more about the local food options available to you.

Image of Thunderbird students enjoying food and beverages at the Pub
Image of a student speaker at Thunderbird Foundations holding a flag in the Global Forum

Be a T-bird!

See images from the Fall 2023 Foundations orientation.

Faculty Panel