FIDM In Transition FAQs

May 18, 2023

What is changing at FIDM?

Arizona State University (ASU) announced on April 10, 2023, the expansion of fashion education at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at ASU. ASU’s fashion program will now be named ASU FIDM and it will operate in both Los Angeles and Phoenix. Learn more about ASU FIDM.

At the same time, FIDM is moving forward with a strategic plan to continue its operations as a separate institution, reimagine the college as a business school for the creative industries, and embrace a new identity for its future.

ASU FIDM and the Herberger Institute will offer students pursuing degrees in creative industries enhanced educational opportunities by embedding world-class fashion education within a public research university with global reach. ASU FIDM will provide students with access to a renowned faculty with extensive industry experience, and the school will offer career-focused programs and experiences in Los Angeles and Phoenix.

ASU has already begun working with FIDM students to share ASU degree offerings that are available as a result of the expansion. FIDM fashion and design program students are being advised on opportunities to either complete their programs at FIDM or continue at ASU.

ASU FIDM students will continue to benefit from FIDM’s strong relationships with leading companies and brands from around the globe. ASU’s expansion will also sustain what has made FIDM special for many years.

Does FIDM still exist?

Yes, FIDM will continue to operate as a separate educational institution from ASU. FIDM will focus on the strengths of its academic programs related to business in the creative industries. FIDM is moving forward with a strategic plan to reimagine these academic programs and is in the process of aligning with an international business school that will offer students in our creative business majors the opportunity to study both in the U.S. and internationally.

The FIDM Governing Board and the Board of Administration will continue to govern, guide, and oversee FIDM’s evolution, and will remain as committed as ever to meeting the needs of our students. More information will be announced on this page soon.

Is ASU “taking over” or acquiring FIDM?

No, ASU is not taking over FIDM. FIDM will continue to operate as a separate educational institution with a focus on academic programs related to business in the creative industries. The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at ASU is expanding fashion education in Los Angeles, and ASU’s fashion program will now be named ASU FIDM, incorporating both the FIDM community and campus. ASU FIDM will operate in both Los Angeles and Phoenix.

Why is this change happening?

FIDM began a process to enable 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 as a fashion powerhouse. ASU and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts share many of FIDM’s goals, including its vision for higher education and its reputation for innovation.

Are there changes in leadership?

FIDM’s current leadership will continue to support students graduating from FIDM programs. FIDM anticipates working alongside ASU’s leadership during the period when fashion and design degrees will be offered by both FIDM and ASU FIDM.

What will happen to FIDM’s building?

FIDM students and ASU FIDM students will both have classes at 919 So Grand Avenue. Additionally, FIDM students will continue to have classes at 800 So Hope Street. When checking the allocation sheet for classroom location, classes with an 'H' in front of them are at 800 So Hope St and classes without an 'H' and only a room number will be held at 919 So Grand Ave.

What happens to FIDM’s fashion and design majors?

FIDM will continue to grant degrees in the fashion and design programs through June 2024, and in the business and marketing majors beyond that date.

Which majors will be offered by FIDM?

FIDM will continue to enroll new students in the following majors:

• Merchandising & Marketing (AA)
• Beauty Marketing & Product Development (AA)
• Beauty Business Management (B.S.)
• Creative Industry Studies (B.A., in the business and marketing cores)
• Digital Marketing (AA/BA)
• Business Management (BS)
• MBA

What is happening to FIDM’s Advanced Study Fashion Design program and DEBUT?

The Advanced Fashion Design program, under Fashion Design program co-chairs Nick Verreos and David Paul, will be taught in 2023 - 2024. The DEBUT Runway Show will present the program graduates’ collections as usual in spring 2024.

I am graduating soon. What will my diploma say?

FIDM will continue to grant degrees in the fashion and design programs through June 2024, and in the business and marketing majors beyond that date. Students who complete their degree with FIDM will receive their FIDM diploma. As students transfer into ASU or ASU FIDM and complete their bachelor’s degree, they will receive an ASU diploma. Visit asufidm.asu.edu for details.

How does this affect graduates and alumni of FIDM?

Our more than 70,000 alumni are the foundation of the community and the FIDM legacy. These changes will bring many exciting opportunities for all of our community. FIDM and ASU FIDM are committed to the continuity of services leading to an excellent alumni experience going forward.

How can I request my transcript from FIDM?

You may request copies of your official transcript in person or via mail, fax, or email with attachment. For details, go here.

Who can I reach out to if I have additional questions?

If you are a current student, please reach out to the Student Success Department by emailing studentsuccessinfo@fidm.edu, visiting Suite 401, or calling 213-624-1200, extension 5110.

If you are an applicant or accepted student who has not yet begun your coursework, please reach out to your FIDM Admissions Advisor by calling 213-624-1201 or emailing admissions@fidm.edu. For questions specific to ASU FIDM please contact ASUFIDM@asu.edu.

If you have applied or been accepted to a FIDM fashion program but have not yet begun your coursework, you are encouraged to learn more about the transition to ASU FIDM at asufidm.asu.edu and to email asufidm@asu.edu with your questions. ASU admissions representatives will advise you on degree options available to you at ASU FIDM.

If you are an applicant or prospective student interested in one of FIDM’s business or marketing majors, please reach out to Admissions at 213-624-1201 or email us at admissions@fidm.edu.

If you are an alumnus/alumna, please reach out to Alumni Services at careercenter@fidm.com.