Barrett Downtown campus
City honors: urban living and learning
Hello! As the associate dean for Barrett Downtown, I want to offer a sincere “Welcome!” Our incredible staff and faculty are here to help you maximize your Honors and ASU experience.
You’re more than a number here, you’re more than your tuition. You bring a unique perspective, a history that is only yours. Whereas we all share a common humanity and fundamentals of humanism that should be cherished and celebrated, we need you and your unique perspective to help shape the shared identity and values of Barrett Downtown.
Bring your curiosity, humility, and openness, and we will provide you with experiences, opportunities, and community to assist you in your ASU journey. No matter what your professional goals are, no matter if the next step after college is graduate or professional school, or straight into the (job) market, graduating with honors puts you at the top of the list.
The collective nature and distinctive opportunities nested within the honors experience will profoundly impact your friendships and your resume. Therefore, my plan as associate dean is to help cultivate an atmosphere of inclusion, collaboration, and vivacity to facilitate your flourishing personally and professionally.
Barret Michalec
Associate Dean, Barrett Downtown
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Residential experience
The residential community is a key component of the Barrett experience. Honors students live in the Barrett residential college for their first two years and many choose to live on campus all four years.
The Mercado on Fifth and Van Buren streets in downtown Phoenix is home to the Barrett Suite, which is open to all Barrett students. The Barrett Suite includes classrooms, a computer lab, access to free printing of academic materials and a lounge for socializing and studying.
Benefits of living with Barrett include:
- Proximity to faculty and staff, whose offices are within the community
- Connections with other honors students in a variety of majors and from a wide range of backgrounds
- Easy access to programs and events that enhance your experience
- Ability to fully immerse yourself in the Barrett community
Student leaders
Barrett Downtown’s student leaders are your best source for advice, guidance, connections and resources that can help you maximize your time at ASU and the honors college. These leaders assist you in navigating all areas of your university experience with confidence. Student leaders at Downtown also host a variety of engagement opportunities that are uniquely Barrett.
Mentors and student engagement
Barrett Mentors on the Downtown Phoenix campus serve as student leaders within the college and provide insight that help our students succeed. They are knowledgeable about college resources and are able to connect students with a variety of engagement opportunities that will enrich their time in Barrett. Barrett Mentors send weekly outreach and host programs for students who live off-campus - they are dedicated to helping all students make the most of their Barrett experience.
When attending a Barrett Downtown event, chances are you will see a member of our student engagement staff. These students work with our professional staff and faculty to plan and execute the variety of programs here at Barrett Downtown. They also help contribute to the welcoming environment of the Barrett Suite. They can assist you with getting involved on campus, whether it’s attending events like our monthly Fri-Yays, or joining a student club.
Community Assistants and Peer Academic Leaders
Community Assistants (CAs) work directly with students living in the residence halls to not only ensure a safe and responsible environment, but also to intentionally forge connections that build an engaging Barrett experience. Your CA, who lives within your community, will serve as a mentor, help you actively build relationships with other students and get involved. Their friendly faces and caring dedication to you are just a knock away!
Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) are undergraduate student leaders who assist residential students in their college program. Barrett PALs help bring together the community in their residential areas and help students learn academic skills that are important for achieving overall student success. PALs host programs, share upcoming college specific information and act as a referral resource to get you the support you need.
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