During a time of unprecedented global uncertainty, Darden has announced another set of key initiatives designed to offer the maximum level of flexibility and accommodation for the Darden’s full-time MBA students.
To provide applicants with additional time and consideration, Darden’s full-time MBA Admissions announced unique process updates earlier this month, including a rolling Round 3 deadline of 15 July and additional standardized test optionality. View the press release for more information. Darden’s Executive MBA program rolled out updates focused on flexibility — such as increased access to application fee waivers. View the Executive MBA update for details.
Darden is currently on track for classes to begin in August, and we hope that they will take place here in Charlottesville, in person, pending a final decision by the University of Virginia.
Recognizing that an in-person start may not be possible, Darden also shared a plan for a remote, synchronous start of school and an alternative start date for select students:
“Recognizing that some students may not be able to start in August because of the ongoing global pandemic, the School will also offer a delayed start option for a limited portion of the incoming Class of 2022. This group will start First Year core classes in January 2021, but will begin other Darden activities such as career support ahead of their arrival. Those with a January start will take First Year classes into summer 2021, before completing an abbreviated summer internship or field project.”
Students who apply in Round 3 after 1 June and are interested in the January start should contact the Admissions team to discuss options.
Additional highlights from the 23 April announcement:
- Commitment to Academic Excellence — No matter the method of delivery, Darden is committed to providing the highest possible standard of teaching and learning. We will not compromise the outstanding and recognized quality of the Darden academic experience. Darden has been teaching live, virtual case discussions for over a decade, and our faculty is dedicated to exceptional classroom experiences, whether in person or virtually.
- Housing — Although many students have secured housing in Charlottesville already, Darden has established an administrative team dedicated to advocating for our students, including communicating with local property owners on increased flexibility.
- Career — The Career Center is ready to help all students pursue the career outcomes they desire. Many students have already begun working through Darden’s CDWhy asynchronous career prep program.
- Financial Aid — Darden is deploying additional need-based aid through a hardship fund given the challenges many are facing, as well as new scholarship resources.
- Meals — Darden will cover the cost of lunch on class days! A new student experience fund will provide lunch (or breakfast or a snack) for every First Year student on class days throughout the core curriculum. We hope this benefit will allow students to enjoy the newly renovated dining facilities alongside classmates, faculty and the community.
Updates on Virginia and Charlottesville
- The Commonwealth of Virginia has been actively staying at home, and those measures seem to be working reasonably well to slow the spread of the coronavirus locally.
- The UVA Health System is world-class and is making great strides in developing state-of-the-art testing and research.
Read the press release on The Darden Report for the full announcement.
As always, our Admissions team is pleased to offer one-on-one opportunities to speak with us through our Schedule a Conversation.
Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
