Associate Dean for Executive Degree Programs and Leadership Initiatives Jim Detert recently shared some updates about current plans for the start of school with members of our Executive MBA Class of 2022.
Check out four key takeaways from the update below, and stay connected with the latest news from Grounds with the following resources:
We will also share updates via the Discover Darden blog. Subscribe and never miss a post!
UVA to Make Start of School Decision by Mid-June
Things are on track to start in August, but we await further guidance from the University of Virginia as to whether the program will begin in person or virtually. UVA President Jim Ryan has signaled that an update about the start of school will be shared with the University community by no later than mid-June. Read UVA Today’s recent article about fall planning.
Scenario Planning Underway
In preparation for the University’s decision, there is an Executive MBA faculty and staff working group exploring different start of school scenarios — in-person as well as virtual.
In addition, the Executive MBA faculty has already begun discussing the optimal sequencing of courses should the program begin virtually in August. This includes exploring the introduction of courses that are timely and relevant to the current pandemic in the program’s initial quarters, as well as moving forward with the aspects of the program that work well in the virtual setting while reserving those experiences that are best delivered in person until we can be together in the physical classroom.
Global Residency Planning and Flexibility
Our recent innovations to the global elements of the program provide increased flexibility in the event of any travel restrictions.
The first global residency period is not until February 2021, with global residencies offered every four months thereafter. The broader slate of residency locations allows us to be nimble as we navigate any disruptions to current planning.
Our program faculty and staff will continue to monitor the situation regarding global travel closely, and we will share any updates with students before opening the global residency selection process this summer.
Leveraging Experience
The Darden Executive MBA program is hybrid in design with one-third of the program traditionally delivered online. As a result, our faculty have over a decade of experience in delivering transformational learning experiences online. They are very comfortable teaching in a virtual setting and know well what content and activities work best in this format.
In addition, our classes of 2020 and 2021 shifted to virtual delivery in mid-March, and this experience has helped us learn how to best execute parts of the program that are typically in-person — leadership residencies, weekend residencies — in a virtual environment.
We are committed to providing students with a world-class educational experience in-person and virtually, and, as with our classes of 2020 and 2021, the members of the Class of 2022 will help us design and deliver the best possible experience for the class.
Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
