Darden (University of Virginia)

A distinctive element of the Darden academic experience is the case method of instruction. In contrast to a lecture-based approach to education, Darden class time is spent discussing cases about actual business problems and potential solutions. Under the skillful direction of a faculty member, students strengthen their communication and leadership skills by learning to make difficult decisions with limited information and significant uncertainty — critical skills for any current or future business leader. By actively defending their positions, students have a safe environment in which to learn to persuade and inspire others, to reconcile differing viewpoints and to prioritize objectives and capitalize on opportunities.

Students are exposed to over 500 cases in a variety of industries and functions during their time at Darden. In each class, students contribute their own viewpoints to the business situation at hand while building a strong frame of reference and broadened perspective from the classroom discussions. If you are able to visit a Darden class, you will see that Darden students do most of the talking.
Visit Perspectives on the Case Method to learn more.

Life at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business is characterized by a high level of involvement in a wide variety of activities, both inside and outside of the classroom. There is a shared responsibility and understanding among students, faculty and staff for everyone to be engaged and to engage others in community and student life. Student self-governance is a hallmark of the University of Virginia and extends to the Honor Code, class and section leadership as well as all other clubs and activities. We invite you to learn more about the many organizations, events and activities at Darden, in addition to the larger UVA and Charlottesville communities, by visiting the following links:

• Student Organizations — Darden has over 40 student clubs that range from career-focused organizations to community, social and outreach groups.
  
• Darden Community — Learn about the tight-knit community life at Darden. Information about partners and families, international student resources, affinity groups, women and military students can be found here.
  
• Darden Grounds — Watch a video tour, view photos or find directions to the School.
  
• Student Affairs — Get to know the Office of Student Affairs and the resources it provides.
  
• University of Virginia — Darden students benefit from UVA's vast research and historic resources and the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines.
  
• Charlottesville — Consistently ranked a top city in lifestyle, health and business rankings, Charlottesville offers the amenities of a large city while maintaining the charm of a small town.

Darden has one of the leading entrepreneurship programs among all graduate business schools.

At Darden, students can gain valuable experience in launching an entrepreneurial venture while learning from award-winning entrepreneurship faculty and a thriving network of student and alumni entrepreneurs:

• #3 ranked in Entrepreneurship by The Princeton Review for Entrepreneur magazine in 2011.
  
• #1 ranked faculty by Entrepreneur Magazine and the Princeton Review (2008)
  
• Over $1 million in entrepreneurship scholarships awarded annually
  
• 46% of Incubator companies remain active enterprises after 5 years. Students can apply to launch their businesses: Darden Business Incubator
  
• More than 25 academic courses (electives) in entrepreneurship and innovation
  
• Large portfolio of co-curricular entrepreneurial activities, all funded by the Batten Endowment.
  
• Four major entrepreneurial competitions (including concept and business plan competitions)
  
• VC bootcamp, E-bootcamp, Health Care bootcamp
  
• Two clubs students can join: the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club (EVC Club) and the E*Society
  
• Recent Darden entrepreneurs have received media coverage in a broad range of outlets, including the New York Times, Bloomberg/BusinessWeek, Washington Post, USA Today, Fast Company,The Scientist Magazine, MSNBC, National Public Radio, and several others.

Whatever a student's level of interest in entrepreneurship, Darden provides a wide array of opportunities for students to experience the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, both inside and outside the classroom.