Advising
The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) provides advising services for students in a variety of important areas. We offer confidential coaching and counseling support for students experiencing personal challenges during their tenure at Darden. In addition, we serve as an academic advising resource for students seeking clarification of Darden’s grading system and academic standards, as well as identifying co-curricular activities that will be helpful in advancing personal goals and career interests. The Career Development Center, Registrar’s Office, and faculty can also provide support in this area — there are many resources available to you! Finally, we work closely with students who are experiencing academic difficulty by helping them develop an action plan for improvement and discussing opportunities for additional resources including tutoring. Director Sarah Wilcox Elliott is the primary contact for student advising needs.
Clubs
The student clubs at Darden provide educational, social and career opportunities for the student body as well as hands-on leadership and management experience for the club officers. Interim Associate Director of Student Affairs Kristen Pappas works closely with the 40+ student clubs to ensure that quality co-curricular programs are available for all Darden students. Membership and participation in clubs is a vital part of the Darden experience, and students can choose which clubs appeal to their personal needs and interests.
International Students
The OSA works with the International Studies Office (ISO) at U.Va to help provide a comprehensive support network for international students studying at Darden. In her role as Interim Associate Director for International Programs at Darden, Kristen Pappas develops new initiatives that help support international students' academic and social needs. She also works closely with the ISO to help disseminate important information regarding visas and work authorization to international students.
Partners and Families
The OSA team strives to extend our support beyond the walls of Darden to include students’ partners and families. We believe that if all members of the Darden community are aptly supported, everyone will benefit. We are sure you will find the Darden community to be a welcoming and caring place for both students and their families. A great resource for new partners and family members is the Darden Partners Association (DPA). The DPA, in conjunction with the OSA, organizes various group, family and community events throughout the year.