High tone, Hight touch, High Octane

You would have guessed it already by the title, its the Darden schools motto. I attended Darden event recently after initial doubts of skipping this event just because of plain indolence. I lost my way to the venue and reached there half an hour late thanks to the ever-increasing traffic. I am glad that i didn't miss this event. Dean Robert Bruner (who is been with darden for mkore than 25 years) simply rocks, he spoke for most of the time on why darden and gave some really useful insights on the curriculum which is followed by quesiton and answer session. Unlike other events, this event witnessed some genuine and valid questions from the prospective students. I was a little surprised to know that very few attendees know about the high tone, high touch and high octance. Dean bruner took some time to explain in very detail about what each of the high tone, touch and octane stands for. I liked their motto.

"High touch is the unparalleled level of interaction between students and faculty. High tone refers to the core values that Darden embodies. -- values shaped by our diverse community, the influences of Thomas Jefferson and the U.Va. Honor Code. High octane refers to our strong sense of community and the rigor embedded in our MBA program.”

It may be unwritten or unofficial, but everyone who knows about darden knows that the program is highly rigorous and few are skeptical of applying to Darden just because they want to have some life apart from school. With 600 case studies to be covered in two years and 3 cases to study on each day, it definately is rigorous. But i feel this is how it has to be.
Cold calls: During case discussions, the prof may pinpoint any student in the class and ask him/her to speak on the case. The whole focus will be on this unfortunate soul and in darden they call it 'cold calls'. Intially it might be uncomfortable, but it prepares one to articulate their ideas coherently before a bunch of brilliant people.

Finally, Bruner discussed about the life in Charlottesville. A simple college town with lots of horses and few hours drive to big cities.

Towards the end of session, an interesting question popped up. Darden has 40 clubs and 3 cases to prepare for on everyday...Don't you think this is kind of contradictory. How do you expect students to take part actively in clubs when they have a lot to do on the academic front. Here comes the answer from Dean...My dear, its all about TIME MANAGEMENT. Darden will teach you how to mange your time so that you can excel in academics and take part in the clubs of your likeness.

Later, the dean left and the two alumni and admission director took places at three corners of the room and are surrounded by prospective students asking questions.
All in all, a great information session.