Assignment 5A: Identifying Local Opportunities

1) Stop FBS-FCS games https://www.alligator.org/sports/stop-fbs-fcs-games/article_dbc8d89e-d2b2-11e9-88bf-632e42beff6f.html

The story: Nick Saban, football coach for the Alabama Crimson tide expresses his concerns for the way in which the NCAA set up the schedule for teams. Losing games, especially against highly competitive teams lowers your ranking and puts a damper on your chances of going to the playoffs. Essentially you need a flawless season to even come close to the playoffs. Yet, instead of competing against challenging teams the entire season, highly challenging teams have teams of lower stature on their schedule to bring in money for the other teams’ programs, and ultimately the NCAA.

The problem presented in the story: The system of determining the gravity of losses is flawed. The competitive teams would like an entire schedule of teams of the same caliber

Who has the problem: The more competitive teams that make up the NCAA like Alabama that make up the Power 5.


2) Dignity Village to close by Jan. 1, transition homeless elsewhere
https://www.alligator.org/news/dignity-village-to-close-by-jan-transition-homeless-elsewhere/article_57fad7e6-d06a-11e9-a102-6b4e2ac936fb.html

The story: The city has decided to shut down Dignity Village by next year. This is a community where the population is free to stay in tents. The city won’t be letting anyone else in, but will be aiding in the transition of the current residents.

The problem presented in the story: Some people, including current residents, will have no place to go once the village is shut down.

Who has the problem: Residents current living in Dignity Village and prospective residents.



3) UF Preview prices broke state law. How are they fixing it?
https://www.alligator.org/news/uf-preview-prices-broke-state-law-how-are-they-fixing/article_2daeae4c-d2b6-11e9-9c0c-9fca1017f082.html

The story: UF Preview is proving to be highly costly to incoming students and their families. Expenses are on average upwards of $200 just to attend Preview, without the costs of lodging, food, and gas. UF is offering customizable Preview packages to make the trip more affordable

The problem presented in the story: Incoming freshman students and their families don’t know where to look for these cheaper options. This information is not available in an easily accessible place, and the link is broken for the website that the information should be on.

Who has the problem: Incoming freshman students and families that have to pay high Preview costs


4) ‘We’ve had enough.’: Students organize protest on Fraternity Drive
https://www.alligator.org/news/we-ve-had-enough-students-organize-protest-on-fraternity-drive/article_699fab64-d107-11e9-b2c2-b38c5b626004.html

The story: Fraternity Row has a serious lack of blue lights compared to all other parts of campus. People are frustrated with SG and UF administration being reluctant to take action. Some are making their concerns known by protesting.

The problem presented in the story: The safety of the entire student body being in jeopardy in the event of any emergency.

Who has the problem: The student body, and specifically the students and speakers protesting


5) UF Police unsure who broke Weaver Hall door overnight
https://www.alligator.org/news/uf-police-unsure-who-broke-weaver-hall-door-overnight/article_417a5a4e-c937-11e9-a84b-739ecf796e22.html

The story: Someone shattered the glass on the door that leads to the entrance of Weaver Hall. The door has a security lock that you need to access with a fob. No one knows how long the door had been broken or who did it.

The problem presented in the story: The security of the hall was compromised for a few hours while many were asleep. Anyone could have been let in the building without permission. No one knows the motive of the person who did it.

Who has the problem: The residents of Weaver Hall.