Former Sen. Ben Sasse Takes Office as University of Florida President

I actually think it is pretty awesome that you have taken that position.

 

It was a nice very laid back small and very southern town all those many years ago - I was in grad school. I liked living and learning there a lot.

 

Main thing that stood out to me is that everyone is nice. I mean this in all sincerity, uf campus reminds me more and more of this too hot forum.

 

I think that’s probably because there’s a lot more cultural similarity at Auburn. Florida is a diverse state and that’s going to be reflected in its student body.

 

Something to this. AU was the first place I ever saw coeds sitting in class with a spit cup for their dip.

 

Which I have no problem with. But it’s way different than when I was there 25 years ago. Just not somewhere I would’ve wanted to spend the last, almost carefree, time if my life. Before hitting the workforce.

 

To each their own for sure. I loved it 40 years ago and both my kids loved it ten years ago. Best wishes to your daughter as she finds a great fit for her.

 

My bad. I do have a hard time seeing beyond the dollars.

You know your daughter, the dynamics, etc.

All I see is $$$.

 

Sasse stopped by a senate meeting this past week. Did not make the best impression. President of the grad student council asked him a pretty harmless questions and Sasse's response was unnecessary defensiveness and an awkward response. The guy is so awkward right now. I know it's early - but man he has been kind of unexpectedly cringe so far. I expected him to be much more polished in public.

Some speculate the big thing is he isn't as prepared right now. he had a team of 32 people helping him every day as a senator. Word is he only brought 8 to UF. Basically - it looks like this guy really stinks being authentic off the cuff. He'll have to get A LOT better at that. Like A LOT better. And fast.

 

*sigh* Auburn had more applicants than Florida in 2022. They accepted more than twice as many of them too. 71% to 29%.

Your daughter will be fine wherever she goes. I’ve often argued that I wouldn’t be any less successful if I’d attended FSU vs Florida, but it doesn’t make them peers in academics. Just as Florida isn’t peers with Princeton and Yale.

 

From the Auburn site:

• ACT: 23-30 (Alabama Resident)
• ACT: 26-31 (Non-Resident)
• SAT:1120-1350 (Alabama Resident)
• SAT: 1210-1350 (Non-Resident)
• GPA: 3.8-4.3
• 
  from the UF site:
• 
  
• 
  Historically it’s been tougher to get into UF in state than out of state, though that may change as our reputation nationally improves.

 

Same here and I know a couple of kids at UF now who are loving it, well except for the football season. Never heard anything about it being toxic.

Family member interviewed for a job at Auburn awhile back. He passed, thought it was a bad fit for his family, tiny town in the middle of nowhere. I agreed, never saw the attraction, plus it's in Alabama.

That said, if the daughter got into UF she will do fine at Auburn. UF isn't for everybody. Letting her choose is good parenting.

 

My bro in law transferred from an ivy school to UF, he wanted to be closer to home. You just never know what motivates people. And that’s fine, find your niche and be happy.
But I have not heard from anyone I know at UF about anything being toxic among students (and I have 2 family members there now and a third person from a family I am close to). There have always been protests of various kinds. It’s part of the fabric of any good university.

 

Yeah, I can't really imagine any major public university isn't going to have some student activists. But I can't say what's happening on UF's campus right now, and if somebody is unhappy there, they should follow their heart to where they will be happier.

 

LOL, my son ended up in a political you tube video his freshman year. He avoids certain areas on campus like the plague.

 

It’s always been that way on the Plaza, though. I have the dubious honor of being called a whore by Brother Jed

 

My oldest kid graduated from UF only 3 years ago and looooooooooved it. Still crazy about it. His new wife too. They are academically nerdy and huge sports fans though. If you like the combination of sports and academics few places are as good.

UF is bigger than Desantis.

 

Why "unexpectedly cringe"? He has never presented himself as an even a decent orator. He was terrible on the Senate floor and in public appearances as a Senator.

None of that matters though. He just has to be a good little puppet for the Governor's office and he will be just fine.

 

OMG were you wearing pants? Jezebel!!

 

Worse, I had on a sorority jersey. Going to hell for sure.