http://onwardstate.com/2017/03/13/penn-state-cancels-all-classes-on-tuesday/
Penn State University cancelled classes for Tuesday, March 14 due to the predicted outcome of snowfall from winter storm Stella.
Source: Onward State
The Axle: It is incredibly rare for Penn State University to cancel classes. This action stresses how potentially large the storm could be. I think it would interesting to analyze not only how rare a storm like this is, but ask why the University made the executive decision to cancel classes. Moreover, when classes are cancelled, it is important to speak with both faculty and students about the implications of missing a class.
The Riders: I would first get a statement from someone on the board at Penn State who helped ultimately decided to cancel classes. I would ask about their thought process and rationing behind the decision. I want to understand how a large university goes about making the decision and what factors they consider when debating it. It would also be important to talk to someone in the meteorology department about the storm and its consequences. Lastly, it would be important to speak to both faculty as well as students about how class cancelation affects them and whether they personally thought it was necessary.
The Spokes: I would want to get sound from someone who helped make the call to cancel classes. Idealistically, they would be explaining to give insight into how and why they made the decision that they did. Moreover, I would want to get natural sound of the state college streets as the snow begins to start and their may be some lone people on the roads (or drunk college kids celebrating the cancellation). I also want to get interviews from faculty and students alike explaining whether they agree with the decision or not and how it affects them. Lastly, I would get a sound bite from an expert that could explain the storm and its impact. I would want to shoot standup from the desolate university campus in order to depict what a snow day looks like at Penn State.
The Rim:
Beginning: I would begin the package by explaining that Penn State has cancelled classes and emphasize how rare it is for the University to take such action. From here, I would could to a sound bite from an official who helped make the decision, explaining more about how and why they decided to cancel classes. I would get shots of the University as well as cut to a weather map explaining the winter storm’s expected outcomes around the Pennsylvania area.
Middle: I would obtain interviews from both students and faculty about their thoughts and opinions on the cancellation. It would be important to film tonight as many students might be out celebrating, despite the weather warnings. I would ask them to discuss how the cancellation affects their classes and extracurriculars this week, whether that be for the better or worse.
End: I would cut to an interview from a professional in the meteorology department who could explain the winter storm, its size and impact compared to previous storms. I would ask if they thought cancelling classes was a good idea and moreover, what state college residents should be prepared for in the next two days. The end would cut back to me doing a standup that explains contact information if any State College resident has questions or concerns.