Here's something you've probably not thought about before: in a Mad Max type scenario where the current government on all levels collapses and (for whatever reason) the universities of the RTP are left to duke it out for supremacy, who would come out victorious?

In short, whose programs would prove the most useful in a societal collapse, and why? Hopefully some of you will play along and imagine the possibilities. For the purposes of this scenario, you can assume faculty, staff, students reside at campus.

Here's my breakdown thus far:
NC State
+ Extension programs and the Vet School would ensure a steady supply of healthy crops, meat, and water. Also, Forestry and Paper Science programs provide paper and lumber materials. Vets are also as able medics in a pinch.
+ Textiles nets fabric production abilities, plus access to Kevlar, fire resistant, and other fabrics.
+ Engineers and the machine shops would allow for sophisticated metalworking, vehicle construction, and other technology. Given that Aerospace's final project is basically a Predator drone (including jet engines), we would have an air force of sorts (but would we have avionics capabilities? Likely not.)
+ Design and WKNC would be effective for propaganda.
+ Bigger student body (slightly) means more manpower. Location in Raleigh would potentially mean more conscriptees than Chapel Hill or Durham could field.
+ Edge in ROTC, who would form the core of any militia/security forces. Campus is also more defensible than UNC or Duke. Literal "good old boy" contingent also useful for raids.
+ Burlington Nuclear lab produces at least 1 megawatt, perhaps more?
+ Could enlist area schools (Meredith, Peace, Augustine, Shaw) for auxiliaries.
- Centennial, Vet School, farms, etc. would tie up resources for defense.
- Better suited in a barter-economy situation, less so in endowments/cash reserves.

UNC
+ Med school is a major plus to treat wounded or keep the rest healthy.
+ Produces all steam and 1/4 electricity on campus. (Not sure if NCSU has similar numbers?)
+ NPR and PBS affiliates, plus campus radio probably give UNC the propaganda edge.
+ Better cash reserves, assuming the dollar is not worthless at this point.
+ Larger size also means more manpower available.
+ Abstract art might distract or confuse any raiding party?
- Campus spread out/ less defensible
- Emphasis on liberal arts less useful in a post-apocalypse.

Duke
+ Med school keeps a healthy populace.
+ Better engineering/science capacities than UNC.
+ Best cash reserves
+ Since their buildings look like castles already, I assume they would have some defensive advantages.
+ Durham would supply conscripts to bolster the smaller student body.
- Smaller size means Duke would need a strategic alliance, possibly with UNC? Or would their pride bring them to join NCSU?
- Divided campus

I've probably overlooked plenty, so have at it...

6/9/2009 11:20:42 PM

dude

we have the Ag guys so guns so we just force unc and duke to give us all their shit

easy.

[Edited on June 9, 2009 at 11:23 PM. Reason : eh, you touched on it, but that is easily our biggest advantage]

6/9/2009 11:23:10 PM

Unless we pulled some NC State shit.

[Edited on June 9, 2009 at 11:24 PM. Reason : but assuming no Lee Fowler, NC State shit would decrease in likelihood]

6/9/2009 11:23:45 PM

Quote :

"In short"

6/9/2009 11:24:06 PM

or, you know, they might pool their resources to make it on post-apocalyptic earth

[Edited on June 9, 2009 at 11:26 PM. Reason : WHO AM I KIDDIN? LET'S KICK THOSE FAGGOTS' ASSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

6/9/2009 11:24:26 PM

Quote :

"Since their buildings look like castles already, I assume they would have some defensive advantages."

lol serious thought went into this post

9 mittens out of 10

6/9/2009 11:25:43 PM

whatever, you think state peeps' hate for unc is vitriolic now, imagine what you'll see when they can be killed w/out repercussions!

6/9/2009 11:26:36 PM

waiting for the OH THE UNC FAGGOTS WILL KILL EVERYONE WITH AIDS post...

6/9/2009 11:29:38 PM

I think it's pretty obvious the cooperative angle would be the most realistic and likely to happen, but it's also the least fun.

Engineers: Can anyone enlighten me as to our industrial capabilities? What can we make in the machine shops and the like? I'm fairly sure Formula SAE makes all their own parts, so that would mean we could make cars and such.

6/9/2009 11:44:40 PM

^^ohhh, that WOULD be devious of them

how would they get the state dudes to do them in the butt though???



^well, nc state does have a potential for getting hte nutjobs to hole up in the NE building and try to start a 2nd mini-apocalypse w/ the reactor

i dont know if that counts as winning, losing, forfeiting...

6/9/2009 11:47:57 PM

Someone once told me it's entirely safe even in the event of a meltdown (except for inside the building), so thankfully that wouldn't be much of a worry.

6/9/2009 11:50:46 PM