In May 2025, University of North Texas sophomore Ben Wilcox took a common challenge faced by college students into his own hands. Recognizing the ongoing struggle with degree planning, he created an innovative website to ensure students are no longer caught off-guard by unavailable courses. His journey from idea to implementation offers insight into a student’s remarkable capacity for problem-solving and innovation.
Tackling a Persistent Academic Problem
Every student dreads enrolling in a course only to find it unavailable. Wilcox, a double major in mathematics and computer science, realized that accurate course availability was often a mystery. According to KERA News, this was a personal challenge he could not ignore.
Crafting the Solution
Driven by necessity, Wilcox devised the website over just three weeks, often losing track of time as he worked outdoors into the night. His tool captures the historical availability of courses from UNT’s Faculty Information System, making it accessible for his peers. His novel use of web scraping allowed him to translate raw data into usable, searchable information.
Bridging the Gap for Academic Success
Wilcox’s tool not only benefits his degree planning but also aims to assist fellow UNT students in achieving academic success. By providing clarity on course history and availability, it ensures students choose electives wisely, potentially paving the path for timely graduations.
Future Innovations on the Horizon
With eyes set on further enhancements, Wilcox is exploring AI integration to streamline course searches. Moreover, an accompanying app that tracks academic achievements is in development, reflecting his vision for a more supportive academic environment.
Embracing a Future with AI
Enthusiastic about the growing role of AI, Wilcox’s ambitions extend beyond his current projects. He hopes to pursue advancements in AI technology, potentially seeking a master’s degree to further cement his role in this transformative field.
Wilcox’s journey from frustration to innovation demonstrates the power of student-driven solutions and the potential for significant impact when technology meets a genuine need.