The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Get tested for COVID-19 after SpringFest

Get tested for COVID-19 after SpringFest

Sam Nylen, Opinion Columnist April 28, 2022

After two years of canceling SpringFest, the University announced the show’s return this year, according to the UPB’s Website. UVM dropped its mask mandate March 19 and lowered other COVID-19 restrictions,...

Students should value friendships found in class

Students should value friendships found in class

Grace Visco, Assistant Opinion Editor April 27, 2022

When I came to UVM, I expected the most important people I would meet to be conveniently living down the hall from my dorm room. Though I made incredible friends this way, the friendships I’ve made...

Dont let mold spread on campus

Don’t let mold spread on campus

Emily Johnston, Opinion Editor April 26, 2022

There is a danger that lurks in dark, wet corners of campus: mold. UVM relocated two students after maintenance found black mold in Coolidge Hall, according to an April 5 Cynic article. Maintenance staff...

UVM should improve housing selection

UVM should improve housing selection

Lucas Martineau, Opinion Columnist April 25, 2022

My experience with sophomore room selection at UVM was mediocre and anxiety-inducing. I was only basing my decision off the Halls page on the UVM ResLife website, which provides no interior photos at...

Legalize kratom for its benefit during withdrawal

Legalize kratom for its benefit during withdrawal

Spencer Hurlburt, Opinion Columnist April 21, 2022

Opioid addiction is a public health problem in Vermont, according to the Vermont Department of Health. Legalizing kratom can help. Kratom, the common name for Mitragyna speciosa, belongs to the coffee...

UVM doesn’t have a weed issue, it has a boredom issue

UVM doesn’t have a weed issue, it has a boredom issue

Lucas Martineau, Opinion Columnist April 20, 2022

UVM’s student body smokes the most weed out of any college or university in the U.S., according to an Aug. 6, 2019 Business Insider article. Smoking cannabis itself is a non-issue. Though the CDC notes...

Change the drinking age to 18

Change the drinking age to 18

Christophe Meunier, Opinion Columnist April 19, 2022

I turned 21 two weeks ago, and upon finally being able to purchase alcohol legally, I went on a bit of a bender. By the time my bender was over, I irresponsibly finished four handles of liquor in a little...

Out-of-state students need a better way to get medication

Out-of-state students need a better way to get medication

Mary Kueser, Opinion Columnist April 18, 2022

I was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder over the 2020-2021 winter break. I was excited to access medication that would make academics more manageable. The difficulty of receiving...

Fact-check news on social media before sharing

Fact-check news on social media before sharing

Mary Kueser, Opinion Columnist April 14, 2022

When I opened Instagram two months ago and learned about the war breaking out in Ukraine, my first instinct was to send the Instagram post I saw to everyone. It took me a minute, but I slowed down, checked...

City Council needs to change zoning regulations

City Council needs to change zoning regulations

Alexander McMurray, Opinion Columnist April 13, 2022

Lack of affordable housing is a harsh reality Burlington residents live with. The city and state government’s restraint of the market creates does not allow for sustainable growth or building affordable...

Burlington needs to improve its bike friendliness

Burlington needs to improve its bike friendliness

Spencer Hurlburt, Opinion Columnist April 12, 2022

Burlington needs to prioritize bikes as a form of transportation. Burlington allocated $1.5 million to bike and pedestrian improvements around the city in their 2022 fiscal year budget, according to a...

Come undeclared to college

Come undeclared to college

Grace Visco, Assistant Opinion Editor April 11, 2022

Dear incoming students, As a current sophomore I came to college having already declared my major, but I frequently wish I came to college undeclared. Use college as an opportunity to find what you love. At...

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