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
Ella Ruehsen

Ella Ruehsen, Editor-in-Chief

​(She/her) Ella Ruehsen is a senior environmental studies major with minors in political science and reporting and documentary storytelling. Before becoming the editor-in-chief, Ella was the Cynic's news editor. Throughout her time at the Cynic, she's also served as sports editor, as an assistant news editor and as a staff writer for the news section. Ella interned as a general assignment news reporter at the Burlington Free Press during the summer of 2021 and at VTDigger this past summer. Her work with the Cynic has also been published by VTDigger, and she has been interviewed about her past Cynic reporting by WCAX and VPR. Ella's BFP reporting has been featured on USAToday and her VTDigger reporting has been referenced on VPR and featured in Seven Days' newsletter, the Daily 7. In her free time, Ella enjoys reading and exploring the outdoors with friends. 

Email cynicaleditorinchief@gmail.com to get in contact with Ella.

All content by Ella Ruehsen
Changing the Cynic for a changing world

Changing the Cynic for a changing world

September 6, 2022
The Cynic: now and in the future

The Cynic: now and in the future

May 5, 2022
Students run into Lake Champlain at 7 a.m., Nov. 20, 2019.

UVM advances research for water resources and flood forecasting

April 7, 2022
ResLife holds exit sign take back day in response to stolen property “epidemic”

ResLife holds exit sign take back day in response to stolen property “epidemic”

April 6, 2022
UVM nursing professor receives award for autism childbirth research

UVM nursing professor receives award for autism childbirth research

April 4, 2022
Board of trustees see 20% more female membership than in 2020

Board of trustees see 20% more female membership than in 2020

March 31, 2022
Athletics media policies effects on sexual violence coverage

Athletics media policies’ effects on sexual violence coverage

March 22, 2022
A box of KN95 masks sits behind the front desk of the Davis Center on the first floor Jan. 21.

BREAKING: UVM to drop mask mandate March 19

March 16, 2022
The Waterman building sits on S Prospect Street.

Board of trustees re-elects chair, appoints new members

March 2, 2022
UVM research partner faces backlash

UVM research partner faces backlash

March 1, 2022
The Waterman building sits on S Prospect Street.

UVM apologizes for Instagram post

February 24, 2022
The UVM Medical Center Emergency Department Entrance lights the night of Feb. 17.

Roofies reported, investigation underway

February 22, 2022
An admitted student and parent walk past the protest, Feb. 18.

Hundreds protest sexual violence at UVM on Admitted Students Visit Day

February 21, 2022
The Board of Trustees toured the Patrick Gymnasium on Feb. 4. The tour showcased the progress of construction of the Multi-Athletic Center and newly finished bike room and group fitness rooms.

Multimillion dollar recreation facility slated for summer completion

February 8, 2022
Don McCree, chair of the Budget, Finance and Investment Committee flips through the pages of the board of trustees meeting itinerary inside the Livak Ballroom 8:30 a.m. Oct. 29. McCree’s term is set to end March 2026.

Board of trustees approves School of the Arts, terminates several language programs

February 7, 2022
Andy Elrick is the newly hired student media adviser. He serves as the adviser of the Vermont Cynic, WRUV and UVMtv.

New student media adviser hired, following three semester long vacancy

January 27, 2022
A box of KN95 masks sits behind the front desk of the Davis Center on the first floor Jan. 21.

Free KN95 masks available to UVM community

January 21, 2022
Students do work in individual cubicles on the second floor of the Howe Library.

UVM anticipates COVID case peak, plans to move forward with in-person classes due to COVID vaccine requirements

January 13, 2022
Tertiary image for vaccine story

UVM to require COVID-19 booster shots for in-person students

December 22, 2021
Students line up outside the COVID-19 Testing Center Nov. 18.

UVM to require Day-0 COVID-19 testing for spring semester

December 12, 2021
A student composts their food in Central Dining.

Chittenden Solid Waste District no longer accepting compostable packaging in 2022

December 12, 2021
UVM Police cars sit outside the departments headquarters May 2, 2020.

Students react adversely to cannabis edibles, samples to be tested for fentanyl

December 3, 2021
‘We hear you’: UVM updates community on handling of sexual violence

‘We hear you’: UVM updates community on handling of sexual violence

November 19, 2021
Student protesters clasp their hands together and raise them over their heads, mimicking the motion displayed by Hendrick as they stand on top of the Waterman steps May 3.

UVM president delivers report from external review of Title IX office

October 26, 2021

Former UVM student pleads guilty to murder for hire and other charges

October 15, 2021
Featured image for climate change story

Organize UVM draws students out to protest completion of tar sands pipeline

September 27, 2021
UVM President Suresh Garimella announced UVM will freeze tuition for the 2020-2021 school year at an Oct. 26 press conference, marking the third consecutive year of the schools tuition freeze. The president also announced a room and board freeze and a new scholarship for underrepresented students to attend UVM.

Garimella announces fourth consecutive tuition freeze

September 15, 2021
A group of students cross at the intersection on Main Street by University Heights the morning of Sept. 8.

UVM lecturer withholds information about press conference to keep certain message intact

September 13, 2021
Students frustrated over lack of transparency from FSL on fraternity misconduct

Students frustrated over lack of transparency from FSL on fraternity misconduct

September 6, 2021
Thousands of student protestors filled the steps of Waterman building and flooded out past South Prospect Street and onto the Waterman Green May 3.

UVM releases third update to sexual misconduct plan

August 31, 2021
A Walgreens employee fills a syringe with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in the Patrick Gym May 2.

If COVID conditions worsen, unvaccinated students may be removed from campus

August 31, 2021
A sign reminds students to put their masks on before they enter Aug. 28.

Despite University-wide mask policy, RAs not required to enforce masks in dorms

August 30, 2021
Top picks from the Cynics News Editor: 2020-2021 headlines you may have missed

Top picks from the Cynic’s News Editor: 2020-2021 headlines you may have missed

August 30, 2021
Junior Athena Hendrick and Senior Colbalt Tolbert stand on top of the Waterman steps preparing to speak to a crowd of thousands May 3.

Through the eyes of survivors: The systemic mishandling of sexual violence at UVM

May 21, 2021
Masked students stand in lines outside the COVID-19 testing center.

BREAKING: UVM’s mask mandate still in place, despite relaxed government guidelines

May 14, 2021
Thousands of student protestors filled the steps of Waterman building and flooded out past South Prospect Street and onto the Waterman Green May 3.

Thousands call on UVM to reform handling of sexual violence

May 4, 2021
Three students stand smoking joints on the Redstone green April 20.

Many students report increased marijuana consumption as a result of the pandemic

April 26, 2021
Featured Image

COVID cases decrease as vaccines open up for all Vermont adults

April 21, 2021
President Suresh Garimella is the 27th president of UVM. His presidency began July 2019.

Thousands voice no confidence in Garimella administration as grievances mount

April 13, 2021
The UVM testing hours have been updated starting the week of April 5 to accommodate the twice-a-week testing.

Campus reopens for tours as COVID cases continue to rise

April 6, 2021
A testing vial sits in a makeshift distribution pipe at UVMs COVID-19 testing site.

COVID-19 at UVM: Off-campus cases rise sharply, UK variant detected

March 23, 2021
To meet the new testing requirements some students now need to get tested on Saturdays.

COVID-19 round-up: 41 positives, extended twice-weekly testing and graduation plans

March 16, 2021
Students line up in the COVID testing line March 1. At 5:00 one end of the line started near Aiken and the other started past the Royal Tyler Theatre.

COVID cases decrease and students wait in long lines on first day of twice-weekly testing

March 2, 2021
A sign in the entryway of the Davis Center COVID-19 testing location warns students that if they have symptoms they cannot test at this location. As the number of COVID-19 cases has increased at UVM over the last three weeks, officials put in place new restrictions Feb. 25.

BREAKING: UVM announces twice weekly COVID-19 testing, harsher penalties

February 25, 2021
Ella Ruehsen, a UVM sophomore and assistant news editor for the Cynic stands at the center window of Slade Hall Feb. 13. Slade Hall is a residence hall on Redstone Campus which has been reserved for COVID positive students.

Inside COVID isolation at UVM: reporter recounts surreal stay with no masks and limited supervision

February 23, 2021
Signs inform students of specific numbers to call and resources they can be provided for COVID care hang on the wall of the sixth floor of Jeanne Mance Feb. 5.

[Photo]

The provided bedside table in college resident halls are typically filled with memorabilia and knick-knacks, in Slade Hall students bring only the essentials with them.

[Photo]

A common room inside of Slade Hall sits empty with a few empty cups and plates littering the tables Feb. 11.

[Photo]

An empty Slade Hall bedroom on the second floor of the dormitory has a window that looks out to South Prospect Street Feb. 11.

[Photo]

Food waste and containers pile up in recycling and trash bins inside the Slade Hall kitchen. Trash pick-ups were not coordinated regularly causing an overflow in the bins.

[Photo]

A van used to transport COVID positive students is parked outside of Slade Hall.

[Photo]

Decals in the women’s bathroom instruct students to use the provided wipes to wipe down the sink counter after every use inside of Jeanne Mance.

[Photo]

Paper Towels overflow in the women’s bathroom Feb. 11.

[Photo]

A room key for a Slade Hall dorm room sits on top of a folder with a contract students in Slade must sign when they first arrive as well as an information packet on how to contact Slade hall staff and when mealtime drop-offs occur.

[Photo]

An empty hallway on the second floor of Slade Hall shows no sign of the students who are quarantining behind the doors.

[Photo]

The Slade Hall kitchen is stocked with a variety of snacks and foods for students to eat while they are in quarantine.

[Photo]

Packaged meals are left at the door of Slade Hall for quarantining students to come pick up. The meals for breakfast and lunch were the same every day consisting of melon slices, a bagel, a granola bar and a Chobani yogurt cup for breakfast and a sandwich with a bag of chips for lunch.

[Photo] A school year in photos

May 22, 2021
A common room inside of Slade Hall is empty Feb. 11. This is one of two common areas that students can use inside of Slade Hall.

[Photo]

When students arrive at Jeanne Mance they are presented with two options, to quarantine alone or to quarantine with their roommate, if their roommate was contact traced.

[Photo]

Mercy Hall, a residential building on Trinity campus is where quarantining students are being moved.

BREAKING: UVM expands quarantine housing as cases near 100 for the semester

February 21, 2021
A Color COVID-19 testing kit is opened to display the contents of the kit Jan. 25. The kit includes a nasal swab, a testing tube, a biohazard bag and a return shipping mailer.

More than 1,000 students missing pre-arrival test results during spike in cases

February 12, 2021
Jeanne Mance became UVMs designated quarantine and isolation building for students at the beginning of the semester. Located on Pearl Street, the residence hall is surrounded by other UVM buildings and Burlington homes.

‘There is no real surveillance of this place’: A look inside UVM quarantine as COVID cases rise

November 9, 2020
UVM students stand in a long line outside of the Davis center Covid testing site, Sept. 10.

BREAKING: Six more positive COVID-19 cases days after Halloween

November 4, 2020
Senior Aidan Doherty stands outside the Fletcher Free Library on Nov. 3 holding up a David Zuckerman campaign sign as he thanks students for voting. Doherty is a member of the UVM College Democrats.

‘Kind of weird and nerve wracking’: UVM students head to the polls on election day

November 3, 2020
Im simply stating the facts: Media adviser threatens to fire Cynic Editor-in-Chief

‘I’m simply stating the facts’: Media adviser threatens to fire Cynic Editor-in-Chief

October 21, 2020
Former UVM seniors watch a virtual graduation May 17. Two months after UVM was supposed to release students’ graduation plans, the University has refused to say when the ceremony will occur.

Class of 2020 left in the dark over postponed commencement ceremony

October 14, 2020
UVM Junior Julianne Lesch looks over the form for selecting at-home learning July 8.

In-person and remote options for Spring semester remain unknown

September 25, 2020
UVM students stand in a long line outside of the Davis center Covid testing site, Sept. 10.

UVM finalizes spring 2021 calendar with little student input

September 24, 2020
Signage on the door of a UVM residence hall reminds community members of the schools COVID-19 rules, including social distancing and the buildings new no-guest policy.

Proposed Spring calendar pushes back start date to Feb. 1, eliminates Spring break

September 18, 2020
A group of students sit together on the Redstone Green, Sept. 11. Students had gathered in large groups several days before over Labor Day weekend, drawing UVM Police to the scene.

‘You can’t put reins on kids’: Hundreds gather on Redstone Green as cops watch, unsure how to act

September 16, 2020
Mayor Miro Weinberger (left) and Brian Lowe, Burlington’s Chief Innovation Officer (right), discuss UVMs disciplinary policies for breaking COVID-19 rules during a Sept. 2 press briefing over Zoom.

BREAKING: At least one UVM student has been suspended after breaking COVID policies, says mayor

September 2, 2020
UVM Police cars sit outside the departments headquarters May 2, 2020.

On a quiet campus, UVM Police take on new roles

May 15, 2020
Tim Bilodeau was named the chief of UVM Police in March 2020. Previously, Bilodeau served as Deputy Chief before stepping into the role of interim Chief following Lianne Tuomeys retirement.

UVM appoints new police chief following job search

April 23, 2020
From emergency ventilators to personal protective equipment, members of the UVM community have stepped up to aid in the fight against COVID-19. Left, a portion of an emergency ventilator is made (Photo by Ian Thomas Jansen-Lonnquist). Right, Than Moore stand in front of the UVMMC Emergency Room (Photo by Taran Catania SI-MBA20).

UVM community innovates to save lives in fight against COVID-19

April 16, 2020
Two Advocat tour guides give a virtual tour to prospective students. UVMs campus remains closed except for essential operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UVM Admissions makes virtual moves to continue recruiting prospective students

April 7, 2020
Students advised to bring academic materials home as concerns over the new coronavirus heighten

Students advised to bring academic materials home as concerns over the new coronavirus heighten

March 6, 2020
A man and woman don masks at the Bernie Sanders Rally March 3, in Essex Junction. Concerns about the Coronavirus have influenced many peoples conduct in the recent weeks, including the use of protective masks.

BREAKING: UVM students pulled out of Italy, as Coronavirus concerns intensify

March 4, 2020
A UVM employee parking pass hangs from the rearview mirror of a car in Jeffords parking lot. Parking permits are assigned according to the workplace of the employee.

Program encourages staff to ditch their cars

March 4, 2020
Mamava employee Erica Hutchins holds her 1-year-old son at the lactation station reveal, Feb. 4. Mamava is a women-owned company with all products made within the U.S.

UVM unveils new breastfeeding spaces

February 11, 2020
Sophomore Joey Henrikson stands in the parking lot of the Army ROTC building, Jan. 16. Army ROTC has scholarships available for both college-bound highschool students and currently enrolled college students.

UVM ROTC program instills community and leadership in students

January 30, 2020
Keith Smith, adviser for One in Four and the Men’s Outreach Coordinator at UVM Counseling and Psychiatry Services, sits in his office, Dec. 5. The men’s group has experienced membership decline this semester.

Sexual assault awareness group seeks new members

December 17, 2019
UVM employee Luci Pecor works the front desk of the Registrar’s office, Nov. 1. The University currently has 15 gen ed requirements in place and is looking to have 40 by 2025.

UVM forced to add 25 general education requirements

November 7, 2019
A UVM police car sits in the Davis Center circle, Oct. 25, 2019.

UVM Police Services loses only female sergeant

October 30, 2019
Members of the Abenaki Tribe and Burlington community participate in Indigenous People’s Day celebrations, Oct. 15. Two Abenaki Chiefs, Chief Don Stevens and Chief Roger Longtoe Sheehan, as well as Lt. Governor David Zuckerman and President Suresh Garimella, were present at the event.

UVM celebrates Vermont’s first Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 21, 2019
The UVM boulder sits on its base outside Old Mill, Oct. 11. The boulder, being perfectly round, symbolises well-roundedness at the University.

A look at UVM’s Boulder Society

October 17, 2019
Preacher Keith Darrell stands in the Andrew Harris Commons, surrounded by onlookers, Sept. 30. Although many voiced objections to Darrell’s rhetoric, his presence was protected under the First Amendment.

Controversial preacher raises First Amendment questions

October 9, 2019
BREAKING: Student protestors rally against preacher on campus

BREAKING: Student protestors rally against preacher on campus

September 30, 2019
A screenshot of a beta version of the online interface to access the results of the Campus Climate Survey.

Campus Climate Survey data goes live online

September 27, 2019
Burlington based music group, The Bubs, performs at Grand Point North, Sept. 15. The festival hosted 17 musical acts, including UVM senior Lili Traviato under the stage name Princess Nostalgia.

Grand Point North attracts artists from near and far

September 27, 2019
The latest email scam targeting UVM students was sent out Sept. 6. The email falsely offered an opportunity to work with disabled children on campus.

Student emails hit with scams once again

September 20, 2019
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The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883
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Ella Ruehsen