Mission Statement

We, the voice of St. Michael’s College, strive to create high quality journalism collected on a foundation of integrity. We represent the pulse of our campus by facilitating a forum for information, enlightening and thought-provoking conversation. Through fair, in-depth reporting, accurate storytelling and exceptional visuals, The Defender aims to professionally and ethically deliver the truth to our diverse audience.

If you would like to contribute to The Defender, email defender@smcvt.edu

The Defender welcomes opinions and input from the student community, including story concepts, letters to the editor and op-eds. Please follow these guidelines:

Letters to the editor

● Limit letters to 250 words or less.

● Keep the tone respectful.

● Include your name, phone and email in the letter. A member of the Defender staff will be contacting you to verify that you wrote the piece.

● Include a 1-2 sentence bio that acknowledges any relationship or affiliation you have to the subject or anything else that should be included.

● Send them to defender@smcvt.edu.

Op-ed “Voices”

● Limit the op-ed to 700 words or less.

● Keep the op-ed focused and clear.

● Keep the tone respectful.

● Include your name, title or class, email and phone. A member of the Defender staff will be contacting you to verify that you wrote the piece.

● Include a 1-2 sentence bio that acknowledges any relationship or affiliation you have to the subject or anything else that should be included.

● Send them to defender@smcvt.edu.

Story/article ideas

If you have a story concept for the Defender, write up a brief description of the idea, along with any sources you might suggest who could inform the piece. Please keep in mind that the Defender focuses on articles that have importance to its audience.

● If YOU would like to write the article, make that clear and an editor will be in touch to talk with you about the possibilities. Please note that objectivity is critical to a successful news article or feature article.

● Send story concepts to defender@smcvt.edu.