Saratoga High currently offers 76 clubs, half of which may be cut this year if everything goes according to plan. Due to the numerous inactive clubs, the Associated Student Body (ASB) reached a conclusion to reduce the number of clubs before Club Day on Sept. 16.

The ASB’s goal is to consolidate and minimize clubs, especially those that have disintegrated or become inactive since their time of formation, according to ASB president Ketaki Shriram. The ASB refused to comment on specific clubs they plan to cut.

“When [the ASB] sees the list, we [will] automatically know the clubs we have never met, never had announcements or events for during the
year,” said Shriram, “and we’ll be able to cut those clubs.”

A majority of clubs on campus are similar in nature, said ASB club commissioner Cindy Chang. Consolidation will take place with clubs grouped under big banners according to their common goals.

“It’s for the better,” said ASB vice president Felix Tuan, “because [redundant clubs] are just a waste of our time.”

The ASB sees the creation of many clubs simply as another activity for students to pad their college applications.

“We’ve had colleges come to us, saying we have way too many clubs, and it’s not going to get [students] in,” said Tuan.

Propositions for reducing the number of clubs at SHS are not new. In fact, the idea has been brought up during the past few years, but this year the ASB is determined to carry through.

The ASB has not yet decided on ways to appeal for clubs that believe they are unfairly cut.

“Some students will be upset, because their clubs will not be existing anymore,” said Shriram. “Our intentions are not to hurt anyone’s feelings or to harm what people are trying to do for themselves. We’re just trying to make the school a better place.”

The remaining clubs that have not been cut will be allowed to sign up for Club Day after sending an e-mail to assistant principal Karen Hyde with the required information.