Breaking: Clubs are Changing Next Year

Appleby College's club program is undergoing a significant structural change for the 2026-2027 academic year: all clubs will shift to a half-year model, with very few exceptions. The Hound interviewed Ms. Ludwick, Director of Service Learning and the primary administrative support for the school's clubs program, to get the full picture (who was writing on behalf of the Club Administrators).

What's Actually Changing?

Under the new model, the first semester of clubs will begin in September and conclude at the end of January. From there, students will have the option to either enroll in a brand-new club or re-enroll in their current one for the second semester. Notably, club leaders will be able to retain their positions across both halves - they simply need to re-enroll for the second semester, just like any other member.

There are, however, some exceptions. "Some clubs that have ongoing deliverables (i.e. performances or community programs) will expect students to register for both semesters," Ms. Ludwick explained, adding that "this will be made clear by the club leaders at sign up."

Who Does This Apply To?

The new structure comes with updated participation requirements depending on a student's year. Ms. Ludwick confirmed that "all MS–S1 students will be expected to participate in two semesters of clubs or join one council for the year, while S2 students are required to complete one semester of clubs or a full year council."

Why the Change?

Ms. Ludwick framed the shift as an opportunity rather than a constraint. "A major benefit of the half-year club model is that it gives students the chance to recharge, meet new people, and try out new interests," she said. "Not everyone finds their passion or their community right away, so being able to participate in two clubs in a year really opens up possibilities."

The goal, according to Ms. Ludwick, is to "bring greater consistency to the club experience" while ensuring that "every student has a meaningful and balanced experience, with more opportunities to explore different interests."

The Scope of What's Available

To put the change in context, Appleby's club program is expansive. Ms. Ludwick noted that the school currently offers clubs spanning a wide range of categories: 10 dedicated to art and design, 17 focused on beyond-the-classroom experiences, 8 centered on community advocacy, 4 exploring global citizenship, 9 with a wellbeing focus, and 3 athletic clubs.

What About Councils?

For students involved in councils rather than clubs, the sign-up process will look a little different. "Council sign-up will take place during orientation, and students will sign up for clubs in the first week of school," Ms. Ludwick said. "This should make the process clear and accessible to everyone, and help balance the dynamic between clubs and councils."

The Hound will continue to cover the rollout of these changes as the 2026-2027 school year approaches.