A Welcome Message from Laila Maher
Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs
Now more than ever it is crucial for artists to be supported as they pursue their craft. The life of an artist as well as that of a student involves much more than the classroom and the work itself, and this is where the Office of Student Affairs comes in. In addition to guiding new students through the process of transitioning to the School of the Arts, we plan the School-wide orientation, School of the Arts Convocation, and support student groups, events, and activities.
We also play a critical role in connecting School of the Arts students to the larger university and necessary services, and help students navigate many of the central offices including Health Services (which houses the Office of Disability Services, Insurance, Immunization, and Counseling and Psychological Services), Columbia Residential, Public Safety, University Life, the International Students and Scholars Office, and the Registrar's Office. Our office also helps to uphold many of the School and University-wide policies and we manage the School’s disciplinary procedures.
The Artists’ Resource Center, also part of our Office, maintains information on funding opportunities and career resources for students and alumni at the Columbia University School of the Arts, and provides consultations to students and alumni to help them look for professional development opportunities and more.
After graduation, the Office of Alumni Affairs provides more than 7000 alumni artists, creators, and leaders with opportunities to stay connected with the School of the Arts, the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA), and one another through alumni programming, benefits, a monthly newsletter, and collaborations with CAA Arts Access.
Our ultimate goal is to support our students and alums while they pursue their education as valued members of our dynamic community and as they navigate their time after graduation.
Student & Alumni News
The Alumni Spotlight is a place to hear from the School of the Arts alumni community about their journeys as artists and creators.
In this special edition of Filmmakers Connect, we speak with Ben Odell '04 and his mentee, Mitch Gomes '20.
Film alumnus Ken Kristensen ’08 has written two episodes of Peacock’s The Continental: From the World of John Wick.
Five Star Stranger, a debut novel by Writing alumna Kat Tang ’22, will be published by Scribner Books, a subsidiary of Simon & Schuste
The Urbanworld Film Festival has released its 2023 slate of films, and three Columbia filmmakers will be screening their short films at the New Yor
The 39th Warsaw International Film Festival held October 6 to 15, 2023 awarded the Grand Prix to Coral, a short film written and directed
Loneliness & Company, a debut novel from Adjunct Assistant Professor and alumna Charlee Dyroff ’20 (CC ’15), is forth
Adjunct Assistant Professor Michael Cacioppo has participated in the launch of the Hulu/ESPN Series Algiers, America as the online editor.
Decentered Playwriting, a new book from Routledge Press, will be released this December and features the work of Playwriting alumna Luz L
Film Alumni Rob Cristiano ’13 and Valeria Contreras ’23 have been selected for the 2023 Film Independent Producers Lab.