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
Children of Light and Till We Find Them, two films from Columbia filmmakers, have both moved on to the finalist round in the 2023
Wound—an autobiographical novel by Olga Vasyakina translated from the Russian by Writing alumna Elina Alter ’16—was recently published by
Film Alumna Sushma Khadepaun ’20 has been selected as a participant for The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Artist Academy.
Writing alumnus E.J. McAdams ’98 published LAST, a collection of poetry, with BlazeVOX last month.
Children of Light, a thesis film directed by Minkyu Kang ’22, has received numerous awards and recognition since its fest
The 2023 Toronto International Film Festival is underway and several projects from Columbia filmmakers are among this year’s selection of films.
Playwriting alumnus Alaudin Ullah ’22 will bring his one-person, multi-character play Dishwasher Dreams to The Old Globe
Since mid-summer, and continuing on until December 30, 2023, The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College has feature
Several School of the Arts faculty members and alumni are presenting work at the 2023 Armory Show from