Student & Alumni Affairs

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

Writing alum Jemimah Weh ’22 has been named one of the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35.

Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program alum Chloe Sarbib ’20 has been selected as a fellow for the prestigious Sundan

Sound Art alum Avishag Cohen Rodrigues ’21 released her newest single, “Some Are,” off her upcoming EP All Happens at Night,

Four Columbia theatre-makers were honored with 2025 Drama League Awards as producers for Oh! Mary and Sunset Boulevard.

Playwriting alum Clarence Coo ’10 was presented with the Horton Foote Award at the Dramatists Guild’s annual awards ceremony on Ap

Writing alum and former adjunct faculty member Katrine Øgaard Jensen '17 has been appointed Executive Director of the American Lit

Former Film student Will Graham (CC '02) is set to direct the Vietnam War thriller Trust the Man, which he also wrote.

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, twenty-nine emerging and established artists celebrated the culmination of their MFA experiences at the School of the

Writing alum Kimberly King Parsons '10 has won the 2025 Ken Kesey Award for Fiction at the Oregon Book Awards for her debut novel

Through her work, School of the Arts playwright Amalia Oliva Rojas gives voice to immigrants and women of color.

Marinaro Gallery is presenting Wet Feet, the first solo painting exhibition in New York by multidisciplinary artist and Visual Arts alum