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
Acting alum Rebecca Henderson ’06 has made her Broadway debut in Cult of Love.
Adjunct Assistant Professor Dana Lok ’15 recently opened her second solo exhibition at Miguel Abreu Gallery, As Syllable from Sound.
Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Adama Delphine Fawundu ’18 is presenting her second solo exhibition at HESSE FLATOW gallery, go-slow.
Columbia alumni, students, and faculty can be found up and down the lineup for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
Numerous Columbia alums and faculty have been honored with nominations for the 40th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles.
Rev Publishing, founded by Writing alum Jessica Ciencin Henriquez '17, is on a mission to disrupt and redefine the publishing indu
Visual Arts alum Sasha Fishman ’24 is debuting her solo exhibition Resurrectura at Murmurs Gallery in Los Angeles, on view from November 9
On a Wednesday afternoon in Kent Hall, a dozen students stand in a circle outside the classroom, eyes closed, arms linked.
In the bustling halls of this year’s Visual Arts + Sound Art Class of 2025 Open Studios Exhibition, second-year Visual Arts and Sound Art students
Visual Arts alum Linnéa Gad ’22 is presenting a new exhibition, Return of the Mollusk, at Astor Weeks.
Filmmaker and Adjunct Professor at Columbia Climate School, Lydia Dean Pilcher, seeks to bring climate back into the cultural conv
Theatre alum Meropi Peponides ’13 sees dramaturgy everywhere: Netflix specials, budgets for stage productions, political campaigns