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
Miracle, a feature film written, directed, produced and edited by Assistant Professor and alumnus Bogan Apetri '06, took home the Grand Prix at the 37th edition of the Warsaw Film Festival last week.
Alumnus Jeffrey Meris ’19 is featured in two shows this fall. They are: Sanctuary at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, New York and Free Body at Mestre Projects in the Bahamas.
Graywolf Press released Such Color: New and Selected Poems by alumna Tracy K. Smith '97 on October 5, 2021.
Alumnus Patrick Clement '20 has been selected as one of six screenwriters to participate in the Black List Features Lab.
Alumni Mary Wang ’16 and Jared Jackson ’20 were recently selected as the 2021 winners of The Center for Fiction/Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship.
Alumna Lauren Wolkstein ’10 recently directed Episode 7 of the new DC Comics adaptation, Y: The Last Man, which aired on Hulu last Monday, October 11, 2021.
Three films by Columbia University filmmakers will screen at the 2021 Bushwick Film Festival.
Alumna Devra Fox ’16 is featured in a solo exhibition at Hesse Flatow Gallery, on view from October 14 to November 13, 2021. This show highlights new graphite drawings by the San Francisco-based artist.
Acting alumnus Greg Cuellar ’17 recently made his network television debut on NBC's New Amsterdam. Cuellar portrayed an indigenous psychiatric doctor-in-residency, referred to as Resident Chitto, for Episode Two of Season Four, entitled We’re in This Together.
Three filmmakers have been honored at the 29th annual Hamptons International Film Festival, which took place from October 7-13, 2021. They are: Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović ’17, Olive Nwosu ’21, and student Kathy E. Mitrani.
Two short films by Columbia University filmmakers premiered on Hulu as part of the streaming network's Bite Size Halloween series.
“I dreamed there was a city. My home. And the sky arched blue above it as if to hold it in its gaze. As if it would last forever. Great in its history. Famous in its exploits.”