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
Gathering Together is the latest solo show by artist, alumna, and Assistant Professor Adama Delphine Fawundu ’18.
Alumna Alix Sobler ’17 will have her new play, Hindsight, premiere at the Paradise Factory later this month.
Alumna Bat Ami Rivlin '19 is featured in two exhibitions—Untitled (inflatable house, zip ties, blower) at A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn until September 5, 2021, and Excess and Surplus at Sharp Projects Gallery in Copenhagen until September 10, 2021.
Alumnus and adjunct faculty member Matthew Fennell ’18 serves as one of the writers for Netflix’s highly anticipated new series, Brand New Cherry Flavor.
Film alumnus Arie Esiri ’19 was awarded the honor of Best Feature Narrative at the 2021 BlackStar Film Festival for his first feature film, Eyimofe (This Is My Desire).
Humanitas has announced that Film student Felix van Kann is a finalist for the 2021-22 David and Lynn Angell College Comedy Fellowship.
Theatre alumna Cristina (Cha) Ramos ’21 will serve as the intimacy director of a nude production of Antigonick in Prospect Park later this month. The performance is the latest production from Torn Out Theater.
Hector's Woman (La Mujer de Hector), written & directed by Columbia University Film Program student Ricardo Varona and produced by fellow student Annie Pettinga and alumnus Tony Yang '20, recently won the award for Best Short Film at the New Faces, New Voices Film Festival.
The MAP Fund recently announced the recipients of its 2021 grant, naming two projects by SOA alumnae as awardees. La Paloma Prisoner, written by Playwriting alumna Raquel Almazan '15, and TreeTime directed by Directing alumna and professor Ashley Tata '12, will each receive $20,000 in project development funds and $5000 in general operating funds.
Directing alumna Marike Splint '07 has created 32 Acres, an immersive, site-specific soundwalk for the Los Angeles State Historic Park. The app, which will be available through September 29, 2021, can be downloaded here.
Alumnus and adjunct faculty member Sherman Payne ’10 has been tapped to adapt Razorblade Tears for Paramount.
The MAP Fund recently announced the recipients of its 2021 grant: Raquel Almazan '15 and Ashley Tata '12.