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
Undergraduate Writing students Esther Ollivier and Maximiliam Patel recently published Songcraft, a virtual anthology featuring musicians from around the world.
Alumna Susan Chen ’20 is featured in the solo exhibition I Am Not a Virus at Night Gallery in Los Angeles, CA, on view until October 23, 2021.
The Walker Arts Center announced that Theatre Management and Producing alumna Seena Hodges ’13 has been elected as the president of their board of trustees.
Black as Night, a feature horror film written by alumnus Sherman Payne '10, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 1, 2021.
Adjunct Assistant Professor and Master Printer at the Neiman Center for Print Studies, Nathan Catlin '12 is featured in COMFORT/(DIS)COMFORT at the Centre for Contemporary Printmaking in Norfolk, CT.
Acting alumnus Blaze Mancillas ’12 is the creator and host of Let’s Get Lit Live, a night of music, comedy and short stories at Caveat in New York, NY on October 26, 2021 at 9:30 pm.
Alumna Patrice Renee Washington '14 is featured in the group show Countercapture at Miriam Gallery in Brooklyn, NY until November 7, 2021.
Alumnae Priscilla Aleman ‘19 and A Young Yu ‘19 are both featured in a new exhibit at SoMad.
Last Sunday night was the 74th Annual Tony Awards. Many Columbia University students, alumni, and faculty worked on productions that won.
Directing alumna Marcina Zaccaria ’06 has been accepted to the 2021 Catwalk Artist Residency.
For his thesis production, student Logan Reed directs two short plays by Thornton Wilder.
Two films by Columbia filmmakers were selected to participate in the Asian Project Market during the Busan International Film Festival from October 12 to 14, 2021.