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 alumni Bari Robinson '10 and Grayson Powell '11 are featured in episode four of AMC's new series, Kevin Can F*ck Himself.
Writing Alumnus Daniel Penny '16 has been named one of the three Spring 2021 recipients of the prestigious McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism.
Student Aliza Brugger recently directed and edited the music video for artist Sa-Roc's new single Wild Seeds. Alumnus Scott Gerlomes '20 served as producer.
Third-year Acting student Kristin Dodson was recently cast as a series regular in Showtime’s new comedy series Flatbush Misdemeanors.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Living Document, a new play by alumna Dianne Nora '15, will be presented as a Play-PerView virtual reading on June 12, 2021.
The Playwright’s Room is a series featuring the newest cohort of Columbia Playwriting students.
Alumnus Davíð Már Stefánsson '19 has written multiple episodes for Katla, the first original Netflix show from Iceland, created by director Baltasar Kormákur and co-created by showrunner Sigurjón Kjartansson.
Slow Machine, a feature film co-directed and written by alumnus Paul Felten '04 and produced by alumnus and Adjunct Professor Shrihari Sathe '09, will screen virtually at Metrograph from June 5 to 10, 2021.
Race for the Vaccine, a television documentary edited by alumnus Shayon Maitra '17, had its premiere on CNN on May 15. The film is currently available for streaming on demand via cable/satellite systems, CNNgo platforms, and CNN mobile apps.
Two filmmakers will have their films screen at the 2021 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. They are: The Virgin, The Old Lady, The Journey, (La Virgen, La Vieja y el Viaje), written & directed by fifth-year Film student Natalia Luque and produced by alumna Marta Cruañas Compés '20, and Don’t Come Close by alumnus Daniel Pfeffer ‘18.
Award-Winning Playwright and Theatre alumna Daaimah Mubashshir ‘15 will join Bard’s Theater and Performance Program faculty as the Playwright in Residence for Fall 2021.
In the quiet Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen, there is one building unlike any other.