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
Left Bank Books recently hosted Writing Alumnus G’Ra Asim ’18 for an evening of reading and conversation.
The Visual Arts and Sound Art Class of 2020 Thesis Exhibition is now on display at the Wallach Art Gallery.
The Community of Literary Magazines and Presses recently announced its shortlist for the 2021 Firecracker Awards, given annually "to celebrate books and magazines that make a significant contribution to our literary culture and the publishers that strive to introduce important voices to readers far and wide."
Film Independent recently announced that film alumnus Iesh Thapar '17 has been chosen to participate in their 2021 Screenwriting Lab.
Burnside Review recently announced that alumna and Adjunct Professor Meghan Maguire Dahn '14 won their 2021 Book Press Award for her book of poetry, Domain.
Behind the D4 is an interview series about the D4 films made by Film MFA Program students.
The Commonwealth Foundation announced today that alumna Kanya D'Almeida '18 is a regional winner of the 2021 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for her story, "I Cleaned The—."
Two films written and directed by Film students are premiering at the Sarasota Film Festival from April 30 to May 9, 2021.
Out of the Past, Into the Future is a series that aims to chronicle a limitless scope of work by Columbia filmmakers representative of the past, present, and future.
Three alumni were selected to participate in Hillman Grad Productions and Indeed's Rising Voices program.
Between Two Dawns, written, directed and produced by current student Selman Nacar, was acquired for distribution by Paris-based sales company Luxbox Films.
Unorthodox, a mini series created by alumna Anna Winger (CC '93), and Immigration Nation, executive produced by non-degree alumnus Dan Cogan '96, both won awards at the 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards.