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
Columbia College alumna Danielle Evans '04 was recently named one of four finalists for the 2021 Joyce Carol Oates Prize, presented by The Simpson Literary Project, in a private ceremony.
Playwriting alumnus Harrison David Rivers ’09 writes Interlude, which began performances virtually on March 1, 2021.
Alumna Barbara Whitman ’05 partners with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDFC) to establish the Barbara Whitman Award.
The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 25, 2021, more than two months later than the time of the ceremony last year.
Justine, a debut illustrated novel by alumna Forsyth Harmon '13 ('01 CC) was released by Tin House on March 2, 2021. The novel is available for purchase here.
On A Global Scale is a bi-weekly series about international co-productions by Columbia filmmakers.
The Queens Museum (QM) introduces Year of Uncertainty (YoU), a framework for strengthening connection among the Museum, their communities, and constituents, focused on creating new possibilities for culture, kinship, and mutual support.
Little Big Women, co-written by alumna Maya Huang '16, is now available to view on. The film premiered at the 2020 Busan International Film Festival in Taiwan in October.
Permits and Approvals, written and directed by student Jackie Todd, produced by student Caitlin Ferrell and co-produced by student Tyler St. Pierre, screened at the Nevermore Film Festival from February 26 to March 4, 2021.
The Alumni Spotlight is a place to hear from the School of the Arts alumni community about their journeys as artists and creators.
HBO recently named alumnus Brysen Boyd '20 their first ever Writing Fellow to work directly on a show in progress.
Film MA alumnus Peter Labuza '14 won the Society for Cinema and Media Studies Award for Best Dissertation for his essay: “When A Handshake Meant Something: Lawyers, Deal Making, and the Emergence of New Hollywood.”