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
The 30th Annual Kleban Prizes for Musical Theatre were presented earlier this month, honoring the work of musical theatre composers, lyricists, and
Molly Bit, a debut novel by Writing alumnus Dan Bevacqua ’11 was published by Simon and Schuster on February 4, 2020.
Theatre alumna Raquel Almazán ’15 was named the new President of the Indie Theater Fund Board of Directors.
Even though Pizza Girl, debut novel by alumna Jean Kyoung Frazier ’18 has yet to hit bookstores (scheduled for release this summer), it has already
On A Global Scale is a bi-weekly series about international co-productions by Columbia filmmakers.
Alumna and Adjunct Assistant Professor Hilary Leichter ’12 debuts her novel, Temporary, releasing on March 3 from Coffee
After its successful run at the Santa Barbara Film Festival in January 2020, The Restoration, written and directed by alumnus Alon
Stars Behind The Stars is a bi-weekly series featuring theatre makers behind the scenes.
Caborca, an alumni based theatre company, celebrated 10 years with a bilingual performance of Javier Antonio González's Zoetrope at the 2n
Alumna Jessica Shields ’18 has been selected for the AFI Directing Workshop for Women Class of 2021.
Alumna Lucy Powis ’18 produced Really Really Gorgeous at The Tank.
The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, established in 1978, is given annually to recognize women who have written works of outstanding quality for the En