Student & Alumni Affairs

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

It’s been a successful 35th edition of the Sundance Film Festival for Columbia filmmakers with three films taking home prestigious prizes.

Theatre alumna Meropi Peponides '13 will join Sarah Benson, Artistic Director, and Cynthia Flowers, Executive Director, as Artistic Development and

Columbia alumnae Melina León '08 and Elisa Lleras '11 were both honored at the 2020 Palm Springs International Film Festival in early January.

The Swells, a feature screenplay by alumna Rachel James earned a coveted spot on the 15th annual Black List in December.

Inez & Doug Kira, a feature written & directed by alumna Julia Kots ’08, will play as part of the Big Apple Film Festival next week.

A Prayer for Orion: A Son's Addiction and a Mother's Love, a memoir by fiction alumna Katherine James ’06 was published by IVP Books in January, 20

A group exhibit in Forest City Gallery titled Through Clenched Teeth explores the moment when consumption becomes painful.

The Institute of Contemporary Art in London commissioned a work by Professor Rirkrit Tiravanija to be stationed permanently in the institute’s lowe

Alumna Angelica Chéri ‘13 writes Gun & Powder a new musical which had its world premiere production at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA.

Acting alumnus Blaze Mancillas ’12 is the new host of Song Pop Live, a daily music trivia show available on all mobile devices in the USA and Canad