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 year for Columbia filmmakers at the DGA Student Film Awards.
Alumna Deborah Chow ’03 became the first woman to direct a live-action installment in the Star Wars franchise when she directed two episodes of Dis
Alumna Lisa Cholodenko ’97 directed three episodes of the Netflix series Unbelievable, which premiered in September to rave reviews.
Alumnus Will Graham ’02 and his company, Field Trip Productions, have signed a first look deal with Amazon Studios.
Current student John Rivas is currently in a two-person show with February James at Ross+Kramer Gallery in New York.
Diversity in Film is a bi-weekly series covering underrepresented voices in Film.
The Alumni Spotlight is a place to hear from the School of the Arts alumni community about their journeys as artists and creators.
Two Columbia films were announced as winners in the IFP’s inaugural Student Short Film Showcase at the Gotham Awards this week.
Ford v Ferrari, the newest film by alumnus James Mangold ’99, crossed a major box office milestone by surpassing $200 million in global ticket sale
Conversations with Artists in Art Getting Art is a bi-weekly series and a play on Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
Collective 131, a gallery based in Hoboken, New Jersey, is a space devoted to promoting the work of women artists.