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
Film student Zefan Wang takes home 2025 Student Academy Award in the Narrative Category for his short film, Kubrick, Like I Love You.
Visual Arts alum and Adjunct Assistant Professor Sasha Fishman '24 explores aquatic affairs in her new solo exhibition, Shad Mode, at ILY2 Gallery in Portland, Oregon.
This fall, Eli Klein Gallery presents Quan Wenfei: Internet Archaeology, a debut solo exhibition for Visual Arts alum Quan Wenfei '25.
Writing alum, former faculty, and acclaimed translator Katrine Øgaard Jensen '17 has published her first book of poetry, Ancient Algorithms, with Sarabande Books.
Acting alum William Appiah '24 appears in And Then There Were No More at La Mama, a new play by actor Tim Blake Nelson and directed by Mark Wing-Davey, which runs through November 2, 2025.
Doin’ It, a new comedy directed and co-written by Sara Zandieh '11, had its theatrical release on September 19, 2025. The film follows the life of Maya, played by Lilly Singh, who works as a substitute teacher while developing an app for teens. Through her side-job, this 30-year-old virgin finds herself teaching sex education.
Visual Arts alum Motohiro Takeda '23 is showing artwork as part of a group show at MAMA Projects in Midtown Manhattan. The show, Mutable Landscapes, is currently on view until October 9, 2025.
The longlist for the 2025 First Novel Prize from the Center for Fiction includes This is the Only Kingdom by Assistant Professor of Writing Jaquira Díaz and Liquid, a Love Story by Mariam Rahmani '21.
Film alum and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies Daryl Wang '25 took home the Sonje Award for Best Short Film (Asia) at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival for his film Delay.
Good Boy is set to open in theaters on Friday, October 3, 2025. The horror movie, shot from the perspective of a dog, is making its way to theaters after a massively successful festival run.
Sister Creatures, a debut novel by Writing alum Laura Venita Green '22, will be published October 7, 2025 from Unnamed Press.
Nonfiction alum Sasha Bonét '16 has published a debut memoir, The Waterbearers, with Alfred A. Knopf.