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
Acting alumna Lori Laing ’17 performs in the new Classic Stage Company production of Dracula by Kate Hamill. This rendition confronts the sexism in Bram Stoker’s original work and subjugates it as a smart and disquieting feminist revenge fantasy.
Acting Alumnus Matt Hurley ’12 performed in two hit television shows in 2019: HBO’s Succession and Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Godflower, a novella by alumnus Kevin Magruder ’15 will debut with the literary press Outpost 19, which specializes in short story publication. The book is scheduled for release on March 4, 2020.
Acting alumna Lori Laing ’17 performs in the new Classic Stage Company production of Dracula by Kate Hamill.
The third installment in the Woman in Language series took place at the Katherine Otto-Bernstein Screening Room at the Lenfest Centre for the Arts on January 31st at 7:00pm.
PEN America recently announced finalists for the 2020 PEN Literary Awards, and Xuan Juliana Wang '11, Professor Leslie Jamison, and Ruchika Tomar '12 are among them. More information on their work can be found below.
Stars Behind The Stars is a bi-weekly series featuring theatre makers behind the scenes.
The opening reception for the LOVE 2020: Perfect Vision exhibition was held at the LeRoy Neiman Gallery at Columbia University on January 30th at 5:00pm.
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 Producing Director of Soho Rep.
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.