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 Alumni Barbara Cigarroa ‘18, Chantel Clark ‘18, Mounia Akl ‘17, Clara Roquet ‘16 and current student Nehir Tuna have been selected for the extremely competitive Screenwriters Lab at the Sundance Institute.
Thirty-seven School of the Arts filmmakers, including writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, and post-supervisors, will showcase at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, which runs January 24 to February 3.
The Alumni Spotlight is a place to hear from the School of the Arts alumni community about their journeys as artists and creators.
Current Student Simon Leser '19 won the PEN America Translation Grant for his translation of Of Our Wounded Brothers by Joseph Andras.
Alumnus George Sikharulidze '17 was selected for the Cannes Film Festival's Cinéfondation residency, which runs through February 2019.
Informer, a series written by alumni Rory Haines ‘11 and Sohrab Noshirvani '12, is now airing on BBC One, and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
The Independent Spirit Awards nominations are out, and six nominations this year recognize Columbia alumni. Assistant Professor Shrihari Sathe '09 has been nominated for the Producers Award. Alumna Nicole Holofcener '88 received the Best Screenplay nomination for Can You Ever Forgive Me?. Alumna Christina Choe '12 received the Best First Screenplay nomination for Nancy, and best supporting actress for J. Cameron Smith for Nancy. Alumni Sandi Tan '00 and Jessica Levin '02 received the Best Documentary nomination for …
The Student Spotlight series aims to highlight the work of current MFA students, asking them to share thoughts on their practice by answering curated and peer-submitted questions.
According to the film critic Roger Ebert, Yomeddine is a “playful and poignant road movie,” which was a frontrunner for a feel-good-film at the Cannes Film Festival.
Fiction professor and alumna Sigrid Nunez '75 won the 2018 National Book Award in fiction for her latest novel The Friend.
The Alumni Spotlight is a place to hear from the School of the Arts alumni community about their journeys as artists and creators.
Meet the Makers is an ongoing interview series highlighting current Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program students and faculty.