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
Adjunct Film Professor and Alumnus J. Hoberman '81 programmed and annotated the film series, Everything Was Now: "1968" Circa 1968, now screening at The Metrograph in New York City. The series will run through September 18th.
The 75th Annual Venice Film Festival runs from August 29th to September 8th, and this year it will include numerous films written, directed, and produced by Columbia filmmakers.
Alumna and staff member Patrice Renee Washington '14 is exhibiting her work in two shows this summer: a solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver), and a group show at Urban Glass in New York City.
It’s an exciting time for Columbia University’s Film faculty and alumni, who received multiple nominations for the 2018 Emmy Awards in various categories.
Acting Alumna Phumzile Sitole '16 recently joined the cast of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Netflix show, Orange Is the New Black. According to TimesLIVE, Sitole will play Antoinetta 'Akers' Kerson in the sixth season of the popular series, which follows female inmates in a minimum-security prison. Sitole will appear in nine out of thirteen episodes.
Meet the Makers is an ongoing interview series highlighting current Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program students and faculty.
Meet the Makers is an ongoing interview series highlighting current Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program students and faculty.
The President's Visit, written & directed by Cyril Aris '17, co-written by Mounia Akl '17 and produced by Valerie Castillo Martinez '16, was shortlisted for a BAFTA Student Film Award.
Meet the Makers is an ongoing interview series highlighting current Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program students and faculty.
Six Alumni received nominations: Jennifer Lee '04 (Frozen), Ayad Akhtar '02 (Junk), Lauren Nicole Cipoletti '13 and Dave Register '15 (Harry Potter), Thomas Kitt '96 (SpongeBob SquarePants), and Mia Yoo '98 (La MaMa E.T.C.).
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.