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
After a whirlwind weekend in the California desert, three Columbia filmmakers left the Palm Springs International Shortfest with special mentions for their student films.
Film alum Grainne Godfree ’03 wrote and co-executive produced an episode of Daredevil: Born Again now streaming on Disney+.
Visual arts alum and adjunct assistant professor Esteban Cabeza de Baca ’14 opened his latest exhibition, Memories of the Future, at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.
From Mariam Rahmani '21, John McWhorter, and other Columbia authors.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced the winners of the 2025 BAFTA Student Awards, and this year Film alums Alexander Molochnikov ’25 and Jean Chapiro ’25 won big, taking home the Live Action Award and the Special Jury Award for their film, Extremist.
This year, for its 25th anniversary, the free, annual St. Louis Shakespeare Festival in Forest Park will stage Hamlet, directed by and starring several Columbia theatre-makers.
Writing alum Carlie Hoffman ’16 published her third book of poetry, One More World Like This World, with Four Way Books in March.
The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing honored fourteen Columbia writers, directors and producers among the nominees for the 2025 Tony Awards.
Materialists, the highly-anticipated second film written and directed by Playwriting alum Celine Song ’14, will enjoy its theatrical release on June 13, 2025.
Writing alum Naomi Falk ’17 published her debut book, The Surrender of Man, in April 2025 with independent press Inside the Castle.
Visual Arts alum Calvin Kim ’23 opened his second solo exhibition, Departure Before Arrival, on April 30, 2025, at Harper’s Apartment in New York City.
Writing alum Jemimah Weh ’22 has been named one of the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35.