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
First-year Visual Arts student Rama Ghanem has been awarded a summer research fellowship through the Institute for Religion, Culture and Public Life.
Writing Alumna Jackie Thomas-Kennedy '06 has sold her debut novel, The Thirteenth Wife, to Viking.
Power, a film edited and co-written by Adjunct Assistant Professor Ian Olds ’06, recently premiered at the IFC Center and is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Alum Tenzin Dickie ’14 discusses their journey as an artist and creator.
At the 77th edition of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, several School of the Arts filmmakers are screening their work—and two Columbia projects have claimed illustrious recognition.
The recent revival of Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, co-produced by Columbia alumni Thomas Swayne ’20 and Front Row Fellow Lamar Richardson (CC '15), has won two Drama League Awards.
Visual Arts alumna Abby Robinson ’22's solo show, entitled, simply, Abby Robinson, opens at Tilton Gallery—covering the rooms, halls, and fireplaces in canvas, netting, silk, wood, plaster, and bright shocks of oil and acrylic colors.
The Last Movie They Ever Made, a film featuring at least half a dozen Columbia Film alumni in major roles both behind and in front of the camera, will premiere at this month’s Big Apple Film Festival in Manhattan.
Anya Meksin '11 co-wrote the fourth episode of We Were The Lucky Ones, a new limited series which just premiered on Hulu.
Three School of the Arts faculty members and alumni have been inducted into the Academy of Arts and Sciences.
The Gotham Film & Media Institute and the Cannes Film Festival announced the 2024 fellows for the The Cannes Film Festival Producers Network, and film alum Apoorva Charan '18 has been selected for the prestigious fellowship.
Playwriting alumnus Julián Mesri ’20 has been named the 2024 Judith Champion Musical Theater LaunchPad Resident by Signature Theatre.