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
Ghost Pains, a short story collection by Writing alumna and Adjunct Assistant Professor Jessi Jezewska Stevens ’18, will be published on March 5, 2024 by And Other Stories Publishing.
Under the Radar Festival, New York City’s foremost festival of experimental theatre, will return on Janurary 5, 2024 under the leadership of festival founder and Adjunct Assistant Professor Mark Russell.
For Visual Arts student Sasha Fishman, artmaking is found both in nature and in the laboratory. Until October 21, 2023, Below Grand Gallery is presenting Implosion Paradigm Incoming, a solo show of newly created ornate and weathered sculptures that pump, receive, and redirect water.
Invisible Beauty, a feature length documentary about fashion pioneer Bethann Hardison co-directed by alumnus Frédéric Tcheng ’07, has been released theatrically in the US and is now screening at Film Forum in New York City.
Film Independent recently announced that acclaimed Sundance title Radical, directed by Christopher Zalla '04 and produced by Benjamin Odell '04, received the Sloan Distribution Grant worth $50,000. The film will be released theatrically in the US on November 3, 2023 via Miercoles Entertainment on behalf of Pantelion Films.
Lojman, a novel by Ebru Ojen, co-translated from the Turkish by Writing alumna Selin Gökçesu ’15 and translator Aron Aji, has been published by City Lights.
Wandering In All Directions of This Earth, a poetry collection and two-time Tupelo Press Berkshire Prize finalist by Writing alumna Loisa Fenichell ’23, was published by Ghost Peach Press last month.
Transit Books, a Bay Area-based publishing house founded by Writing alumni Adam Levy ’12 and Ashley Nelson Levy ’12, is largely responsible for the circulation of 2023 Nobel laureate Jon Fosse’s work in the United States.
Visual Arts alumna Kelsey Shwetz ’22 creates paintings that are hyper realistic and full of tenderness, which is entirely fitting for A Lamp is Not the Only Sign of Glass, her current solo show with Half Gallery in Los Angeles, CA.
The 31st Annual Hamptons International Film Festival is happening now through October 15, 2023, and several Columbia filmmakers are screening their work at the world renowned showcase.
Theatre Management & Producing student David O'Brien is co-producer of the new musical Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Off-Broadway’s New World Stages.
On Sunday, October 1, 2023, Visual Arts alumna Linnéa Gad ’22 will present and perform a new multi-disciplinary work created as part of the Immigrant Artist Biennial on Governor’s Island in New York City.