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
Writing alum Orla Tinsley ’20 has received an honorary Doctorate of Literature from The University College of Dublin for their achievements in writing and healthcare.
Prescription for Pain, a debut true crime book by Philip Eil ’11 will be published in April 2024 by Steerforth Press.
Mikhaela Mahony ’19 is the director of the New York premiere of Redwood, premiering in October at Off-Broadway’s Ensemble Studio Theatre.
The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) has announced the winners and finalists of the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship program, and several Columbia alumni and faculty members have made the list.
Writing alumnus Cyrée Jarelle Johnson ’19 has been awarded the prestigious James Laughlin Award for his second poetry collection, Watchnight (Nightboat Books, 2024).
Writing Alumna Jenessa Abrams ’17 (SPS ’19) has been awarded a prestigious National Book Critics Circle Emerging Critics Fellowship.
The Last Out, co-directed by Sami Khan ’09, has won the Emmy for Outstanding Business and Economics Documentary.
New York City’s Prelude Festival is celebrating its 20th year—and Columbia-trained theatre artists are at the helm.
Projects by Film alumni and students will screen at the acclaimed Nashville Film Festival at the end of this month.
Earlier this month, several School of the Arts alumni were awarded prestigious MacDowell Fellowships. This selection came from the second-largest group of applicants in MacDowell's history, with 154 artists from around the world.
Film at Lincoln Center has unveiled the film lineup for the 61st New York Film Festival, taking place from September 29 through October 15, 2023, and three Columbia filmmakers are presenting their short film at the festival this year.
Several Columbia alumni and students will showcase their work at the upcoming 24th Woodstock Film Festival, scheduled from September 27 to October 1, 2023. In this edition, the festival lineup will include about 135 films, including features, shorts, and music videos.