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
Dramaturgy Concentration Head and Professor of Professional Practice Christian Parker ’98 is currently the dramaturg on, Another Marriage, running at the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago through July 30, 2023.
Writing alumnus Francisco González ’19 has been awarded a 2023 Steinbeck Fellowship.
Palm Sunday, a thesis film directed by Wes Andre Goodrich ’23 and produced by Patrick Nichols ’22, was recently named a student film finalist for The Wrap’s 2023 Shortlist Film Festival.
Visual Arts alumna Dineo Seshee Bopape ’10 has launched Projects: Dineo SesheeBopape, her first solo museum exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Four films by Columbia filmmakers were recently shortlisted for the 2023 Yugo BAFTA Student Awards. They are: Children of Light, The Fuse, Mr. Bold, and So They Say.
Three Columbia artists have been selected to participate in the 2023 Harvestworks New Works Artist Residencies. They are: Sound Arts alumni Kamari Carter ’19 and Julian Day ’20, and Writing Program alumna Mónica de la Torre ’95 (GSAS ’13).
Playwriting student Amalia Oliva Rojas has been awarded an inaugural Hansberry Lilly Playwright Fellowship.
Creative Producing alumna Tara Roy ’17 is publishing The Magnificent Ruins, a debut novel, with Algonquin Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, in 2024.
Film alumna Victoria Rivera ’20 is among the filmmakers selected to participate in Film Independent’s second annual Episodic Directing Intensive.
Writing Alumnus Ricardo Alberto Maldonado '08 has recently been appointed as the Executive Director and President of the Academy of American Poets. This marks an unprecedented moment as Maldonado becomes the first Latino leader in the Academy's nearly century-long history.
Good Night, Oscar, a new play featuring the work of several Columbia theatre artists, has made its Broadway debut. The play is produced by Theatre alumna Barbara Whitman '05, directed by Adjunct Associate Professor Lisa Peterson, and benefits from the work of Theatre alumnus Blake Bonilla ’23, who served as both Rehearsal Script Assistant and Assistant to the Playwright.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a new play by Jocelyn Bioh ’08, will premiere on Broadway in fall 2023.