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
Directing alumnus Carl Cofield ’14 directs The XIXth at The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California.
Alumni William Graham ’06 and James Ponsoldt ’05 are at the helm of Daisy Jones & The Six, a mesmerizing new musical drama released on Amazon Prime Video in early March.
One of the most exciting events in the School of the Arts calendar—and probably one of the freshest group shows in town—is the annual First Year MFA Exhibition.
Film alumnus Sean Mullin ’06 has written and directed a new documentary feature film titled It Aint’ Over chronicling the life of Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra, one of baseball’s greatest superstars. Mullins collaborated with fellow alumnus Julian Robinson ’08 who co-produced and edited the film.
When There Was Light, a second collection of poetry from alumna Carlie Hoffman ’16, is out now from Four Way Books.
Biography of X, the highly anticipated new novel by Adjunct Assistant Professor and Writing alumna Catherine Lacey ’10, is out now from Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Alumna and Adjunct Assistant Professor Valerie Castillo Martinez ’16 served as a Lab Mentor at the Athena Writers Lab, working closely with the selected writers.
We talked about merging disciplines, finding one’s creative voice, and devising work with Directing student Kevin Carillo.
Theatre Management and Producing alumnus Hal Luftig ’84 is serving as the lead producer on two Broadway shows this season.
Visual Arts student Andie Carver has been awarded an Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation grant in support of her painting-based works.
Flux, a debut novel by alumnus Jinwoo Chong ’21, is out now from Melville House.