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
Mian’s art practice is equal parts ritual and performance, plan and chance.
Dramaturgy alumna Arminda Thomas ’96 joins the creative team for Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).
Cove, a third book of poetry by alumnus James Brasfield ’79, is out now from Louisiana State University Press.
PEN America has announced the longlist for their 2023 Literary Awards, naming three Columbia authors in the fields of nonfiction, poetry, and fiction.
Acting alumna Jensen Austria Olaya ’12 voices Jade’s mother, Gram Gram, and friend Lucy in the new animated TV series Jade Armor.
Public Obscenities, a new play written and directed by Directing alumnus Shayok Misha Chowdhury ’16, will begin performances on February 15, 2023 at Soho Rep.
This year’s Joe A. Callaway Award for directing has been awarded to alumnus Saheem Ali ’07 for his work on James Ijames’ Fat Ham.
Dramaturgy alumna Anne Hamilton ’94 co-authored Dramaturgy: The Basics with Walter Byongsok Chon.
Second-year Film student Alex Bateman has been awarded the American Australian Association Arts Grant, which provides financial assistance, mentorship, and a global network of fellow artists.
Fuccboi, a debut novel from Sean Thor Conroe ’21, is now out in paperback from Back Bay Books.
Malpelo, a feature film by Film alumna Victoria Rivera '20, was selected to participate in the 2022 Spanish Script Revision Lab hosted by Cine Qua Non.
Alumni Matthew Gellman ’18, Cyrée Jarelle Johnson ’19, and E. J. Koh ’13 were named among the 2023 Creative Writing Fellows by the National Endowment for the Arts.