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
Upcoming graduates of the Visual Arts MFA will exhibit new video, sound, and performance artworks in a one day event at the Jewish Museum entitled In Response: Jonas Mekas.
The 2022 Pulitzer Prizes were announced on May 9, 2022, and three School of the Arts alumni are involved with winning projects in the arts.
The Columbia University Film Festival (CUFF) is a celebration of the Film Program’s students and alumni, screening shorts from exciting emerging talents, and bringing filmmakers together.
Alumnus Nathan Floody '12 has been busy this year as an editor on two successful shows, Hulu’s Life & Beth as well as Peacock’s Girls5eva.
Writing alumna E.J. Koh ’13 has joined the writing team of Apple TV+’s new series Pachinko.
A new play co-written by alumna Inés Braun ’17 has been selected for the 2022 edition of the Global Forms Theater Festival at Manhattan’s Rattlestick Theater.
“It’s like the circus,” I overheard someone say, above the floating chimes and disembodied melodies.
Ghost Light, Meet the Dramaturg is a Theatre series featuring Columbia Dramaturgy students, faculty, and alumni, learning about their work, aspirations, and pandemic passion projects.
Update: May 4, 2022
Two Columbia filmmakers were awarded honors at the 2022 Aspen Shortsfest. They are: Olive Nwosu ’21 and Adjunct Assistant Professor Harris Doran.
School of the Arts alumni Josh Koenigsburg '09 and Tyne Rafaeli ’14 will be contributing to The Geffen Playhouse's 2022/2023 season.
Alumna Anika Chapin '14 has joined the artistic team at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, where she is taking on the role of Director of Artistic Development.
Three current Visual Arts students, Linnéa Gad, Vivian Vivas, and Char Jeré, were shortlisted for the Frankenthaler Climate Art Awards.