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
Fieldglass a debut poetry collection by alumna Catherine Pond '13, will be released this Friday by Southern Illinois University Press.
Meiselman: The Lean Years, a novel by alumnus Avner Landes '10, was released last week by Tortoise Books.
Three Columbia Films were selected to screen at the South By Southwest (SXSW) film festival this year.
Film and Media Studies alumnus William Plotnick ’20 and Gustavo Menezes co-programmed the Sessão Cinelimite Virtual Film Program,
The Playwright’s Room is a series featuring the newest cohort of Columbia Playwriting students.
Theatre alumnus Anthony McDonald ’13 has been named the Executive Director of the Shubert Theatre, effective March 15, 2021.
The Trade Federation, or, Let's Explore Globalization Through the Star Wars Prequels by playwriting alumnus Andy Boyd ’18 was recently published by
Two films by Columbia filmmakers are shortlisted for the 2021 EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs): The Mauritanian, co-written by Film alumni R
Columbia College alumna Danielle Evans '04 was recently named one of four finalists for the 2021 Joyce Carol Oates Prize, presented by The Simpson
Playwriting alumnus Harrison David Rivers ’09 writes Interlude, which began performances virtually on March 1, 2021.
Alumna Barbara Whitman ’05 partners with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDFC) to establish the Barbara Whitman Award.
The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 25, 2021, more than two months later than the time of the ceremony last year.