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
Theatre Management and Producing alumnus Sean Anthony Chia '21 has recently been named Director of Marketing for the New York Theatre Barn.
Madeleine Cravens, a second-year student in the Poetry concentration, was recently awarded first place in Narrative’s annual poetry contest for her submission of five poems.
Two works by alumnus Julian Day ’21 feature in Jamming with Strangers, a major exhibition developed by Casula Powerhouse for the Sydney Festival in Australia.
Theatre Management and Producing alumnus Ryan Bogner ’15 will produce the Broadway adaptation of The Kite Runner, premiering this summer at Hayes Theatre.
Finishing Line Press will publish the poetry chapbook Just Another Jack: The Private Lives of Nursery Rhymes by nonfiction alumna Michele Herman '85 in January of 2022.
Only the Moon Stands Still, a short film written and directed by alumnus Johnson Cheng '20, recently won the Audience Award for Best Short Film at AFI Fest, which ran from November 10 to November 14, 2021.
Alumna Brie Ruais ‘11 is featured in a solo show at Albertz Benda Gallery, Some Things I Know About Being in a Body.
Adjunct Assistant Professor and alumna Hilary Leichter ’12 has landed a two-book deal with Ecco Press after auction.
Alumna Tanya Merrill ‘18 is featured in her first solo show at 303 Gallery in Manhattan. This exhibition is on view until December 16, 2021.
Tides by alumna Sara Freeman ‘13 is now available for pre-order from Grove Atlantic.
Alumnus Nicholas Heskes ‘18 is featured in his first solo show at Room482 gallery in Brooklyn, New York.
A new full-length poetry collection by alumnus Brandan Griffin ’19 is ready for pre-order with Chicago University Press.