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
The House of Spirits, a TV series adapted, co-written, and directed by alumna Francisca Alegría '16, will go into production for FilmNation Entertainment next year.
Alumna Julia Phillips ‘15 is the subject of her first solo show in Los Angeles at Matthew Marks Gallery. Between Love and Loss is on view until December 23, 2021.
Directing alumnus Adam Marple ’10 recently produced The Theatre of Others’ Audio New Play Festival with Playwriting alumnus Steven Gaultney ’10 who is the Resident Dramaturg for The Theatre of Others.
Little Foxes Took Up Matches by Katya Kazbek '19 will be published by Tin House on April 5, 2022.
Two films by Columnia filmmakers have been making waves on the festival circuit recently. They are: Libertad, written and directed by Clara Roquet '16, and Between Two Dawns, written, directed, and produced by Selman Nacar '21.
Alumnus Kiyan Williams ’19 is featured in two group shows this season.
The British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) recently announced the newest members of its prestigious Newcomers program, and eight Columbia filmmakers have been added to this four-year new talent initiative that recognizes and supports international filmmakers who have recently moved to Los Angeles or New York to further their development and career. They will be joining the seven filmmakers who were added to the initiative last year.
Director Mounia Akl ’16 recently won the Audience Award at the 65th BFI London Film Festival for her debut feature film Costa Brava Lebanon, which Akl co-wrote with fellow alumna Clara Roquet ’16.
Theatre Management and Producing alumnus Aaron Simms ’15 is the producer of Mendelssohn on the Hudson, a self-guided historical and musical walking tour of the German Jewish Washington Heights.
Theatre alumna Heather Alicia Simms ’96 will have a recurring role on the new show The Kings of Napa.
Alumnus Vikram Divecha ‘19 is included in a group show at Goethe-Institut in Abu Dhabi.
Stars Behind The Stars is a bi-weekly series featuring theatre makers behind the scenes.