Ahhhhh.Winter. The lack of snow!  Temperatures in the 60s (at least yesterday)!  The Giants and Tom Petty! Ticker tape parades!    20-minute Golden Globe telecasts!  The warm winter glow of light emanating from your local H&R Block office!  Barack, HIlary, John (M, not E), Mike, Ron, Mitt (Oops.  Scratch the last one)!

What better time to remind you to file your FAFSA?
(Doh! Such a buzzkill, I know, however…)

If you (a) are a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident and (b) want to be considered for federal aid next year, you must (more…)

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list is designed to help SoA students make the transition from coursework into what we call “Research Arts” status.

What is “Research Arts?” (more…)

To All Potential October 2007 Graduates:

Congratulations!  You are (hopefully) soon to be a graduate of the School of the Arts, Columbia University in the City of New York.  I thought you might have some questions about what it means to be an alum, so I’ve put together the following FAQs and their respective answers: (more…)

As a reminder to students regarding potential Summer funding, I’m reposting this entry that was originally posted on March 1.

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A forward-thinking student recently e-mailed me the following question:

"I have some questions for you regarding the summer. how do most students afford the summer? i assume most get jobs which i am actively seeking – but i wonder if there is a back-up plan? is there loan money available?...I am trying to be proactive and get organized ahead of time…and i just am still trying to familiarize myself with NYC and Columbia and all the possibilities for income or funding available…I’m looking into all of my options (whether i use them or not)."

First of all, congratulations.  You are taking an important first step by thinking about these things well in advance.  These are obviously important questions, so in order to help clarify options for summer funding, I’ve created the following FAQ list.  Enjoy! (more…)

If you are currently "maxed out" on your financial aid budget, there may be ways to increase the amount you are eligible to borrow (Common sense caution: Not to sound parental, but I should remind you to be extremely diligent in monitoring much debt you’re accruing and take whatever steps you can to minimize it). Budget increases should be considered only in cases of genuine, pressing need.

That said, there are two basic types of budget increases and each has their own set of steps required in order to make you eligible to receive more in the way of financial aid: (more…)

A student recently e-mailed me the following query:

"My computer is dying fast and I unfortunately think I’ll need to buy a new one soon. I’ve been looking online through the Columbia Apple website for discounts. I heard a rumor that there are computer loans available to students so I thought I would inquire about the specifics."

Good question!

Owning a computer or upgrading your present computer can be a real asset, but it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly. Did you know that Columbia SoA students are entitled to discounts on computer purchases, software and peripherals? Be sure to visit the following links to find out more: (more…)

Open call for SoA students: THE ARTISTS’ RESOURCE CENTER is here for YOU!
Mission: to assist SoA students with finding and applying to outside funding. Apply for Scholarships, Grants, Fellowships, Residencies, Workspaces and so much more!

Use the ARC guide to start your search for outside scholarships, grants and resources.

Schedule an appointment with Ms. Treasure Trove, Marjorie R. Orcel-Cozart, who says, "Please feel free to stop by."
Coordinator, Artists’ Resource Center, Phone 212.854.2761 mro2105@columbia.edu

Visit the Treasure Trove Library:
A library of arts service organizations, scholarship and grant writing resource. Some of the titles in our library:

• Shaking the Money Tree
• Foundation Grants to Individuals
• The Foundation Center’s: Guide to Winning Proposals

Sign up for computer time on the ARC computer to look for supplemental funding!

Under construction:
Stay tuned for Art-related Funding and Career Workshops.
Watch for the New Artists’ Resource Center website due to launch in late Spring 2007!

Ahhhhh.Winter. Ice Skating. The absence of holiday crowds. American Idol auditions. The Colts. Prince at halftime with a full marching band. Restaurants & bars with roaring fires. Sigh.

What better time to remind you to file your FAFSA?
(Doh! Such a buzzkill, I know, however…)

If you (a) are a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident and (b) want to be considered for federal aid next year, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for ANY federal and/or private loans, as well as federal work-study allocations for the upcoming 2007-2008 academic year. (more…)

For those of you who are still lamenting the loss of "Ms. Moneybags" (aka Elyssa East, the former Manager of the Artists’ Resource Center and author of the "SoA Guide to Outside Scholarships and Grants" and the ever-popular "Friday Funds") we have some fantastic news!

Please join me in welcoming Marjorie Orcel-Cozart to the School of the Arts staff.  She is the new Coordinator of the Artists’ Resource Center and has spent the last few weeks working with Elyssa to become familiar with many arts-related outside funding opportunities (she prefers ‘Ms. Treasure Trove," if you please…).

Marjorie comes to us from a background in financial and non-profit work.  We’re thrilled to have her join our team.

The Artists’ Resource Center (ARC) was created to provide support to student applications to outside scholarships, fellowships, and grants, in addition to offering professional development resources.  

She’s here to help you, so be sure to take a moment to stop by and say ‘hello.’   She sits in 305 Dodge and can be reached either by e-mail (mro2105@columbia.edu) or by phone at (212) 854-2761.   If you stop by, make sure to help yourself to a Sugar Daddy or chocolate coin.

Welcome, Marjorie!