Left to right: Orientation leaders Mae Lin, Luke Rinderknecht, Rutina Wesley, and Jubal Battisti enjoy Mardi Gras night, a popular orientation activity.
Juilliard students are not typical college students. From the beginning,
they are focused on their future, and are passionate and dedicated about
preparing for it. They are used to long hours of lessons, practice,
and rehearsals. Yet they still find the time to socialize, participate
in organized activities and attend cultural events.
Helping students enjoy such activities is the Office of Student Affairs
(Room 219), which oversees social, cultural, and educational programs,
student organizations, and services such as Residence
Life and International Advisement.
Student Affairs is the place to turn to if you have questions about
school policy, need help with any personal- or school-related problems,
or make suggestions regarding student life. The office also provides
information on cultural programs in Manhattan and publishes an informal
community newsletter, The Stray Note.
Most students first become acquainted with the Student Affairs Office
at orientation, a one-week series of programs to help new students ease
into the Juilliard community by meeting each other as well as members
of the staff, administration, and faculty. Topics such as safety, diversity,
health, financial aid, and student rights are addressed through workshops
and presentations. A series of evening socials and outings throughout
New York City is also planned to acclimate students to both Juilliard
and Manhattan. Department meetings and course registration also occur
at this time. Orientation ends with the annual picnic attended by faculty,
staff, and students. (Current students can get involved by becoming
orientation leaders.)
Student Affairs maintains a social, cultural, and educational calendar
of events. To ensure that students are represented in the planning of
these events, six Program Assistants are hired as Office of Student Affairs
staff members. All Juilliard students are encouraged to meet with the
Student Affairs staff to share any programming ideas or suggestions they
may have. The office staff is available for counseling, advice, and support,
and the School's president also meets with students on a weekly basis
(by appointment).
Photo by Jenna Soleo
In the residence hall, resident and
community assistants plan social events, film screenings, and educational
programs, as well as talks by alumni and representatives of such organizations
as the National Endowment for the Arts and ASCAP on subjects including
career pathways and opportunities for professional artists. Students
with a bent for journalism can write for The
Juilliard Journal, a monthly newspaper featuring contributions by
students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Juilliard students can obtain free or discounted tickets for performances
of the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet,
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Film Society of Lincoln Center,
Lincoln Center Theater, and various movie venues. Living in New York means
having access to the larger cultural scene of theaters and museums, bistros
and coffee houses, cafes and ethnic restaurants, music and entertainment
venues.
To contact the Office of Student Affairs:
Sabrina Tanbara, Director of Student Affairs
Allie Timberlake, Assistant Director of Student Affairs