Academic Initiatives & International Programs

The office of Academic Initiatives and International Programs at Columbia College Chicago is an academic unit whose role is to serve as catalyst and facilitator for the creation and development of international opportunities for our students and faculty (International Programs) and programming for non-traditional, non-degree seeking students (Academic Initiatives).

Through Academic Initiatives we target new audiences as we strive to attain Columbia’s goal of fostering an environment where learning is considered a life-long practice.  Our purpose is to provide the infrastructure for a learning community in which independent and creative scholars are supported as they continue their education and careers throughout their lives.

In a global society the true professional artist needs an international consciousness. Through International Programs we offer students and faculty the opportunity to challenge their cultural assumptions and develop as artists and world citizens.

We coordinate a wide variety of initiatives aimed at facilitating cultural and professional exchange by building relationships between Columbia and arts institutions around the globe. These include student and faculty exchange programs with several institutions in Europe, and study abroad opportunities in many countries throughout the world. We also facilitate representation by our faculty and students in major international forums so they may participate in the global debate about issues in arts and media education and practice.

Columbia constantly reaffirms its commitment to promote learning in a global, multicultural setting. The office of Academic Initiatives and International Programs is committed to providing outstanding programming to students of all ages and backgrounds, and to internationalizing the comprehensive learning experience at Columbia College Chicago.

Gillian Moore
Executive Director

Contact Us
Phone: 312 369 7726
Fax: 312 369 8460
Email: aiipoffice@colum.edu

Visit Our Office
600 S. Michigan Ave.
13th floor

Gillian Moore
Executive Director

Chris Greiner
Director of International Programs

Catrina DeBord
Assistant Director of International Programs

Marty Kane
Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives

Lori Seidemann
Managing Director of the Summer Arts Camp