August 2021 SISS Newsletter

August 06, 2021

Information and Updates

Understanding the University of California Vaccine Mandate

On July 15, 2021, the University of California enacted a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all students, staff, and faculty returning to campus this fall. The deadline for compliance is September 8, 2021.

If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you will receive regular automated reminder emails from UC Davis about the deadline and mandate. You will stop receiving reminder emails once you are fully vaccinated.

Learn more about reporting your vaccine to UC Davis and other information for the campus community, including how to obtain an approved exemption
Learn more by reading the UC's student FAQs and employee FAQs
Learn more about the UC's COVID-19 vaccination policy

Unvaccinated Students Must Self-Sequester Upon Arrival to Campus

This fall, unvaccinated students must self-sequester (i.e., separate themselves from others) in their residence for a minimum of seven days and have two negative COVID-19 tests when they arrive in Davis. Fully vaccinated students do not need to self-sequester.

Defining the Terms

Unvaccinated: Someone who has not received any vaccinations against COVID-19, has only had the first shot in a two-part vaccination series, is still in the two-week waiting period after a final shot, or is out of date getting a booster shot.

Fully vaccinated: Someone who completed a COVID-19 vaccination series more than two weeks ago.

Students should only leave their residences for food or medical needs (such as grocery shopping, picking up a prescription, getting tested or vaccinated for COVID-19, etc.) and are not permitted to attend classes in person during the self-sequestration period.

Unvaccinated international students should plan travel accordingly and, if possible, arrive in Davis more than seven days before the first day of classes.

UC Davis can provide vaccines for international students who need to be vaccinated.

Learn more about self-sequestration

Learn more about finding a vaccine

Learn more about planning for your fall quarter

UC Davis No Longer Requires Five-Day Self-Quarantine for International Travelers

UC Davis has updated COVID-19 travel policy to more closely align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health guidance. At this time, individuals who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to self-quarantine for five days upon return from international travel and to receive a negative COVID-19 test.

Please be aware that this guidance is separate from the self-sequestration guidance described above.

Read the latest travel announcements for the UC Davis campus community

Your Feedback Helps Improve SISS Services

International students and scholars can help us improve access to SISS advising, events, and more, by taking our short survey.

Take the Student Survey

Take the Scholar Survey

Summer Travel Not Recommended for Those in the U.S.

If you are in the United States and plan to be on campus for fall 2021, SISS recommends you not travel this summer. Travel is still very unpredictable, and we wouldn't want you to risk your ability to attend classes this fall. Please check with your SISS Advisor if you have any questions.

Submit Your Fall Plan Now

Please help SISS provide and assist you with proper documentation by submitting your Summer or Fall Term Plan in iGlobal immediately. If you have questions about your term plan or other visa issues, please contact your SISS Advisor.

Getting Settled at UC Davis

We look forward to welcoming you to the UC Davis campus! Whether you are a new or current student or scholar, we encourage you to connect with campus and build your community of support. SISS offers guidance and information about housing, settling in Davis, campus activities and clubs, transportation, nearby shopping, and more.

Browse the International Student and Scholar Handbook

Learn more about Finding Your Global Community

Preparing to Enter the United States

If you are a student traveling to the United States for the first time, remember to keep your documentation with you at all times. With your correct documentation, students should be admitted into the United States at a port of entry. Should a student presenting their proper documentation be denied entry, please contact the UC Davis Police at +01-530-752-1727 for assistance.

Finding Your SISS Advisor

SISS Advisors are assigned by last name and/or area of expertise. Visit the Staff Directory to find your SISS Advisor. Schedule a phone or online appointment directly with your SISS Advisor.

COVID-19 and Campus Updates for International Students and Scholars

Please continue to connect with campus resources to stay informed about how COVID-19 impacts operations and new information as it becomes available.

Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information about accessing campus, testing, and the Daily Symptom Survey
SISS offers answers to questions for international students and scholars
UC Davis reports weekly COVID-19 information for campus on the COVID-19 Dashboard
Global Affairs: Travel Announcement: Novel Coronavirus

As always, advisors within Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) are available as resources if you have questions about visa and immigration status. Find your SISS Advisor and schedule an appointment.

Programs and Events

Watch the Webinar About the UC COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Earlier this week, UC Davis held a webinar about the new vaccine policy, including how to navigate the exception request process, what happens if your request is approved, and what happens if your request is not approved.

Learn more about the vaccine policy and watch the webinar recording

Prepare for Fall Quarter with Aggie Insider Summer Send Off Event

The Undergraduate Admissions International Aggie Force students will reveal their insider tips on how to make the very best of your UC Davis experience during Aggie Experience Live. Learn secrets and strategies around academics, social life, safety, jobs, food, and more!

Date and time: August 11, 2021, 5 a.m. (PDT)

Learn more about this Aggie Insider event and register

Scholar Coffee Break

We invite international scholars to connect with each other at the monthly SISS Scholar Coffee Break. Whether you are new to campus or have been here for several months, international scholars are invited to join SISS in this welcoming and virtual space.

Date and time: August 12, 2021, 9-10 a.m. (PDT)

Learn more and register

UC Davis Mondavi Center Announced 2021-22 Season, Including Global Works

UC Davis Global Affairs is a proud sponsor of the Mondavi Center’s 2021-22 season of performances running October 2021 through May 2022. Among several global works are Arturo O' Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (October 14), Pamyua (November 21), Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández (March 18), and Las Cafeteras (April 28).

One free ticket and further ticket discounts are available for UC Davis students. Ticket discounts are also available for current and retired UC Davis faculty and staff.

Learn more about the Mondavi Center's 2021-22 season

Opportunities and Announcements

Receive Mentorship in 2021-22; Applications Now Open

The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is designed to help new first-year and transfer undergraduate international students successfully adjust to life at UC Davis. We match new international students with current students based on similar interests to connect them with a community of support and friends. Apply today to be matched with a peer mentor for the 2021-22 year.

Learn more and apply for mentorship

Accessing the Library VPN Now Requires Duo Authentication

The library VPN – which enables access to many journal articles, databases, digital media, and other library resources from off-campus – will require Duo authentication in addition to the user's UC Davis Kerberos (CAS) login.

Learn how to use Duo with the library VPN

COVID-19 Vaccines May Be Available at Some U.S. Airports

Some U.S. airports are currently offering vaccinations to travelers. Please visit the website of the airport you will travel through to learn more.

Learn more about vaccination availability at SFO

Learn more about vaccination availability at LAX

All people aged 16 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine in California. People currently in California can schedule a vaccine appointment through the My Turn website. More information about vaccines for international travelers coming to UC Davis can be found on our Fall Planning webpage.

Employment Workshops Now Available On-Demand Online

Interested in OPT or CPT? We have made F-1 Employment Workshops available online. Select your workshop to get started.

Student and Scholar Spotlight

Global Learning: Reflecting on My Three Years in the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program

Nikhita Azad, an international relations major and human rights minor, recalls being an incoming international student and feeling anxious about coming to a new country and environment. She credits the mentorship she received through the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program as helping to make her transition easier.

Nikhita enjoyed the experience so much, she stayed with the program and served as a mentor and coordinator. Now, she details her three years of involvement in a new blog post.

Download this newsletter as a PDF

Primary Category

SISS Announcement