August 2022 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Getting Settled at UC Davis
As fall approaches, you are probably preparing for the upcoming academic year. 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
Travel Signature Required for Some Summer Travel
If you are traveling outside the U.S. this summer, please review the requirements for both students and scholars.
In addition to the other requirements noted on these pages, F-1 students will need a valid travel signature on their I-20 form, and J-1 students and scholars will require a valid travel signature on their DS-2019 form. If you need a new travel signature, you must make your request in iGlobal.
For any questions about international travel, please consult with your SISS advisor.
Find 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.
Protect Yourself from Scams: Stay Alert
Scams are fraudulent attempts to trick people out of their money. These lies are easy to fall for, and you might not know a phone call, email or interaction is fraudulent until it is too late. Some scams target international students and scholars, but you can protect yourself by staying alert and knowing what to look for.
Think twice before communicating with someone you do not know—whether over the phone or online. Here are some signs the person you are talking to might be trying to scam you. End the conversation if the person:
- Threatens to suspend your Social Security number or visa (even if they have part or all of your information, such as part of your Social Security number)
- Warns or threatens arrest or legal action
- Demands or requests immediate payment
- Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency or by mailing cash
- Pressures you for your personal information
- Requests secrecy
- Threatens to seize your bank account
- Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
- Tries to gain your trust by providing fake documentation, false evidence, or by claiming to be a government official
Learn about protecting yourself from scams and watch our video
Recent scams you need to be aware of:
- United States Customs and Border Protection have warned about a scam that impersonates a Customs and Border Protection agent. Read more about this phone scam.
- UC Davis Police warned students about a scam involving emails from someone claiming to be a professor and offering employment. Read more about this incident.
Summer Travel Recommendations
Due to the persistent risk posed by COVID and other communicable diseases, travelers should continue to take all available precautions. All travelers are highly encouraged to make a travel medicine appointment before they leave. These appointments provide important information on local risks and vaccine requirements beyond the COVID-19 requirements. UC Davis employees are encouraged to make an appointment with the UC Davis Travel Medicine Clinic. UC Davis students are encouraged to make an appointment with UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services.
Additionally, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 — Do Not Travel Warning for Ukraine due to the current conflict. As a result, and out of concern for the well-being and safety of the UC community, the University of California Office of the President is directing all members of the UC community to avoid all travel to Ukraine at this time. Travel to neighboring countries should be carefully evaluated.
Read more about the travel restrictions due to the current conflict in Ukraine
Program and Events
Scholar Coffee Break
We invite international scholars to connect 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 4, 2022, 9–10 a.m.
Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
Save the date! The next Scholar Coffee Break is September 1
Welcome Dinners for Newly Arrived Visiting Scholars
Community Friends of Scholars is a local organization of volunteers, sponsored by International Students, Inc. (ISI), with staff and volunteers from area churches. They hold monthly Welcome Dinners for newly arrived visiting scholars. At the dinners, scholars have the opportunity to sign up for other activities, like Zoom cooking classes and Farm Tours.
For more information, email Simon Zeigler with ISI
Opportunities and Announcements
Mentorship Applications Now Open
New first-year and transfer international undergraduate students can now apply to receive mentorship as they adjust to life at UC Davis.
Applications are open for new international students to be paired with current students based on similar academic and social interests. Participants share their culture and values with each other and build relationships. Through cultural exchange and social events, new students develop close connections with new friends and feel at home in their new community.
Learn more about the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program
Meet the 2022-23 Mentor Fellows
Getting Involved
Students are encouraged to connect and engage with student organizations on campus. Spend some time this summer reviewing the many options to get involved and make friends. Search by interest or schedule a virtual meeting to learn more.
Visit the Center for Student Involvement
Employment Workshops Now Available On-Demand Online
Are you interested in OPT or CPT? F-1 Employment Workshops are available online. Select your workshop to get started.
- CPT for Undergraduate F-1 Students
- OPT for F-1 Students (Part 1 of 3)
- STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students
Student and Scholar Spotlight
New Video Highlights SISS, Features International Students and Scholar
A new video highlighting the work of SISS is now live on our website and the Global Affairs YouTube channel. The short video features interviews with international student Ash Singh, international postdoctoral researcher Elisa Penna, and Associate Professor in African-American and African Studies Bettina Ng'weno, an international scholar.