August 2023 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
Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS
Attention students and scholars with F-1 or J-1 status:
You must keep your local address up to date with SISS. Updating your address in UCPath does not automatically update your information with SISS. Visit iGlobal to provide the current local address where you are living. This address cannot be a campus department or PO Box.
Visit iGlobal to confirm your local address
Changes to In-Person Class Requirement for F-1 and J-1 Students
The Department of Homeland Security has ended its COVID policy guidance for virtual classes for international students with F-1 and J-1 visa types. F-1 and J-1 students must now enroll in 12 units minimum each quarter, nine (9) of which must be in-person classes.
Read our announcement to learn additional details about this policy change.
Employment Workshops Available On-Demand
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
SISS Closed on September 4
SISS will be closed on September 4 for Labor Day. SISS closes early, and services end at 2 p.m. on the business day before a long weekend or holiday. Please plan ahead to avoid delays.
Programs and Events
Scholar Coffee Break
We invite international scholars (visiting faculty and researchers) 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 3, 2023, 9–10 a.m.
- Register
Aggie Job Fair, Virtual Fall Career Fair and More
The Internship and Career Center offers several fairs this fall to help connect you with employers.
- Learn more about the Aggie Job Fair
- Learn more about the Fall Virtual Career Fair
- Learn more about the Master's, Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Scholar Virtual Career Fair
- Learn more about the Business and Public Services Career Fair
University Global Coalition Annual Gathering
For this year’s Gathering, University Global Coalition (UGC) will host a global, virtual version of 17 Rooms, a process developed by The Brookings Institution and The Rockefeller Foundation. In 17 Rooms, participants select one of 17 groups representing each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Rooms will work to determine a deliverable from their discussion that can be presented during SDG Action and Awareness Week 2023. Inspiration sessions will open and close the week. Participation is open to students, faculty, and staff in any higher education institution and selected community partner organizations.
- Date: October 2–6, 2023
- Learn more and register in advance
UC Davis Global Learning Fair
Join us at the fair to learn about the variety of global opportunities available to you, including in-person global leadership opportunities, study abroad programs, global internships, post-graduate global opportunities, and more!
- Date and time: October 5, 2023, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: West Quad
- Learn more
California Germany Agrivoltaics Conference
The first California Germany Agrivoltaics Conference will bring together corporates, policy-makers, researchers, developers and farmers to explore how agrivoltaics can contribute to both resilience and sustainability. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend.
- Date: November 1, 2023
- Location: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
- Register
Opportunities and Announcements
Apply for the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program
Incoming undergraduate international students, apply now to receive a peer mentor! Your mentor can be your go-to resource for information about student life at UC Davis and in the United States as well as campus resources and events. Meet other students and make new friends at our social events!
- Learn more and apply
- Deadline: October 6, 2023
Pal Program Applications Open Soon
The Pal Program pairs up UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use these sessions to increase their intercultural awareness, practice a target language and develop friendships. Applications open soon, so check the website for details.
Welcome Dinner 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 at szeigler@isionline.org
Pal Program Applications Open Soon
The Pal Program pairs up UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use these sessions to increase their intercultural awareness, practice a target language and develop friendships. Applications open soon, so check the website for details.
Sign up for the I-House Newsletter
Looking to engage more with the international community in the city of Davis? Sign up to receive the International House (I-House) newsletter to learn more.
Sign up at the bottom of the I-House webpage
Student and Scholar Spotlight
SISS Wins Best Poster Award
SISS and the Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative have partnered to support international students navigating academic probation and dismissal. The task force recently created and presented a poster about their work and its impact on international students at an industry event where they won an award for best poster.