August 2025 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Beware of Job Scams
With the start of the academic year approaching, reports of fake job scams have increased. These scams often involve emails that seem to be from a UC Davis faculty member offering remote work jobs that do not actually exist.
If you get an email about a job you did not apply for, be cautious; it could be a scam. Do not respond, click on any links or open attachments from the email.
Learn more about how to identify a job scam
Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS
Students and scholars with F-1 or J-1 status must keep their 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
Federal Government Updates for International Students and Scholars
As SISS becomes aware of updates to important visa and immigration-related matters, we will publish the information on our website.
While immigration and visa changes are often discussed online, we encourage you to rely on us for verified updates.
University of California Guidance
With numerous, quickly evolving federal policy shifts underway, the University of California is working diligently to monitor these developments and seek clarity on a range of issues.
Visit the UC Federal Updates webpage
Read and download the "Know Your Rights if Approached by Immigration Enforcement Agents" card
Getting Settled at UC Davis
With fall quarter approaching, 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 and Sacramento, campus activities and clubs, transportation, nearby shopping, and more.
Browse the International Student and Scholar Handbook
SISS Closed for Labor Day
The SISS office will be closed for business on September 1 in observance of Labor Day and will reopen on September 2. SISS is expected to close early, ending services around 2 p.m. on August 29. Please plan ahead to avoid delays.
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Follow the Global Affairs Instagram account for programs, events, updates and more.
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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 7, 9–10 a.m.
Get Matched with a Global Ambassador Peer Mentor
Incoming international undergrads, are you ready for UC Davis? Apply now for a Global Ambassador mentor. Get matched with a peer mentor and ask about classes, campus clubs, cultural adjustment, and U.S. student life. Make a friend before you arrive and join our fun social events!
Pal Program Accepting Registrations for Fall Quarter
The Pal Program pairs up international and domestic undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use these sessions to increase their intercultural awareness, learn about a target language, and develop friendships. Add new skills to your resume, contribute to a welcoming UC Davis campus community and make new friends. Fall quarter registration is open now.
Learn more, including how you can earn credit toward graduation
UC Davis Student Parent Orientation
Incoming students who are parents and their families are invited to an in-person orientation. Attendees will enjoy an opportunity to network with other student parents, connect with campus and community resources, and introduce their families to UC Davis. Lunch and children's activities will be provided.
Date and time: September 21, 12–3 p.m.
Location: Putah Creek Lodge
Fall Internship and Career Fairs
The UC Davis Career Center has several virtual and in-person fairs planned for this fall, from August to October.
Learn more and find dates and times
Opportunities and Announcements
ASUCD Office of the International Student Representative is Hiring
The Office of the International Student Representative within ASUCD is hiring students for the Head of Staff and two Director positions. The office strives to provide a safe, equitable and informative space for all international students on campus. International students are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: September 14
Identifying Scams and Protecting Your Money
Scammers continue to evolve their tactics in the hope of tricking you. Stay alert and never give your personal information to someone you don't know. If you receive an email, phone call, text or social media message, look for some of these behaviors, which could signal that you are dealing with a scammer:
- Threatens to suspend your Social Security number or visa (even if they have part or all of your information)
- 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
- Offers you a job you didn't apply for
- Requests secrecy and threatens consequences if you inform your school or local police
- Threatens to seize your bank account
- Threatens to arrest family members or other relatives
- Promises to increase your Social Security benefits
- Tries to gain your trust by providing fake documentation, false evidence, or by claiming to be a government official
Scams can come from people posing as school staff, faculty, employers, U.S. government officials, and even officials from other countries. Trust your instincts and reach out to SISS or UC Davis Police if you are contacted by unverified sources or are subjected to threats, harassment or demands for money that seem unusual and suspicious.
Learn more about protecting yourself from scams
Getting Involved with a Student Organization
Students are encouraged to connect and engage with student organizations on campus. UC Davis has many options to get involved and make friends. Find a student organization through the Center for Student Involvement. Search by interest or schedule a virtual meeting to learn more.
Visit the Center for Student Involvement
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.
Learn more and sign up at the bottom of the homepage
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 can sign up for other activities, like Zoom cooking classes and farm tours. For more information, email Simon Zeigler with ISI at szeigler@isionline.org.