February 2022 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Welcoming the Year of the Tiger
Happy Lunar New Year from UC Davis SISS and Global Affairs! We send our best wishes for a year of happiness, health and ambitions fulfilled.
In-Person Campus Operations Resume
Welcome back in person on campus! Please continue to connect with UC Davis Campus Ready to stay informed about the latest COVID-19 updates and campus requirements, including information about face coverings, social distancing, accessing campus, testing and using the Daily Symptom Survey.
Visit the Campus Ready website
Accessing SISS Services
The International Center is open. In-person paperwork drop-off and pick-up are available on Mondays–Fridays from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m., except for university holidays. Limited in-person advising is available Mondays–Thursdays. Virtual advising continues for international students and scholars. You may contact your SISS advisor to schedule an appointment by visiting our Staff Directory.
Stay Alert to Prevent Scams
UC Davis Police warned students about a scam involving emails from someone claiming to be a professor and offering employment in a recent update to campus. Read more about this incident.
It is important to stay alert to avoid being scammed. Scams are easy to fall for, and you might not know a phone call, email or interaction is fraudulent until it is too late.
Think twice before engaging in or continuing a conversation with someone you do not know, whether over the phone or online. Any request that does any of the following may be a scam:
- 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 claiming to be a government official
Learn about protecting yourself from scams and watch our video
SISS Closed for Presidents' Day (February 21)
The SISS office will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2022, in observance of Presidents' Day. Please note that we will close at 2 p.m. on February 18, 2022, and reopen on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Please plan for these closures to give our staff time to process requests or reply with answers to questions.
Travel Not Recommended for Campus Community; New Requirements for Entering the U.S.
To continue to protect the safety and well-being of our campus community, UC Davis still recommends against all non-essential domestic and international travel. Check with your SISS Advisor if you have any questions.
The White House announced a new policy requiring foreign nationals entering the U.S. by air to be fully vaccinated. In addition, travel from southern African countries is currently restricted.
Read more about the new travel requirements
Programs 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: February 3, 2022, 9–10 a.m. (PST)
Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
Exploring Languages with the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program
Join the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program for an evening of exploring different languages and their history. Come learn fun facts and new ways to say hello, goodbye, etc., in Cantonese/Mandarin Chinese, French, Japanese, Punjabi and Spanish. There will also be a raffle for participants.
- Date and time: February 10, 2022, 6–7:15 p.m.
- Location: International Center
Learn more and register for the event
Global Learning Conference
This year's Global Learning Conference is being held at the UC Davis International Center. This conference will offer all students of any major the chance to showcase their experience by offering the chance for networking, resource exploration and future opportunities. Tickets are available for purchase for $10 and include coffee, lunch and materials.
- Early bird registration is open until February 11, 2022
- Date and Time: April 2, 2022, 8:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (PST)
Save the Date: Student-Run Virtual Symposium to Address Climate Change
As part of the 2022 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Action and Awareness Week (February 28-March 4), UC Davis will host a student-run virtual symposium to bring attention to the many ways that UC Davis students are leading efforts to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular, SDG 13: Climate Action and climate justice. The Winter 2022 UC Davis SDG student interns and a selection of UC Davis student speakers will discuss ways to advance climate action and justice along three dimensions: through awareness building, policy advocacy and direct action.
- Date and time: March 2, 4–5 p.m. PST
Registration details will be posted soon
California Income Tax Workshop
SISS will host a workshop to assist international students and scholars with their California income tax returns. Hear from tax experts as you prepare to file California income taxes. Registration and event details to be announced.
- Date and time: March 10, 2022, 10 a.m.–noon (PST)
Opportunities and Announcements
Donald A. Strauss Scholarship Application Now Open
The Donald A. Strauss Scholarship funds $15,000 for sophomores and juniors to implement a public service project anywhere in the world. Applicants can be of any citizenship status and must be ranked in the top third of their class. Applications are now open.
- Campus Application Deadline: February 2, 2022
- Email Scott Palmer with questions
Grad Slam Returns
Grad Slam is the annual event for all master’s and doctoral students to share their research stories concisely and compellingly in three minutes or less! Not only will you refine your research communication skills, but the winners will also take home prizes ranging from $500 to $2,500.
- Learn more
- Deadline: February 16, 2022
- Save the Date for the semi-final: April 6, 2022, 12–3 p.m.
- Save the Date for the University of California final round: May 6, 2022
Register and submit your video
Apply for the United Nations Millennium Fellowship
International students are eligible to become a United Nations (UN) affiliated fellow! The UN Millennium Fellowship is a FREE worldwide leadership development program for undergraduate students, offered virtually from August–November 2022. Benefits include certificate, networking with global leaders, leadership training and community social change.
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2022
- Learn more about the 2021 Fellows
- Register to attend the Zoom Info Session on February 11, 2022, 12:10 p.m. (PST)
- Email Liliane Larson with questions
Apply to Join the Campus Judicial Board
The Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs is recruiting students for the Campus Judicial Board for the 2022-23 academic year. The board works to resolve disputed cases of academic misconduct through formal hearings and/or advise students who have been reported to the office. Play an integral role in the disciplinary process by bringing your perspectives as students and helping participants understand and prepare for the hearing.
- Deadline: February 28, 2022, 11:59 p.m. (PST)
- Email the Campus Judicial Board with questions
Learn more and apply to the Campus Judicial Board
Eligible Students Can Qualify for Free and Discounted Childcare Available
Beginning fall 2022, UC Davis Early Childhood Laboratory will launch the CCAMPIS Childcare Program, which will offer free or discounted childcare to eligible UC Davis students. Those who qualify can apply for childcare spots and individual support and mentorship for student parents through the Transfer and Reentry Center.
Learn more about this program and apply
International House Offers English Conversation Program
International House (I-House) pairs international visitors to our community with native English speakers for about an hour of English conversation practice per week via Zoom (or in-person in a public setting). Those interested in practicing English are invited to apply.
Apply for the I-House English Conversation Program
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
Meet the 2021-22 Leaders for the Future Fellows
UC Davis Graduate Studies announced five international Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral scholars among the 19 fellows in the 2021-22 Leaders for the Future (LFTF) program: Rizwan Asghar, Ph.D. Candidate, Political Science; Maitreyee Jathal, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholar in Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine; Noreen Karim, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholar in Environmental Toxicology; Jiayu Li, Ph.D. Candidate, Chemical Engineering; and Maria-Malvina Tsamouri, Ph.D. Candidate, Integrative Pathobiology. This nine-month certificate program prepares students for careers outside of academia.