February 2024 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Tell Us What You Think About Holiday Activities
As a part of our ongoing efforts to support our wonderful international student and scholar community (students, faculty, staff), we are collecting data about the activities of our international population during the fall and winter holiday seasons. Please complete this brief three-minute survey based on your 2023 activities.
Deadline: February 12
Andrew Shiotani Joins SISS as Director
Andrew Shiotani has more than 25 years of experience in international student and scholar services. In his new role, he will oversee the unit’s student and scholar advising teams, collaborate with colleagues on current and future programs and events, and serve as a liaison between campus partners.
Travel Signature Required for Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., please review the travel 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.
Learn more about travel requirements
New Year, New Fraud Attempts
Scammers use new technology and new methods to trick people every day. As they get smarter, we need to get smarter too, and that starts with being alert.
Here are some signs that the person who emailed, called or texted you 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
- Offers you a job you didn't apply for
- 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 more about protecting yourself from scams
SISS is Closed on February 19
The SISS office will be closed on February 19 for Presidents 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.
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
Employment Workshops Available On-Demand
Are you interested in OPT or CPT? F-1 Employment Workshops are available online. Find workshops for:
- CPT for Undergraduate F-1 Students
- OPT for F-1 Students
- STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students
Programs and Events
Lunar New Year Concert
International House Davis invites you to join the Davis Chinese Orchestra and special guests for a Lunar New Year concert of traditional Chinese music.
- Date and time: February 2, 7:30–9 p.m.
Learn more and purchase tickets
Winter Career Fairs and Special Opportunities for International Students
The UC Davis Internship and Career Center will host special virtual events for international students before the winter quarter career fairs.
- Prepare for the Winter Career Fair for International Student
- Date and time: February 9, 2:10–3 p.m. on Zoom
- Register
- Winter Career Fair
- Date and time: February 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: University Credit Union Center (previously the Pavillion)
Grad Slam Applications Are Open
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 a range of prizes.
- Deadline: February 9
aiMPACT Davis Conference
Deep learning, Generative AI, LLMs, and related technologies have stormed into business and society. aiMPACT DAVIS will provide students with an overview of these technologies, and professionals will understand both opportunities and risks. Attendees can network with industry participants and thought leaders.
- Date and time: February 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Location: UC Davis Conference Center
SISS Scholar Evening Discussion: Discussing U.S. Values—Change, Competition and Action
Join Global Affairs staff and fellow visiting scholars for a virtual evening discussion about some of the U.S. culture’s overarching values: change and progress, competition and action. We will delve into what these values mean in U.S. culture, some of their history, and how you might see these values show up in your daily life. This is a great opportunity to connect with other scholars as well as UC Davis staff and to ask questions in a welcoming space. Topics are subject to change.
- Date and time: February 12, 5–6 p.m.
APRU Global Health Mini-Certificate Training in Health Research Ethics
The APRU Global Health Mini-Certificate Training is a free three-session class that aims to give students opportunities to strengthen their capacities in ethics to conduct health research.
- Dates and times: February 15, 22, 29, 5–7:15 p.m.
Advising International Students Certificate Series
This series is designed for all staff and faculty who work with international students. The primary goal is to facilitate interactions with international students by helping you identify touchpoints, recognize your degree of involvement, effectively implement intercultural communication skills related to the international student population, use the iGlobal system, and much more.
- Foundations for Understanding International Students: February 28
- International Student Advising, Undergraduate Students: March 6
- International Student Advising, Graduate Students: March 13
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: March 7, 9–10 a.m.
California Income Tax Workshop
If you are an international student or scholar who worked in the United States during the 2023 calendar year, you may need information about California State taxes. Join our webinar for information and resources to complete a California income tax return.
- Date and time: March 14, 12–1:30 p.m.
Universitas 21 Global Citizens Program
Free for UC Davis undergraduate and graduate students, this online leadership program gives students the opportunity to develop skills needed to thrive in the 21st century while tackling the world’s pressing problems outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
- Dates: April 3–26
UC Davis Global Learning Conference
Students’ global perspectives are valuable in today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving world. The Global Learning Conference provides students of all majors with opportunities to hear from and network with seasoned professionals in various fields, connect with peers, and explore resources and opportunities for the future.
- Date and time: April 6, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Location: International Center
UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference
This conference is designed to acquaint undergraduate students with the process and academic rigors of presenting research in a scholarly manner and an affirming environment. Submit a presentation proposal for your global research!
- Dates: April 26–27
Opportunities and Announcements
UC Davis Launches Non-Emergency Line, Health 34
Health 34 is a team of healthcare educators and providers who will deliver free, non-emergency support and service navigation for mental health and basic medical care to every segment of the UC Davis campus. From anxiety and panic attacks to trouble with roommates and food or housing insecurity, contact Health 34 for non-emergency issues, support, and assistance finding services.
Apply to be a Global Affairs SDG Intern
Support incoming international students! Become a Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Mentor Fellow for 2024-25 and mentor new international students, develop programming, build leadership skills, and contribute to the global community at UC Davis! Open to undergraduates. Participants are eligible for a $500 payment.
- Deadline: February 2
Become a Mentor Fellow
Support incoming international students! Become a mentor fellow for 2024-25 and provide mentorship and friendship to new international students, develop programming, build leadership skills, and contribute to the global community at UC Davis! Open to undergraduates. Participants are eligible for a $500 payment.
- Deadline: February 4
Global Grad Grants
This funding supports graduate and professional students' participation in a globally focused social impact program or research opportunity in summer 2024. Grants cover the $500 program fee for each of the programs associated with the tracks and provide a $2,000 travel grant to support summer travel.
APRU Virtual Global Health Case Competition
Join a team of three to six students from around the world in this fun, educational competition to address a real-world global health challenge. $1,000 prize. The case challenge will be released on March 10.
Calling All Volunteers: Support International Learners in English Conversations
Join International House Davis English Practice Partners program! Seeking local native English speakers to empower international learners in improving conversational skills. Volunteers are paired for weekly one-hour English conversations at flexible locations. Be a part of meaningful language exchange!
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.
SISS Spotlight
SISS Partnership with SAandPIRI to Benefit Students
SISS and the Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative have partnered to support international students navigating academic probation and dismissal.