February 2025 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Happy Lunar New Year
Wishing you wisdom, good health and positive transformations this year!
How SISS Shares Updates and News
As SISS becomes aware of updates or changes to important visa and immigration-related matters, we publish the information on our website, here in our monthly newsletters, and, in some cases, send details by email.
We encourage you to visit our website regularly and keep your email and contact information up to date in iGlobal.
While immigration changes are often widely discussed on social media and other websites, we strongly encourage you to rely on us to provide verified information as it becomes available.
Office Closures in February
The SISS office will be closed for business on February 17 for Presidents' Day. SISS is expected to close early, ending services around 2 p.m. on February 14. Please plan ahead to avoid delays. The office will reopen on February 18.
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
Protect Yourself from Scams
Never give your personal information to someone you don't know! Here are some signs that an email, phone call or text may have come from a scammer. 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 an 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
Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS
If you are a student and scholar with an 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
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: February 6, 9–10 a.m.
- Register
Deadline Extended for the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Mentor Fellows
Become a mentor fellow and provide mentorship and friendship to incoming international students, develop programming, build leadership skills, and contribute to the global community at UC Davis! Open to current undergraduates. Participants are eligible for a $500 payment.
- Extended Deadline: February 18, 8 a.m.
- Learn more and apply
Read more about the GAMP experience from our two co-coordinators in this recent Global Aggies story.
Health Professions Advising for International Students and Scholars Info Session
Are you an international student thinking about a career in a health profession?
If so, join a Health Professions Advisor and a SISS International Student Advisor for this virtual info session and get answers to all your questions.
- Date and time: February 25, 12–1 p.m.
- Register
UC Davis Global Grad Grants
Graduate and professional students can apply for this funding opportunity to participate in a globally focused social impact program or research opportunity in the summer of 2025. Grants cover the $500 program fee for each of the programs associated with the tracks and provide a $2000 travel grant to support activities and travel.
- Deadline: March 16
- Learn more
- Apply
Register for the Global Learning Conference
This conference will provide opportunities to network with potential employers, showcase your experience in your resume and cover letter, hear from seasoned professionals in a variety of fields, connect with like-minded peers, and explore resources and opportunities for your future.
- Date and time: April 5, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Learn more
Graduate Student and Postdoc Certificate Series
This series is open to graduate students and postdocs. Participants can register for workshops with an emphasis on skill development in DEI or intercultural teaching and learning for success in intercultural work environments. Workshops can be combined toward a certificate from Global Affairs.
Opportunities and Announcements
The 2025 Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Application is Now Open!
A paid opportunity for undergraduates to gain hands-on experience in public health research over the 2025 summer. Visit the program page for all eligibility requirements. Open to international students with summer work authorization (Questions? Confer with your SISS student advisor).
- Deadline: February 18
- Learn more
Visit the ASUCD Pantry for Free Groceries
The ASUCD Pantry in the Memorial Union offers free groceries and basic necessities to all UC Davis students, staff and faculty, regardless of financial need. Order ahead online for nonperishables/basic necessities, or come by anytime for a walk-in visit to get fresh produce. Everyone is welcome!
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
SISS Spotlight
Mary Alurwar Shares Fulbright Experience
SISS International Scholar Advisor Mary Alurwar received a Fulbright International Education Administer Award, which awarded her a two-week program in Germany.