SISS Newsletter

January 2024 SISS Newsletter

Information and Updates

WarnMe and Aggie Alert Campus Messages

UC Davis sends WarnMe and Aggie Alert messages by text, email and the Everbridge Mobile App to provide faculty, staff and students with timely information during emergencies and other urgent situations.

Learn more and ensure your contact information is up to date

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

What’s New in iGlobal for Students? 

Students actively enrolled and attending classes can now view and update their personal information on the My Personal Information electronic form in the Update Personal Information section. View your current U.S. residential address and phone number, email addresses, emergency contact information, and home country address

All updates must be made within 10 days of any personal information change, as per Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations. Please allow up to 5 business days for these changes to be reflected in iGlobal and SEVIS.

Lived Names Will be Reflected on I-20s

UC Davis has a lived name policy where students can declare the name they wish to be known by on campus. Starting in February 2024, Lived Names will replace Preferred Names on I-20s for F-1 students. SISS will begin updating I-20s to reflect these Lived Names in the Preferred Name field on February 1. Any student wishing to opt out, should fill out the form online.

SISS is Closed on January 15

The SISS office will be closed on January 15 for Martin Luther King, Jr. 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.

Ask An Advisor: Academic Probation and Dismissal

Sharon Ericsson, International Student Advisor

Q: What do I do if I've been placed on academic probation or I am facing dismissal?

A: If you have received notification from your College Dean’s Advising Office that you are on Academic Probation or Suspension/Subject to Dismissal/Academic Disqualification, this information is for you:

While this can be a difficult time, please know that there are many resources at UC Davis to help get you back on track. You are not alone, and SISS advisors are here to support you.

Understanding the factors affecting your academics, formulating a plan of action and utilizing campus resources is the best way to navigate your academic situation. It is a strength to seek out help. Our website has guidance on options if you are facing academic dismissal or suspension.

SISS offers a workshop for students in this situation each quarter called Restoring Your Academic Standing. The next one is on January 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Community Center Multipurpose Room.

Scheduling an Appointment with Your SISS Advisor

SISS Advisors are available for in-person and virtual appointments. Schedule an appointment with your advisor in advance.

Find your advisor and schedule an appointment

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: January 4, 9–10 a.m.
  • Register

Save the date for the next Scholar Coffee Break on February 1

Reimagining Repair

The Department of African American and African Studies welcomes you to join in its Winter Symposium: Reimagining Repair. The symposium will be a hybrid virtual and in-person format, with presentations via Zoom and audience members joining both in-person and remotely. Co-sponsored by Global Affairs, Human Rights Studies and Public Scholarship and Engagement.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The March for the Dream is the largest community gathering in Sacramento to honor the ideals and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and put them into practice. This free, in-person event begins at 8 a.m.

The engaging discussion, Healing Resistance: Trauma Healing and Social Change in an Era of Global Rupture, will be led by author Kazu Haga. It will focus on the ways resistance movements can contribute to collective healing. Explore the impact of global crises while acknowledging the rise of social movements advocating for justice and equality. Participate in meaningful conversations on navigating the complexities of our contemporary reality in light of Dr. King’s teachings.

  • Date and time: January 16, 12–1:30 p.m.
  • Learn more

Join the virtual Rx Community Building Circles, dedicated to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The gathering offers a chance to foster the Beloved Community and collectively envision true peace. Together, and only together, we can cultivate compassion and embrace the unity found in our shared humanity.

  • Date and time: January 17, 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Learn more

Winter Career Fairs and Special Opportunities for International Students

The UC Davis Internship and Career Center will host special virtual events for international students in advance of the winter quarter career fairs.

Prepare for the Engineering Fair for International Students

  • Date and time: January 11, 2:10–3 p.m. on Zoom
  • Register

Engineering, Energy and Technology Fair

Prepare for the Winter Career Fair for International Students

  • Date and time: February 9, 2:10–3 p.m. on Zoom
  • Register

Winter Career Fair

Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Information Session

Undergraduate students are invited to join us to learn about how they can provide mentorship and friendship to new international students, develop programming and leadership skills, and more by becoming mentor fellows in 2024-25.

Workshop for Students on Academic Probation, Facing Dismissal

Although no one expects to face academic probation and be subject to dismissal, it can happen to even the most prepared students. SISS offers a quarterly workshop for students in this situation called Restoring Your Academic Standing. We want you to know that you are not alone in this. We are here to support you. Please join us for this event.

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.
  • Register

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.

Opportunities and Announcements

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Summer Programs Open!

This program offers pre- and post-doctoral researchers from the US, Canada and Europe the opportunity to spend two months of their summer conducting research at a Japanese university or research institution under the guidance of a host researcher.

Apply to be a Global Affairs SDG Intern

The Global Affairs SDG Internship provides an opportunity for UC Davis undergraduate students to actively contribute to campus engagement on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gaining knowledge of organizational strategy, campus and external coordination, and communications and analytical skills to support this global agenda.

Learn more and apply

Apply to Receive Mentorship

The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is designed to help new first-year and transfer undergraduate international students successfully adjust to life at UC Davis. We match new international students with current students based on similar interests to connect them with a community of support and friends.

If you are a new first-year or transfer international student, apply today to be matched with a peer mentor.

Become a Mentor Fellow

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 all undergraduates. Participants are eligible for a $500 payment. Application opens on January 8.

Don't forget! Join us for the information session to learn more!

Career Support and Job Search Available with GoinGlobal

GoinGlobal provides career and employment resources for more than 120 worldwide locations. Log in with your UC Davis Kerberos ID to access the H1B Plus portal, career guides, global job and internship search database by country, and an employer directory. 

Learn more and log in

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.

Learn more

Join Club-I

Club-I is a group for internationals and locals in Davis. The group meets, makes friends, finds people to travel with and has fun with various social activities. Club-I meets once a week, usually on Friday evenings, for group dinners and other events.

Visit the ASUCD Pantry for Free Groceries

The ASUCD Pantry located 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!

Learn more about the ASUCD Pantry

SISS Spotlight

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. 

Read more

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