January 2025 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Advice For Travelers: Return By January 20
SISS does not anticipate any formal changes to immigration and visa rules before January 20, 2025. However, we recommend international students and scholars take the following precautions to encourage safe travel during the winter break and the month of January. We encourage you to consider completing your travel and returning before January 20.
- Carry all documents needed for re-entry to the U.S., including a valid passport, valid entry visa (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B) and other required documents relating to your status.
- Required documents may include a valid Form I-20 for F-1 students, Form DS-2019 for J-1 students and scholars, and Form I-797 approval notice for H-1B employees.
- For F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars, ensure that you have an unexpired travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 no more than one year old on the date of your return.
- For F-1 students on post-completion Optional Practical Training, ensure that you have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card in addition to a valid passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20; your OPT Form I-20 should have a travel signature no more than six months old on the date of your return.
- If applying for a new visa, we recommend doing so before January 20, 2025.
We recommend you carry copies of these documents even if traveling only inside the United States.
For more detailed travel information, consult the Travel Resources section on our website, email SISS at siss@ucdavis.edu or make an appointment with your SISS advisor.
SISS is committed to your academic and career success. We wish you a successful remainder of the fall quarter and a restful winter break and look forward to continuing to help you meet your goals and make the most of your experience at UC Davis.
In Memoriam: Honoring the Lives of Two SISS Colleagues
Daniel Padron passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2024. A cherished member of the UC Davis community, Daniel dedicated 20 years as a scholar intake advisor with SISS. He was a proud UC Davis graduate and lifelong Aggie, deeply committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for international scholars, working with over 100 UC Davis departments.
Daniel’s unwavering dedication and genuine care for others earned him the respect and affection of his colleagues. Whether he was lending a hand to a scholar in need, offering an empathetic ear, or sharing a laugh with a colleague, he had a remarkable ability to make them feel valued.
We invite you to read more about Daniel
Linda Heckert, retired SISS student advising assistant, passed away on November 26, 2024. She graduated with honors with a degree in design from UC Davis in 1986 and enjoyed a long career in urban planning and design before shifting into international student support. Linda spent 15 years with SISS helping international students at UC Davis, retiring in 2020.
Linda loved art and gardening, two marks she left on our campus. You could often find her volunteering with the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, and she led a committee to bring artwork to the International Center, which you will still see on display in our hallways today.
We invite you to read more about Linda
Office Closures in January
The SISS office will be closed for business on January 20 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. SISS is expected to close early, ending services around 2 p.m. on January 17. Please plan ahead to avoid delays. The office will reopen on January 21.
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
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
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.
Programs and Events
UC Davis Widening Circles and Global Grad Grants Info Session
Join us to learn about the Widening Circles program, a fully funded program for UC Davis students to engage in an online curriculum focused on ethical global engagement. At this session, learn about the program and funding mechanisms. The application will be open from January 6 until March 16.
- Date and time: January 7, 12–1 p.m.
- Learn more and register for the info session
Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors at the International Center
AMHAs at the International Center for Winter Quarter! Stop by for a friendly chat with a fellow Aggie and learn about mental health and well-being resources, and evidence-based practices to take care of yourself and others!
- Date and Time: January 8 and 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: International Center Lobby
- Learn more
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 9, 9–10 a.m.
- Register
Register for the Pal Program this Winter
The Pal Program pairs up UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use weekly one-hour sessions to increase their intercultural awareness, practice a target language, and develop friendships.
- Deadline: January 20
- Learn more
Opening Reception for a New Exhibition: Visual Journals 2010-2024
Join us for the opening of an engaging exhibition that brings together visual journals belonging to students who participated in the UC Davis Design study abroad program, which runs from January 21 through April 25, 2025, at the UC Davis Design Museum and the International Center Lobby.
- Date and time: January 22, 4–6 p.m.
- Location: International Center Lobby
- Register for the event
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.
Join us for an info session to learn more and submit your application to become a mentor fellow by the deadline.
- Date and time: January 23, 12:10–1 p.m.
- Register for the event
- Application opens: January 7
- Deadline: February 2
UC Davis Global Grad Grant Info Session
Join an info session about the Global Grad Grants, a funding opportunity to participate in a globally-focused social impact program or research opportunity in summer 2025. Grants cover the $500 fee for the associated curricula and a $2000 grant to support activities and travel.
- Date and time: January 27, 12–1 p.m.
- Learn more and register for the info session
Global Learning Conference Registration Opens January 6
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.
- Registration opens: January 6
- Event date and time: April 5, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Learn more
Opportunities and Announcements
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.
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!
Join Club-I: Social Activity Group from International House Davis
Want to meet new people and enjoy social activities? Club-I is a local group for internationals to make friends and have fun in Davis. The club gathers on Friday nights for group dinners and other events.