July 2023 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Travel Signature Required for Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. this summer, please review the travel requirements for international 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 (visiting faculty and researchers) will require a valid travel signature on their DS-2019 form.
If you need a new travel signature, you must make your request in iGlobal.
Consult your SISS advisors with any questions about international travel.
Changes to In-Person Class Requirement for F-1 and J-1 Students
The Department of Homeland Security has ended its COVID policy guidance for virtual classes for international students with F-1 and J-1 visa types. F-1 and J-1 students must now enroll in 12 units minimum each quarter, nine (9) of which must be in-person classes.
Read our announcement to learn additional details about this policy change.
Be Aware
Fraudulent Student Accounts and Payments Allege to be from UC Davis
An active email scam involves student accounts and payments that purport to originate from UCD Student Accounting but are fraudulent. Cybercriminals use sophisticated methods to steal money and data. The fraudulent email may look like it comes from the UC Davis Student Accounting email address (myaccount@ucdavis.edu) or another person in university leadership.
Scam Calls from Safe Rides Number
The phone number for the UC Davis Police Safe Rides service (530-754-2677 or 530-754-COPS) is being spoofed by scammers. Parents of UC Davis students have received calls apparently from this number claiming that their son or daughter has been arrested and demanding money in the form of gift cards.
These calls are fraudulent. Law enforcement and government agencies will not demand money over the phone.
SISS Closed on July 4
SISS will be closed on July 4 for Independence 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.
Programs and Events
Apply for the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program
Incoming undergraduate international students, apply now to receive a peer mentor! Your mentor can be your go-to resource for information about student life at UC Davis and in the United States as well as campus resources and events. Meet other students and make new friends at our social events!
- Learn more and apply
- Deadline: October 6, 2023
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: July 6, 2023, 9–10 a.m.
- Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
California Germany Agrivoltaics Conference
The first California Germany Agrivoltaics Conference will bring together corporates, policy-makers, researchers, developers and farmers to explore how agrivoltaics can contribute to both resilience and sustainability. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend.
- Date: November 1, 2023
- Location: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
- Register
Opportunities and Announcements
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
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.
University Global Coalition Annual Gathering
For this year’s Gathering, University Global Coalition (UGC) will host a global, virtual version of 17 Rooms, a process developed by The Brookings Institution and The Rockefeller Foundation. In 17 Rooms, participants select one of 17 groups representing each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Rooms will work to determine a deliverable from their discussion that can be presented during SDG Action and Awareness Week 2023. Inspiration sessions will open and close the week. Participation is open to students, faculty, and staff in any higher education institution and selected community partner organizations.
- Deadline to register: July 10, 2023
- Date: October 2–6, 2023
- Learn more and register
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 non-perishables/basic necessities or come by anytime for a walk-in visit to get fresh produce. Everyone is welcome!
Learn more about the ASUCD Pantry
UC Davis Widening Circles
Through a global network of social impact organizations, guidance from mentors, multimedia storytelling and a rigorous curriculum, students will explore new pathways for learning, sharing, connecting and acting with purpose and humility in the face of global inequality and injustice. Funding available!
- Learn more
- Dates: June 26, 2023 to August 25, 2023
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.
Student and Scholar Spotlight
Sophia Mares de Juan Speaks at Commencement
If Sophia Mares de Juan looks familiar, you may have seen her in a number of places within Global Affairs these last few year, including as a former mentor fellow in the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program, peer advisor in the Global Learning Hub, and intern with Article 26 Backpack (a human rights tool supporting academic mobility). Originally from Mexico, Sophia was student commencement speaker at the ceremony on Friday, June 16.