SISS Newsletter

March 2022 SISS Newsletter

Information and Updates

Global Affairs and SISS Offer Statement on Ukraine

Last week, Global Affairs and Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) issued a statement about the situation in Ukraine to reaffirm UC Davis' commitment to supporting our campus community during this difficult time and offer resources for those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Read the statement

Stay Alert to Prevent Scams

The United States Customs and Border Protection have warned about a scam that impersonates a Customs and Border Protection agent. The caller says a package was intercepted containing money and drugs addressed to the victim in the scam. Read more about this phone scam.

UC Davis Police also warned students about a scam involving emails from someone claiming to be a professor and offering employment in a recent update to campus. Read more about this incident.

It is important to stay alert to avoid being scammed. Scams are easy to fall for, and you might not know a phone call, email or interaction is fraudulent until it is too late.

Think twice before engaging in or continuing a conversation with someone you do not know—whether over the phone or online. Any request that does any of the following may be a scam:

  • 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
  • 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 claiming to be a government official

Learn about protecting yourself from scams and watch our video

Daylight Saving Time Begins on March 13

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 13, when clocks shift forward by one hour. If you have a clock connected to a satellite or internet connection such as a mobile phone or laptop, this change will likely happen automatically. However, it is a good rule for clocks that aren't connected, such as a microwave or wall clock, to set them ahead by one hour before you go to bed on March 12.

SISS Closed on March 25

SISS will be closed on March 25 for César Chávez Day and will close at 2 p.m. on March 24. Please plan ahead for these closures. SISS will resume operations on Monday, March 28.

Travel Not Recommended for Campus Community; New Requirements for Entering the U.S.

Due to COVID-19, to continue to protect the safety and well-being of our campus community, UC Davis still recommends against all non-essential domestic and international travel. Check with your SISS Advisor if you have any questions.

Additionally, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 — Do Not Travel Warning for Ukraine due to the current conflict. As a result, and out of concern for the well-being and safety of the UC community, the University of California Office of the President is directing all members of the UC community to avoid all travel to Ukraine at this time. Additionally, travel to neighboring countries should be carefully evaluated.

Read more about the developing travel restrictions due to the current conflict in Ukraine


Programs and Events

Game Day with the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program

Join the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program at a Game Day to meet fellow students and play various outdoor games together. Game Day-related refreshments will be offered!

Register for the event

California Income Tax Workshop

If you were working in the United States during 2021, you might need information about California State taxes. SISS will sponsor a webinar to provide information and resources to complete a California income tax return. This 2-hour presentation will include the following topics:

  • Do I need to file?
  • California residency laws
  • Items taxed by California: All income v. Source income
  • Taxation of fellowships, stipends and scholarships
  • State and federal differences
  • Calculation of California tax
  • A step-by-step example completing a form 540NR

 

The presenter, Ms. Janie Tran from the State of California Franchise Tax Board, Taxpayers Rights Advocate Office, will provide online resources, forms and answers to common questions. You must pre-register for this virtual event.

  • Date and time: March 10, 2022, 10 a.m.–noon (PST)

Register for the event

Global Learning Conference

International undergraduate students are encouraged to join the Global Learning Conference. This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with professionals in global jobs in many fields, learn how to tell your international story and incorporate it effectively into your job search. Networking, professional headshots, lunch, snacks, raffle and more, for $15! Space is limited so register today.

Learn more and register

Save the Date for Grad Slam

Grad Slam is the annual event for master’s and doctoral students to share their research stories concisely and compellingly in three minutes or less! Mark your calendar and join Graduate Studies for the exciting semi-final round at UC Davis.

  • Date and time: April 6, 2022, 12–3 p.m.

Learn more about Grad Slam

Scholar Coffee Break

We invite international scholars 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: April 7, 2022, 9–10 a.m. (PST)

Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register


Opportunities and Announcements

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!

  • Hours: Mondays–Fridays, 10:15 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturdays–Sundays, 10:15 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Location: Memorial Union

Learn more about the ASUCD Pantry

Employment Workshops Now Available On-Demand Online

Are you interested in OPT or CPT? F-1 Employment Workshops are available online. Select your workshop to get started.

F-1 Students Looking for Summer Employment and Internships

If you are an F-1 student who will continue into the 2022-23 academic year and are looking for employment authorization this summer, please review our Curricular Practical Training (CPT) information and our online CPT workshop video.

If you are an F-1 student who will complete your degree requirements this spring or over the summer in 2022 and are looking for information about employment authorization for post-graduation, please review our Optional Practical Training (OPT) information and our three-part OPT workshop videos. If you are a STEM major, you can also review the process for the two-year STEM OPT extension.

International House Offers English Conversation Program

International House (I-House) pairs international visitors to our community with native English speakers for about an hour of English conversation practice per week via Zoom (or in-person in a public setting). Those interested in practicing English are invited to apply.

Apply for the I-House English Conversation Program


Student and Scholar Spotlight

Meet the 2021-22 Leaders for the Future Fellows

UC Davis Graduate Studies announced five international Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral scholars among the 19 fellows in the 2021-22 Leaders for the Future (LFTF) program: Rizwan Asghar, Ph.D. Candidate, Political Science; Maitreyee Jathal, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholar in Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine; Noreen Karim, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholar in Environmental Toxicology; Jiayu Li, Ph.D. Candidate, Chemical Engineering; and Maria-Malvina Tsamouri, Ph.D. Candidate, Integrative Pathobiology. This nine-month certificate program prepares students for careers outside of academia.

Read more about these fellows from Graduate Studies

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