November 2021 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
How to Schedule Virtual and In-Person SISS Advising Appointments
Virtual Advising—Students and Scholars
- Virtual appointments continue to be available.
- SISS has served international students and scholars with virtual advising appointments since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- International students and scholars can contact SISS advisors to schedule virtual appointments.
In-Person Student Advising
- Limited in-person student advising is available by appointment only.
- Each international student is assigned a tier 2 SISS international student advisor; however, students do not need to see their assigned advisor when making an in-person appointment.
- Schedule an in-person appointment based on the topic. Topics are posted for each advising date.
- Schedule an in-person advising appointment. (Students only)
In-Person Scholar Advising
- Limited in-person scholar advising is available by appointment only.
- Contact your SISS international scholar advisor by email to schedule an appointment.
Daylight Saving Time Ends on November 7
Daylight saving time will end on November 7 when clocks change at 2 a.m. back to 1 a.m. Your mobile phone or other devices linked to the internet may update automatically. You may need to adjust other clocks, such as the microwave in your kitchen or your analog watch. Be aware of this change so it doesn't negatively impact your academic or social responsibilities.
Upcoming Office Holiday Closures
SISS will be closed to observe upcoming holidays in November and December. Please plan ahead for these closures and give us time to process requests or reply with answers to questions.
SISS Office Closed:
- November 11, 2021: Veterans Day
- November 25–26, 2021: Thanksgiving Holiday
- December 23, 2021–January 2, 2022: Winter Holiday
Note: The SISS office will close at 2 p.m. on November 24 and December 22.
Protect Yourself from Scams
Recently, students have reported receiving job offers via email from someone claiming to be a professor. Please be aware that this is a scam in which the student is asked to provide money or gift cards.
Read more about this scam and how to protect yourself
It is an unfortunate reality that scammers can trick you out of money. Be wary of companies that promise to find you a place to live off-campus, but want you to pay in advance. It is best to make sure that the apartment or room exists by seeing it in person. And remember: a government agency will never call you on the phone, ask you for money, or ask you to confirm personal details, such as a credit card or bank number.
Learn about protecting yourself from scams and watch our video
Travel Not Recommended for Campus Community; New Requirements for Entering the U.S.
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.
The White House announced a new policy that will require foreign nationals entering the U.S. by air to be fully vaccinated beginning on November 8, 2021. In addition, the White House is expected to issue further guidance on limited exceptions to the vaccination requirement before November 8.
Read more about the new travel requirements
Getting Settled at UC Davis
We encourage new and current students or scholars to connect with campus and build your community of support. SISS offers guidance and information about housing, settling in Davis, campus activities and clubs, transportation, nearby shopping, and more.
Browse the International Student and Scholar Handbook
Learn more about Finding Your Global Community
COVID-19 Campus Updates
lease continue to connect with UC Davis Campus Ready to stay informed about the latest COVID-19 updates and campus requirements, including information about face coverings, social distancing, accessing campus, testing, and using the Daily Symptom Survey.
Visit the Campus Ready website
Programs and Events
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: November 4, 2021, 9–10 a.m. (PDT)
Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
One Health Symposium
The 8th Annual UC Davis One Health Symposium is here! This free virtual event explores topics within the theme of Innovations In One Health, which will explore issues and themes impacting the health of animals, people, plants and the environment. Veterinarians, physicians, public health officials, scientists, students and staff will join roundtable discussions, network and learn about student research projects in One Health.
- Date and time: November 6, 2021, 9 a.m. (PDT)
Save the date! Next month's Scholar Coffee Break is on December 9
Graduate Studies Dissertation and Thesis Day 2021
The University Writing Program faculty presents Writing a Dissertation or Thesis: Getting Started. This annual half-day symposium will cover various topics and provide practical strategies for writing dissertations or theses. This event will include nine sessions on writing strategy for STEM, humanities arts and social sciences.
- Dates: November 6, 2021, 12–4:45 p.m. (PDT)
Graduate Studies Presents Graduate Diversity Community Dinners
The Graduate Diversity Community Dinners are an opportunity for graduate students and postdocs from marginalized populations to meet, greet, laugh and build community at UC Davis.
- Dates: November 15, 2021, 5:30–7 p.m. (PST)
Opportunities and Announcements
Applications to Receive Mentorship Now Open
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. Apply today to be matched with a peer mentor for the 2021-22 year.
Learn more and apply for mentorship
Employment Workshops Now Available On-Demand Online
Interested in OPT or CPT? We have made F-1 Employment Workshops available online. Select your workshop to get started.
- CPT for Undergraduate F-1 Students
- OPT for F-1 Students (Part 1 of 3)
- STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students
Life After UC Davis: Immigration Options for Students and Postdocs
Undergraduate students, graduate students, professional students, and postdocs who are planning to stay in the United States to work after leaving UC Davis can hear from legal expert Charina P. Garcia, a partner at Oakland's Wolfsdorf Rosenthal, LLP, about visa options for international students and scholars after they leave UC Davis.
Student and Scholar Spotlight
Global Learning: Becoming a Mentor, Becoming a Friend
As students settle into fall quarter on the UC Davis campus, mentors in the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program are welcoming new undergraduate international students with events, guidance, and friendship. Student mentors can help ease the transition for new international students as they acclimate to life in the United States at UC Davis.