November 2023 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Fraudulent Email Looks Like it Comes From Global Affairs
We have recently become aware of a fraudulent email being sent to international students at UC Davis that appears to come from UC Davis Global Affairs. Please be aware that this email is not from us. DO NOT comply with its request. UC Davis would never ask you to share personal or financial information in an email. If you receive an email like this, please immediately report it to SISS at siss@ucdavis.edu and do not respond to it.
Please continue to use your best judgment when evaluating the emails, phone calls and text messages you receive from unknown individuals. Even if they say they are from reputable organizations, institutions or government offices, be aware that there are many scams out there, and scammers are getting increasingly good at deception.
Find more information about protecting yourself from fraud below and on the SISS website.
How to Protect Yourself From Scams
Scams are fraudulent attempts to trick people out of their money. These lies are easy to fall for, and you might not know a phone call, email or interaction is fraudulent until it is too late. Stay alert and be cautions if communicating with someone you do not know—whether over the phone or online.
Here are some signs that the person you are talking to 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
- 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
Travel Signature Required for Winter Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during the upcoming winter break, please review the travel requirements for 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 will require a valid travel signature on their DS-2019 form.
Learn more about travel requirements
Ask An Advisor
Mary Alurwar, International Scholar Advisor
Q: What do I need to know before I travel outside the U.S.?
A: Here is some advice before your trip:
- Check your visa in your passport first. If your visa is expired, you must renew it before returning to the U.S. Many U.S. consulates let you schedule your visa appointment ahead of time, and some may even waive the interview. Apply online as soon as possible and schedule it at the beginning of your trip abroad to give the consulate as much time as possible to decide.
- Do you have a stopover in another country? Find out if you need a transit visa before you reach your final destination.
- Out of the country for more than 30 days? Get a support letter from faculty explaining your extended absence and expected return date.
- Finally, don’t forget to get a travel signature from SISS. You can submit your travel signature request form through iGlobal. If possible, request your travel signature at least two weeks prior to your planned departure date, and check our website so you are aware of office closures.
Digital Signatures Now Available for DS-2019
The U.S. Department of State now permits Form DS-2019 for J exchange visitors to be digitally signed by the J program sponsor. As a result, SISS no longer prints DS-2019s, and now uploads the DS-2019 PDF with digital SISS advisor signature in iGlobal. After SISS processes a DS-2019 or a travel signature request, J-1 exchange visitors will get an automated email from SISS to log in iGlobal and download, print and sign their DS-2019. Government agencies, including U.S. embassies, are accepting the digitally signed document.
Daylight Saving Time
Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 5, 2023, to mark the end of Daylight Saving.
SISS Closed for Holidays in November
SISS will be closed on November 10 for Veterans Day and November 24–25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. 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
Big Bang! Workshop: Making the Leap
Are you ready to move your business idea from concept to reality? Join Graduate School of Management Professor Andrew Hargadon to learn how to clearly articulate the problem you are solving, your proposed solution and its value proposition. We’ll also discuss how to develop a foundation for thinking about moving your venture forward—and how to acquire the tools and network to do so effectively.
- Date and time: November 1, 2023, 5–7 p.m.
MENASA Student Resources International Student Meet and Greet
This is a fun opportunity to familiarize yourself with the MENASA Student Resources team, the Global Learning Hub, and SISS to discover the range of services and support they offer. Beyond that, it's a wonderful platform to connect and build relationships with fellow MENASA-identifying International Students. The evening promises to be festive, with pumpkin carving and painting activities lined up. Snacks and drinks will be on the house. Everyone is welcome, and we hope to see you there!
- Date and time: November 1, 2023, 6–7:30 p.m.
- Location: International Center, room 3119
Lights, Camera, Conversation: Film Screening and Night with the Director and Cast of ‘From Here’
Global Affairs is pleased to host this event in partnership with the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs. Join us for a free film screening of the documentary ‘From Here,’ a coming-of-age portrait of young people caught at the crosshairs of immigration debates on both sides of the Atlantic. The film’s director, Christina Antonakos-Wallace, as well as two of the film’s protagonists, will participate in a Q&A after the film. Refreshments will be served.
- Date and Time: November 2, 2023, 7 p.m.
- Location: Davis Veterans Memorial Center
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: November 2, 2023, 9–10 a.m.
Designing and Implementing Global Learning/Internationalization at Home
Join us for the 4th annual Global Learning Forum! On November 3rd, Florida International University is hosting two workshops packed with insights from scholars and practitioners on the fundamental tools for implementing global learning and the tools to do so on any campus. The workshops will offer useful insights for: faculty who are looking for effective ways to incorporate global learning experiences in their curriculum; administrators who are responsible for ensuring that their students and faculty gain critical skills to constructively contribute to the global society and workplace and exchange of new knowledge; and staff who support faculty and administrators in implementing a global learning curriculum.
Register in Advance of November 3
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!
All Pride, No Ego
Join us for a conversation with Jim Fielding, author and celebrated corporate leader. In his book All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive’s Journey to Living and Leading Authentically, Jim delivers an inspirational leadership story told from the perspective of an out and proud LGBTQ+ executive. The book explores a call to action for authentic servant leadership that encourages people to live own their truth and bring out the best in themselves and their communities.
- Date and time: November 7, 2023, 5–6:30 p.m.
- Location: UC Davis Conference Center
Advising International Students Certificate Series
Designed for all staff and faculty who work with international students, this series continues this month.
Advising International Undergraduate Students: November 13, 2023, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Advising International Graduate Students: November 15, 2023, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
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!
Seminar: Agriculture in Botswana
This seminar features a speaker series and is hosted by two outstanding scientists from the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Students can take this course for credit (PES 3001), but all are welcome to attend the seminar.
- Dates and times: Mondays, October 9–December 4, 12–1 p.m.
Test of Oral English Proficiency for Multilingual Graduate Student TAs
Graduate students who plan to work as Teaching Assistants (TA) or Associate Instructors (AI) while at UC Davis must meet the TA Language Proficiency Requirement. If you haven’t met this requirement yet, you can take the Test of Oral English Proficiency (TOEP) on campus in September to determine your eligibility.
Learn more about qualifying as a TA or AI
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
Apply for the Library Graduate Student Prize
UC Davis Public Scholarship and Engagement is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Library Graduate Student Prize! Graduate students can win up to $1,000 for their community-engaged research.
- Deadline: December 1, 2023
Universitas 21 (U21) Sustainable Micro-Internships
The U21 Sustainable Micro-Internships Program is a free, virtual two-week, project-based internship for undergraduate and graduate students. Work with students from across the globe, sharing knowledge and expertise while providing solutions to a challenge related to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Deadline: November 15, 2023
Student-Parent Resources
If you are a student who is also a parent, consider subscribing to the Student Parent Resources newsletter, featuring information to support student-parent success.
Student and Scholar Spotlight
International Scholar Developing Sugar Substitute
Professor Shota Atsumi, UC Davis Department of Chemistry, led a team that found a new way to coax microbes into making allulose, a potential substitute for table sugar. The work was conducted in collaboration with the Mars Advanced Research Institute.