SISS Newsletter

October 2021 SISS Newsletter

Information and Updates

Welcome, Aggies!

Whether you are joining us in Davis for the first time or returning to our beautiful campus, on behalf of Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS), welcome to UC Davis! We look forward to the quarter ahead.

This SISS Newsletter is filled with information, events and opportunities for international students and scholars. On our website, you can learn more about our services, schedule an appointment with an advisor, or find other helpful information about your visa status and requirements. Connect with us by joining our SISS Facebook group and following Global Affairs on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Best wishes,

Wesley Young

Director, Services for International Students and Scholars within Global Affairs

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 begins by appointment on Oct. 7.
  • 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.

In-Person Scholar Advising

Davis-Berkeley Shuttle

Travel between the UC Davis and UC Berkeley campuses with the Davis-Berkeley Shuttle, an intercampus bus service.

Learn more, view the schedule and purchase tickets

Required: Students Must Check In When Arriving in the United States

Students who enter the United States to take classes this fall must immediately check in with SISS to confirm their arrival. If you are arriving in the U.S. for the fall quarter, find the description that best matches your circumstances and follow the instructions:

  • Students who have an I-20 or DS-2019 that says “Initial” or “Transfer Pending” should check their email for messages with information about how to check in. If they do not receive an email about mandatory check-in after they arrive, they must contact siss@ucdavis.edu
  • Students who have an I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature to re-enter the U.S. should fill out the Successful Return form in their Term Plan in iGlobal.

Protect Yourself from Scams

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

As the 2021-22 academic year begins, it is important to remember that international travel restrictions are still in place. 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.

Submit Your Fall Plan Now

Please help SISS provide and assist you with proper documentation by submitting your Fall Term Plan in iGlobal immediately. If you have questions about your term plan or other visa issues, please contact your SISS Advisor.

Getting Settled at UC Davis

We encourage new or current students and 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

Please 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

UC Davis Cluster on Language Research

The UC Davis Cluster on Language Research hosts bi-weekly talks for undergraduate and graduate students interested in language research. Grad students, postdocs, faculty and staff representing many UC Davis departments and other international institutions present on research projects, industry paths and other initiatives that are related to languages. The Cluster engages in lively discussion and provides networking opportunities. 

  • Dates and time: Begins October 5, 2021, at 12 p.m., and runs every other Tuesday through the fall quarter
  • Location: Sproul 622; see link for Zoom information
  • Questions? Email CLR@ucdavis.edu

Learn more about the UC Davis Cluster on Language Research

The China Careers Summit

The Asia Society will host the China Careers Summit, a two-day interactive virtual event for university students interested in China-related careers. The Summit will introduce students to a broad array of careers in government, media, think tanks, nonprofits and the private sector, in which Chinese language skills and China expertise are essential. The Summit is free to attend. Spaces are limited, so register to secure your place.

  • Dates: October 6-7, 2021

Register to secure your spot

Join the Chancellor's Graduate and Professional Student Advisory Board

Apply for the Chancellor’s Graduate and Professional Student Advisory Board (CGPSA). This is a great opportunity for first-year and continuing graduate and professional students to get involved in campus leadership, advocate on behalf of fellow graduate students, gain experience serving on a board, and begin building their CVs.

Learn more about the CGPSA board and apply

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.  

  • Date and time: October 12, 2021, 3:30-5 p.m. (PDT)

Register

Free Event: Attend the Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education will host the virtual Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education. UC Davis Sustainability is a sponsor of the event and invites all students, faculty, and staff to attend at no charge.

  • Dates: October 12-14, 2021

Learn more and register

Global Career Development Series: Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Germany

Join this information session with two of our partners in Germany that offer research internship programs and placements to undergraduate students. Hear about options for virtual and in-person research, fully-funded opportunities, as well as research projects where you can apply for a scholarship.

  • Date and time: October 13, 2021, 10-11 a.m. (PDT)

Register

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: October 14, 2021, 9-10 a.m. (PDT)

Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register

Save the date! Next month's Scholar Coffee Break is on November 4

Global Career Development Series: Exploring Global Careers, Green Careers

Join the UC Davis Cal Aggie Alumni Association and Global Affairs for the Exploring Global Careers series to network with and learn from leading professionals about what it takes to build a successful green career in their region of the world. 

  • Date and time: October 14, 2021, 4-5:15 p.m. (PDT)

Register

Global Learning Showcase

Learn about the variety of global opportunities available to you at the Global Learning Showcase. This virtual event comprises more than 20 information sessions about global opportunities and a virtual University of California-wide Fair.

  • Every session is its own event, so join whatever you like. Explore sessions and then register to add them to your calendar.
  • Sessions explore study abroad opportunities, global internships, funding opportunities, and much more.
  • Hear from program returnees and UC students who have become globally engaged.
  • At the fair, connect with advisors across the UC system to explore a variety of study abroad and virtual opportunities.
     
  • Dates: October 19-21, 2021 (times vary)
  • Questions? Email globallearning@udavis.edu

Learn more and register for the Global Learning Showcase

"You Got This" Workshops

Join Student Health and Counseling Services for a three-part skill-building workshop designed to build personal awareness, develop coping skills and promote self-care.

  • Dates: Throughout fall quarter

Learn more and register for a workshop


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

The Pal Program Registration Now Open

The Pal Program pairs UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use these sessions to increase their intercultural awareness, practice a target language, and develop friendships.

  • Deadline: October 8, 2021

Learn more about the Pal Program and register

GoinGlobal Career Support Portal Live on SISS website

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. 

Learn more about GoinGlobal and log in

Get a Free Bike Helmet!

The entire UC Davis campus community—students, faculty, and staff—can receive a free bike helmet through the Helmet Hair Don't Care program.

Learn how to get a free helmet

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.


Student and Scholar Spotlight

Global Learning: Reflecting on My Three Years in the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program

Nikhita Azad, an international relations major and human rights minor, recalls being an incoming international student and feeling anxious about coming to a new country and environment. She credits the mentorship she received through the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program as helping to make her transition easier.

Nikhita enjoyed the experience so much, she stayed with the program and served as a mentor and coordinator. Now, she details her three years of involvement in a new blog post.

Read more about Nikhita Azad's mentorship journey

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