SISS Newsletter

October 2022 SISS Newsletter

Information and Updates 

UC Davis Provides Statement in Support of Those Impacted by Unrest in Iran

In a statement from several campus leaders, UC Davis offered its support to those impacted by the recent unrest in Iran. The statement, which included resources for those affected, reaffirmed the university's commitment to upholding fundamental human rights, stating, "We affirm the dignity inherent in all of us and strive to maintain a climate of equity and justice. We stand against the use of violence, repression, and discrimination."

Read the statement

COVID-19 Testing Reminder for Students

The UC Davis campus requires every student to get tested for COVID-19 at least once before October 7. This precautionary measure will help to identify asymptomatic cases and mitigate the spread among our community. If a student arrives in Davis after October 7, they should get tested within one week of their arrival.

The preferred testing option is our high-quality, saliva-based PCR testing at our free kiosk in the Human Resources Administration Building. Appointments are required via Health-e-Messaging. Or you can use an antigen test.

SISS Student Advising Unavailable October 12–14

SISS student advising appointments will be unavailable from October 12–14, 2022, while SISS staff attends a professional conference. During this time, document processing may be delayed. Please plan accordingly.

Students may schedule appointments online

Thanksgiving Holiday SISS Closures

SISS will close for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 24 and 25, 2022. The office will reopen on November 28, 2022. Please plan ahead to avoid delays.

Scheduling an Appointment with Your SISS Advisor

SISS Advisors are available for in-person and virtual appointments. Schedule an appointment with your advisor in advance.

Find your advisor and schedule an appointment

Protect Yourself from Scams: Stay Alert

Scams are fraudulent attempts to trick people out of their money. Unfortunately, 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.

Some scams target international students and scholars, but you can protect yourself by staying alert and knowing what to look for. Think twice before 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 about protecting yourself from scams and watch our video

Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS

Attention students and scholars with F-1 or J-1 status:
You must keep your local address up to date with SISS. Updating your address in UCPath does not automatically update your information with SISS. Visit iGlobal to provide the current local address where you are living. This address cannot be a campus department or PO Box.

Visit iGlobal to confirm your local address

Travel Signature Required for Winter Travel

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. this winter break, please review the travel requirements for both 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.

If you need a new travel signature, you must make your request in iGlobal.

Consult your SISS advisors with any questions about international travel. 

Program 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: October 6, 2022, 9–10 a.m.

Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register

Save the Date: The November Scholar Coffee Break is November 3, 2022

Fall Internship and Career Fair

Join the in-person Fall Internship and Career Fair to meet with representatives from 150 companies. Attend the Prepare for the Fair workshop for international students to get ready!

  • Date and time: October 12, 2022, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., followed by Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Internship and Career Fair from 2:30–5 p.m.
  • Location: University Credit Union Center

Learn more

Virtual Event Addresses Academic Freedom as a Human Right

As conflicts, political polarization, and culture wars spread around the world, scholars, students and universities often find themselves on the front lines. Join Robert Quinn, Executive Director of Scholars at Risk, for a virtual event to discuss why attacks on higher education happen, why they matter and what we can do about them.

Presented by the California International Law Center and UC Davis School of Law.

  • Date and time: October 18, 2022, 12–1 p.m.

Register

Life After UC Davis: Immigration Options

International students and postdocs planning to stay in the United States to work after leaving UC Davis can hear about visa options from legal experts from WR Immigration, a law firm with offices in northern California. Register for this virtual webinar today if you are considering staying in the U.S. after UC Davis.

  • Date and time: October 20, 2022, 3:30–5 p.m. 

Register

Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Speed Friending

Join the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program for its kickoff event of the year! You will meet UC Davis undergraduate students from around the world and make connections in an informal speed friend activity. Wear a costume to get into the festive Halloween spirit! All attendees are eligible for a raffle with local business gift cards and UC Davis merchandise.

Register

Global Energy Managers Workshop

UC Davis will host this free virtual global workshop where students, faculty and facility managers from all around the world will share best practices in campus energy management, carbon reduction strategies and community engagement.

  • Date and time: November 3, 2022, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Register

The California Studio Artist Lecture: Xu Bing

Xu Bing is a visual artist internationally recognized for his experiments with written script in various media. Xu has received the MacArthur Fellowship, exhibited extensively internationally and is the fall quarter spotlight artist-in-residence in The California Studio. From 2008 to 2014, Xu served as the vice president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, where he is now a professor and the director of the Academic Committee.

Organized by The California Studio: Manetti Shrem Artist Residencies in the UC Davis Department of Art and Art History. Co-sponsored by UC Davis departments of Art and Art History, Cinema and Digital Media, East Asian Studies and UC Davis Global Affairs.

More information and register

SISS Scholar Evening Discussion: Transportation

Join SISS and fellow international scholars for a virtual evening discussion event to make connections, ask questions and learn more about U.S. culture and society. This event will be held quarterly, and this quarter's topic is "Transportation in the California and U.S. context."

  • Date and time: November 7, 2022, 5–6 p.m.

Register

Academic Writing Strategies and Resources for Multilingual Writers

International graduate students and postdocs are invited to register for a workshop that provides strategies for success, campus resources and online tools to support the writing and communication practices of multilingual writers. This workshop will focus on the six major principles of graduate and professional writing in North American contexts, including the importance of audience and conciseness, and how these principles are reflected in grammar and language use. Sponsored by the University Writing Program and the GradPathways Institute for Professional Development (Graduate Studies).

Register

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

Opportunities and Announcements

Mentorship Applications Now Open

New first-year and transfer international undergraduate students can now apply to receive mentorship as they adjust to life at UC Davis.

Applications are open for new international students to be paired with current students based on similar academic and social interests. Participants share their culture and values with each other and build relationships. Through cultural exchange and social events, new students develop close connections with new friends and feel at home in their new community.

Learn more about the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program

Apply to Receive Mentorship

Meet the 2022-23 Mentor Fellows

Pal Program Registration is Open

Undergraduate students are invited to register to join the Pal Program to meet their peers from different countries and cultures for weekly conversation sessions. Each year, Pals create lasting friendships, improve social and language skills and acquire a greater sense of cultural awareness. Join us for an in-person program with in-person events this quarter by registering today. 

Learn more and register

Email with questions: palprogram@ucdavis.edu 

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. 

Learn more and log in

Getting Involved with a Student Organization

Students are encouraged to connect and engage with student organizations on campus. UC Davis has many options to get involved and make friends. Find a student organization through the Center for Student Involvement. Search by interest or schedule a virtual meeting to learn more.

Visit the Center for Student Involvement

Employment Workshops Available On-Demand

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

Student and Scholar Spotlight

Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Welcomes Students

As the students adjust to their new home, they have the opportunity to receive mentorship, support and guidance through the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program. Twenty-one Global Ambassador Mentor Fellows and two program co-coordinators are current undergraduate students dedicated to supporting international students and advancing their professional development and leadership skills.

Read more

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