September 2021 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Some Services for International Students and Scholars Returning In Person This Fall
Some of our services return in person this fall at the International Center, located at 463 Calfornia Ave., suite 3140.
We reopen for in-person paperwork drop off and pick up on September 13.
Limited in-person advising appointments will be available beginning September 20. More details about how to schedule an in-person advising appointment will be available soon.
Advisors will continue to be available for phone and video conference advising appointments. Email them directly to schedule a virtual advising appointment.
Common Questions About Getting Vaccinated and Arriving at UC Davis
Whether you are fully vaccinated or still need to get vaccinated, you may have questions about arriving in Davis and how to access the UC Davis campus.
Here are some common questions SISS advisors, Student Health and Counseling Services, and Campus Ready have been hearing from international students:
- I received two different WHO-approved vaccines/I received one WHO-approved vaccine and plan on getting a second when I get to the United States. Will I be compliant?
- What if I am unable to access a vaccine prior to arriving at UC Davis or not able to be fully vaccinated by September 8?
- Do I need to self-sequester?
Student Resource: Aggie Info and Help Line
Students who have questions about COVID-related policies, public health guidance, or general concerns regarding their transition to campus this fall can call the Aggie Info and Help Line at +01-530-752-4636. A service of the Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center, this new info line is staffed by Aggie Public Health Ambassadors to support non-crisis questions and referrals to campus resources.
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 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.
Can't Get Vaccinated Before Coming to UC Davis? Take Action Now!
UC Davis understands that there are circumstances where students are not able to access WHO-authorized vaccines or be fully vaccinated by September 8. If you are one of these students, take action now:
- Complete the “Intent to Be Fully Vaccinated Form” in Health-e-Messaging and provide the required information regarding your vaccination plans immediately. To access the form, go to the “Messages” section, click on “New Message” and select the form to complete.
Learn more about your compliance options and take action
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 actually 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
Summer Travel Not Recommended for Those in the U.S.
If you are in the United States and plan to be on campus for fall 2021, SISS recommends you not travel this summer. Travel is still very unpredictable, and we wouldn't want you to risk your ability to attend classes this fall. Please 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 Summer or 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 look forward to welcoming you to the UC Davis campus! Whether you are a new or current student or scholar, we encourage you 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
Preparing to Enter the United States
If you are a student traveling to the United States for the first time, remember to keep your documentation with you at all times. With your correct documentation, students should be admitted into the United States at a port of entry. Should a student presenting their proper documentation be denied entry, please contact the UC Davis Police at +01-530-752-1727 for assistance.
Finding Your SISS Advisor
SISS Advisors are assigned by last name and/or area of expertise. Visit the Staff Directory to find your SISS Advisor. Schedule a phone or online appointment directly with your SISS Advisor.
COVID-19 and Campus Updates for International Students and Scholars
Please continue to connect with campus resources to stay informed about how COVID-19 impacts operations and new information as it becomes available.
- Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information about accessing campus, testing, and the Daily Symptom Survey
- SISS offers answers to questions for international students and scholars
- UC Davis reports weekly COVID-19 information for campus on the COVID-19 Dashboard
- Global Affairs: Travel Announcement: Novel Coronavirus
As always, advisors within Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) are available as resources if you have questions about visa and immigration status. Find your SISS Advisor and schedule an appointment.
Programs and Events
Scholar Coffee Break
We invite international scholars to connect with each other 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: September 9, 2021, 9-10 a.m. (PDT)
Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
Save the date! The next Scholar Coffee Break is October 14
Call for Proposals: UC Davis Eighth Annual One Health Symposium
Undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars are welcome to submit abstracts on the theme of “Innovation.” This is an opportunity to showcase research to colleagues and professionals in the field. The abstract should include a title, introduction, objectives, methods, results, and a conclusion limited to one page.
- Deadline: September 17, 2021
Learn more and submit an abstract
International House Davis September Social Events
Club-I, affiliated with International House Davis, is a group for internationals and locals in Davis to meet, make friends, and enjoy social activities. Club-I welcomes the UC Davis international community for its September events:
Club-I Mixer at the International Center: Learn about Club-I and enjoy some refreshments with the community at the International Center on the UC Davis campus. Look for the table to learn about Club-I and say hi!
- Date and time: September 14, 2021, 3-5 p.m. (PDT)
- Location: International Center, 463 California Ave.
- No registration required
Club-I Welcome Pizza Party at I-House: Join Club-I for the annual student welcome event at the International House and enjoy pizza, sides/snacks, and drinks. Pay $5 in advance or $7 at the door. Friends are welcome!
- Date and time: September 19, 2021, 1 p.m. (PDT)
- Location: International House Davis, 10 College Park
Day trip to San Francisco: Join Club-I for a day trip to San Francisco. Advance sign-up is required and begins September 15. The trip includes an Amtrak train ride and a walk around the city, hitting major attractions such as Union Square, Chinatown, Coit Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and Lombard Street. The cost at the time of registration is $35 for your discounted Amtrak fare.
- Date and time: September 25, 2021
Register beginning September 15
"Home is_______" Placemaking Initiative Project
Is home where we are born or where we live? Is home a right, or is it earned? We invite you to contribute to the “Home is _____” project through words and/or images.
- Deadline: September 30, 2021
Submit an entry to the "Home is..." project
Life After UC Davis: Immigration Options for Students and Postdocs
Undergraduate students, graduate/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)
Attend the Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education for Free
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education will host the virtual Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education. The UC Davis Office of Sustainability is a sponsor of the event and invites all students, faculty, and staff to attend at no charge.
- Dates: October 12-14, 2021
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)
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)
Opportunities and Announcements
Receive Mentorship in 2021-22; Applications 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
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
Duo Authentication Required for Library VPN
The library VPN – which enables access to many journal articles, databases, digital media, and other library resources from off-campus – now requires Duo authentication in addition to the user's UC Davis Central Authentication Service (CAS) login, also called Kerberos.
Learn how to use Duo with the library VPN
COVID-19 Vaccines May Be Available at Some U.S. Airports
Some U.S. airports are currently offering vaccinations to travelers. Please visit the website of the airport you will travel through to learn more.
Learn more about vaccination availability at SFO
Learn more about vaccination availability at LAX
All people aged 16 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine in California. People currently in California can schedule a vaccine appointment through the My Turn website. Find more information about vaccines for international travelers coming to UC Davis on our Fall Planning webpage.
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 Undergraduate F-1 Students
- OPT for Graduate F-1 Students
- STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students
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.