September 2022 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Getting Settled at UC Davis
Whether you are a new or current student or scholar, we encourage you to connect with campus and build your community of support. Services for International Students and Scholars (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
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
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
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
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 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
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: Get one for free on the south side of the Memorial Union from September 12–20 from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and September 21–30 from 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Or use a test kit you have obtained elsewhere.
Program and Events
Shopping Trip to IKEA
Just arrived in Davis and need some home supplies? Join Club-I for a group shopping trip to IKEA in West Sacramento! Participants will meet up in Davis and leave together. Thanks to the Club-I volunteers who have generously offered to donate their time and vehicles to make this happen!
- Date and time: September 17, 2022, 3 p.m.
I-Club Welcome BBQ
Join International House Davis for its annual fall quarter student welcome! Pay $8 at the door (cash, Venmo, or Zelle) for your choice of fresh-grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, sodas and sides/desserts.
- Date and time: September 24, 2022, 5 p.m.
- Location: International House Davis
Visit San Francisco
Club-I is taking a one-day trip to San Francisco. Advanced sign-up is required. Participants will take the train and walk around the city, hitting major attractions such as Union Square, Chinatown, Coit Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and Lombard Street.
To join, you must pay the $35 to Club-I in advance for your discounted Amtrak fare and pick up a waiver form to sign and bring with you on the day of the trip. You can pay the fee at the Club-I BBQ on September 24 (just ask the cashier at the door) or e-mail to make arrangements.
Keep in mind that space is limited, so spots are first-come, first-served. Refunds aren’t available and tickets are non-transferable, so be sure you’re available for the entire day before registering!
- Date: October 1, 2022
Email with questions or to make arrangements
International Festival
International House Davis is excited to share that International Festival Davis is back! Celebrate culture and community in Davis' Central Park with hours of music and dance, international food, craft activities, artisan wares and information booths. This event is open to the public. All are welcome!
- Date and time: October 2, 2022, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Location: Central Park, Davis
Learn more about International Festival
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
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
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
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.
Email with questions: palprogram@ucdavis.edu
Join Club-I
Club-I is a group for internationals and locals in Davis. The group meets, makes friends, finds people to travel with and has fun with various social activities. Club-I meets once a week, usually on Friday evenings, for group dinners and other events.
Learn more by emailing club-i@internationalhousedavis.org
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.
- CPT for Undergraduate F-1 Students
- OPT for F-1 Students (Part 1 of 3)
- STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students
Student and Scholar Spotlight
Get to Know SISS
Watch this short video to learn more about SISS, and featuring interviews with international student Ash Singh, international postdoctoral researcher Elisa Penna, and Associate Professor in African-American and African Studies Bettina Ng'weno, an international scholar.