March 2025 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Travel Updates for International Students, Scholars and Dependents
Given the possibility of unpredictable and sudden changes to U.S. immigration policies affecting travel, SISS strongly cautions international students, scholars, and their dependents to discuss any upcoming international travel plans with an SISS advisor. In particular, individuals requiring new visas to re-enter the U.S. may face significant uncertainty and delays in visa issuance, affecting your ability to return to the U.S. in a timely manner. Changes to travel procedures and regulations, including potential entry restrictions, may occur with little advance notice and are beyond SISS’s ability to control. Please contact an SISS advisor so that you can make informed decisions, and regularly review our website and emails for important travel-related updates as they occur.
University of California Guidance
With numerous, quickly evolving federal policy shifts underway, the University of California is working diligently to monitor these developments and seek clarity on a range of issues.
Visit the UC Federal Updates webpage for more
How SISS Shares Updates and News
As SISS becomes aware of updates or changes to important visa and immigration-related matters, we publish the information on our website, here in our monthly newsletters, and, in some cases, send details by email.
We encourage you to visit our website regularly and keep your email and contact information updated in iGlobal.
While immigration changes are often widely discussed on social media and other websites, we strongly encourage you to rely on us to provide verified information as it becomes available.
Travel Signature Required for Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., 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.
Learn more about travel requirements
iGlobal Service Interruption for OPT on March 10, 11
There will be a service interruption for the OPT process on March 10 and 11. The iGlobal OPT form will be unavailable during this time as we introduce a new and improved OPT process based on student feedback.
We encourage students to wait until March 12 or after to begin their requests for an I-20 with an OPT recommendation with SISS. Completed OPT submissions made to iGlobal by March 9 will not be affected.
Tax Filing Season
If you were physically present in the US during 2024, you may have income tax filing obligations due on April 15, 2025. Please look for further information from SISS in your email inbox (to be delivered first week of March 2025). You may have also received separate tax documents and filing information directly from UC Davis or UC Path if you worked for the University in 2024. For more information about US taxes, go to our tax resources page. Write to sisstax@ucdavis.edu if you have any questions about tax filing requirements.
Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS
If you are a student and scholar with an 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
SISS Closed on March 28
SISS will be closed on March 28 for César Chávez Day and will close at 2 p.m. on March 27. Please plan ahead for these closures. SISS will resume operations on Monday, March 31.
Daylight Saving Time Begins on March 9
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 9, when clocks shift forward by one hour. If you have a clock connected to a satellite or internet connection, such as a mobile phone or laptop, this change will likely happen automatically. However, it is a good rule for clocks that aren't connected, such as a microwave or wall clock, to set them ahead by one hour before you go to bed on March 8.
Programs and Events
Aggie Mental Health (AMH) Ambassadors at the International Center
Are you interested in learning about mental health, evidence-based practices and resources to take care of yourself and others, or are you looking for a friendly chat with a fellow Aggie? Come by the AMH table!
- Date and time: March 5, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: International Center, Lobby
- Learn more
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: March 6, 9–10 a.m.
- Register
PwC 2025 China/Hong Kong Virtual Career Talk for International Students
Open to international students, this virtual career talk provides career guidance and advice. All majors are welcome. Learn more about the PwC Graduate Recruitment Programme, hear valuable insights from our firm and take the first step toward a rewarding career with PwC.
- Date and time: March 6, 10–11 p.m.
- Register
Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Hot Chocolate & Game Night Event
Undergraduate students, come enjoy a cozy cup of hot chocolate with fun toppings while playing games. Light snacks will be provided. Domestic and international students are welcome!
- Date and time: March 7, 5–6:30 p.m.
- Register
De-Stressing Together Event
In collaboration with the Student Affairs Cabinet of Student Leaders and the Health Education and Promotion team, the division will host De-Stressing Together: A Community Drop-In Event designed to foster community and connection among students as they engage in stress-relieving activities and learn about support resources.
- Date and time: March 12, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Location: Student Community Center, Multipurpose Room
- Learn more
"Know Your Rights" Webinar
University Immigrant Legal Service Center (UCIMM) is sponsoring a University-wide webinar to promote understanding of your “Know Your Rights” resources and information.
- Date and time: March 13, 12 p.m.
- Register for the webinar
UC Davis Widening Circles Program
This fully funded, online program pairs an online curriculum focused on ethical global engagement with a social impact internship, volunteer opportunity, research or project—either abroad or at home.
- Deadline: March 16
- Learn more
To apply:
UC Davis Global Grad Grants
Graduate and professional students can apply for this funding opportunity to participate in a globally focused social impact program or research opportunity in the summer of 2025. Grants cover the $500 program fee for each program associated with the tracks and provide a $2,000 travel grant to support activities and travel.
- Deadline: March 16
- Learn more
- Apply
Life After UC Davis
Students and scholars planning to stay in the United States to work after leaving UC Davis can hear from legal experts from WR Immigration, about visa options for international students and scholars after they complete their UC Davis programs.
- Date and time: April 10, 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Register
Graduate Student and Postdoc Certificate Series
This series is open to graduate students and postdocs. Participants can register for workshops emphasizing on skill development in DEI or intercultural teaching and learning for success in intercultural work environments. Workshops can be combined toward a certificate from Global Affairs.
Opportunities and Announcements
Protect Yourself from Scams
Never give your personal information to someone you don't know! Here are some signs that an email, phone call or text may have come from a scammer. 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 an immediate payment
- Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency or by mailing cash
- Pressures you for your personal information
- Offers you a job you didn't apply for
- 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
Visit the ASUCD Pantry for Free Groceries
The ASUCD Pantry in the Memorial Union offers free groceries and basic necessities to all UC Davis students, staff and faculty, regardless of financial need. Order ahead online for nonperishables/basic necessities, or come by anytime for a walk-in visit to get fresh produce. Everyone is welcome!
Become an Orientation Leader; Applications Now Open
New Student Programs is officially hiring Orientation Leaders for 2025 Aggie Orientation. The position is open to undergraduate students of all colleges and majors.
- Deadline: April 1
- Learn more
Self-Service Spice Pantry
The Cross Cultural Center is collaborating with the Teaching Kitchen to provide students access to free spices, with an emphasis on spices that are difficult to find in local grocery stores, as well as spices that are important for specific cultural dishes.
- Available through April 4
- Location: Undocumented Center, Pantry
- Learn more
Sign up for the I-House Newsletter
Looking to engage more with the international community in the city of Davis? Sign up to receive the International House (I-House) newsletter to learn more.
SISS Spotlight
Threatened Scholar Offers Beacon of Knowledge for California's Future
Dr. Homayoon Ganji, a researcher from Afghanistan, tells his story of being forced to leave his home country or risk becoming a political target. Working with the UC Davis Threatened Scholar Committee, Professor Abou Najm helped to bring Dr. Ganji to UC Davis, where his work contributes to solving California's agricultural challenges.