Dear International Students,

As we begin Spring Quarter, Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) wants you to know that we are standing by to help and support you. We know how easy it is to feel isolated and anxious in this era of social distancing and self-quarantining. Below, you will find more information about resources available to you as Spring Quarter gets started, and about how to schedule a phone or online appointment with your SISS Advisor.

Feeling anxious

Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) has resources available to help you manage anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness. SHCS offers online appointments. Students are encouraged to use the coupon code COUNSELINGUCD. Contact Counseling Services by visiting them online or calling (530) 752-0871.

SHCS also provides students with access to the free and mobile-friendly service Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). Sign up for a free account to get connected.

If you are in crisis, text “RELATE” to 741741. We are all in this together. Please feel welcome to seek out the services you need to feel as calm as you can during this time.

Helpful resources

We hope you have had a moment to review our SISS Q&A with information on the situation specifically for international students and scholars. This page also includes links to various campus resources. Remember to reach out to your SISS advisor with questions or to discuss your unique situation.

We also want to make sure you stay informed of the latest campus updates and have the technology to be successful this quarter. Student Affairs put together a helpful Q&A for undergraduate students.

Graduate Studies has also assembled updates and resources relevant to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Please review these updates for more information relevant to your program.

SISS office hours

Our office has followed campus directives by moving daily activities online. While we are not onsite in the SISS office and the International Center is closed to the public, advisors and staff continue to work from their homes and are accessible via phone and online appointments with Zoom.

Don’t forget that iGlobal will be offline from April 2-7. When it returns on April 8 with a new look, all submissions and access will resume.

Meet our advisors

SISS Advisors specialize in subject matter, and some are assigned based on the first letter of your last name. You can schedule an appointment with an advisor by using the “Schedule An Appointment” link in your advisor's profile online. 

Intake Advisors advise on the following topics: Change of Major, Concurrent Enrollment, DMV (Driver License), EAP Enrollment Verification, I-515A Form, I-94 Issues, iGlobal Issues, In-Absentia Form, Inviting Family to US, F-1 and J-1 On-Campus Employment, F-1 OPT Packet Review, Passport Renewal/Lost, F-1 Program Extension, Reduced Course Load Final Quarter, SSN/ITIN, Transferring, Visa Renewal, Travel Questions.

• Meredith Lucas
• Stephanie Partridge

SISS Student Advisors advise on the following topics: Changing Degree Level (Bachelor/Graduate), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Dismissal, OSSJA, etc., Dropping below 12 units for academic difficulties, Dropping below 12 units for medical, F–1 OPT/STEM questions, J–1 Academic Training (AT), J–1 Program Extension, J–2 Work Authorization, Leave of Absence/PELP, Updating/adding a dependent. Advisors are assigned based on the first letter of your last name. Schedule an appointment using the “Schedule An Appointment” link in your advisor's profile. 

• Kai Cheng (H, I, K, N, O, P, X, T, W)
• Sharon Ericsson (Y, Z)
• Matthew Kaminski-Lucas (A-G, Q, U)
• Robert Nagel (L, M, R, S, V)
• Tammy Silver (J)

We know the circumstances are different this spring, and we are impressed by your continued resilience. Please reach out to advisors and SISS with questions and as you have needs that arise. SISS will stand by ready to help.

All the best for a healthy Spring Quarter,

Wesley Young
Director of Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) within Global Affairs