April 2021 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Statement of Support for the Asian and Pacific Islander Community
From Atlanta to the Bay Area and around the world, the escalation of anti-Asian attacks and rhetoric is deeply disturbing. We extend our deepest condolences to our students, scholars, faculty, staff, partners, and all those affected by the recent tragedies. UC Davis Global Affairs stands in solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander community and we join Chancellor Gary S. May and colleagues in condemning abhorrent violence, threats, and discrimination.
We reaffirm our commitment to the UC Davis Principles of Community and we strongly support UC Davis’ expectation that all members of its community reject discrimination in any form, and create an environment of respect for all. There are several resources for members of the UC Davis Asian and Pacific Islander community who have been affected by discrimination, racism, and recent reports of violence. Please view our full statement for a list of these resources.
Ending Public Charge Rule
On March 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) addressed the 2019 public charge rule, stating:
"Today, DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that the government will no longer defend the 2019 public charge rule as doing so is neither in the public interest nor an efficient use of limited government resources."
Tax Resources
If you missed the tax workshop on March 17, 2021, or want to revisit what was discussed, download the PowerPoint presentation, view the step-by-step example of a 540NR form, view the frequently asked questions, and find links to helpful resources.
Learn more about tax information
Protect Yourself From Scams
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning about a new scam that targets educational institutions and students.
Read the warning about this scam
Remember to stay alert and protect yourself from scams:
- Read more about protecting yourself from scams
- Read about new scam reports from UC Davis Police Department Crime Alerts
- Read UC Davis Police Department's Safety Tips and Resources
- Watch the video
COVID-19 and Campus Updates for International Students and Scholars
Please continue to connect with campus resources to stay informed about how COVID-19 is impacting operations, and for new information as it becomes available.
- Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information about accessing campus, testing, and the daily COVID-19 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
- Student Affairs Student FAQs and Updates
- 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 related to visa and immigration status. Find your SISS Advisor and schedule an appointment.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit Center for Disease Control.
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: April 8, 2021, 9-10 a.m. (PDT)
Conversations with Latin American Authors: The Surrendered
As a part of the Conversations with Latin American Authors series, join a discussion on "The Surrendered" with the book's author José Carlos Agüero, along with the editors and translators, UC Davis professors Michael Lazzara and Charles Walker, and commentator Ximena Briceño from Stanford University.
- Date and time: April 13, 2021, 12 p.m. (PDT)
UC Davis Welcomes Experts from Earth University and Other Universities to Discuss Global Hunger
Join us for a virtual discussion with faculty experts from UC Davis, Earth University, and other universities who are working on agriculture, food, nutrition, and related global issues. Experts will share updates on the valuable work being done at each university to address global hunger and malnutrition, as well as the areas of focus and concern for the next decade.
- Date and time: April 14, 2021, 10 a.m. (PDT)
Women in Political Academia Speaker Q&A
IGNITE at UC Davis and Scholars Strategy Network present the Women in Political Academia Speaker Q&A event featuring speakers Global Affairs Vice Provost and Dean Joanna Regulska, and UC Cooperative Extension associate public policy specialist Clare Gupta.
- Date and time: April 15, 2021, 6-7 p.m. (PDT)
Picnic Day Around the World
Calling all UC Davis Global Aggies! Wherever you are in the world this UC Davis Picnic Day, the Cal Aggie Alumni Association and Global Affairs invite you to join UC Davis Picnic Day Around the World 2021.
Hear from Global Affairs Vice Provost and Dean Joanna Regulska, learn about the most recent campus developments, enjoy Q&A sessions with students and alumni, and more at the interactive online event. Registration is free and open to the entire UC Davis community.
- Date and time: April 16, 2021, 6-7:15 p.m. (PDT)
Second Annual Global Learning Conference
Undergraduate students, graduate students, professional students, and alumni are invited to the second annual Global Learning Conference. This virtual conference is free, with opportunities to network with like-minded students and professionals.
Learn to articulate and market your global skills in your career search while advancing your personal and professional goals. Connect with potential employers, showcase your experience in your resume and cover letter, hear from seasoned professionals in a variety of global fields, connect with peers, and explore resources and opportunities for your global future.
- Dates: April 23-25, 2021
UC Berkeley Other Racisms Event
The UC Berkeley Center for Chinese Studies presents Colloquium: Other Racisms, led by artist and curator Christopher K. Ho.
- Date and time: April 2, 2021, 5-6:30 p.m. (PDT)
Watch the Final Round of Grad Slam
Grad Slam finalists will compete at the UC Davis Final Round during National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week on April 8. Join us virtually to cheer on the competitors and vote for the People's Choice Award winner.
Three finalists have been selected as Global Affairs' Global Education for All designees for helping accomplish at least one of Global Affairs' global learning goals, and/or clearly addresses at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal while grappling with the complexity of doing so. Read more about Paul Kasemsap, Ph.D. candidate in horticulture and agronomy, Lizette Navarette, Ed.D. candidate in educational leadership, and Alea Skwara, Ph.D. candidate in psychology.
- Date and time: April 8, 2021, 1-3 p.m. (PDT)
32nd Annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities Conference
The 32nd Annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities Conference will be virtual again this year. The conference is designed to acquaint undergraduate students with the process and academic rigors of presenting research from various fields in a scholarly manner and in an affirming environment.
- Conference dates: April 28-May 1, 2021
Graduate Studies Anti-Racism Symposium
Graduate Studies will host the inaugural Graduate Studies Anti-Racism Symposium at UC Davis, co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The symposium seeks to highlight best practices in anti-racist approaches to graduate education.
- Date and time: May 6, 2021, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (PDT)
Opportunities and Announcements
Contribute Your Story to the UC Davis Voluntary University Review
UC Davis is pursuing a Voluntary University Review to support our university’s role as a public land-grant institution in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This is a joint effort between Global Affairs, Sustainability, and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We invite all students, scholars, staff, researchers, and faculty to share details about their Sustainable Development Goal efforts to contribute to this review and inspire others.
Learn more and share your story
#ThisIsUCDavis Spring Quarter Opportunities Available Now
#ThisIsUCDavis is a campaign centered on three core values: diversity, mental health, and resilience. Spring quarter opportunities, including grants and workshops, are available now.
Give Your Feedback on the Return to Campus this Fall
You are invited to submit questions, ideas, or concerns about in-person activities for fall 2021. Your submissions will be considered for discussion by the working group addressing issues related to resuming in-person instruction, research, and on-campus activities.
Learn more and share your thoughts
Other Collective Surveying Caste-Based Discrimination
Now through April 16, 2021, the student-run magazine Other Collective seeks undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and alumni to take an anonymous survey on caste and caste-based discrimination on campus.
2021 Chancellor’s Awardees Honored for Global Engagement at UC Davis and Around the World
The sixth annual UC Davis International Connections Reception recognized faculty and staff members for outstanding international engagement in advancing the university’s teaching, research, and service missions, whether through leading global research projects, collaborating with colleagues around the world, promoting global learning or innovative pedagogy, or facilitating these activities to create positive change.
Read more and meet the winners
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
Student-Led Projects Advancing Global Education for All
The 2020-21 UC Davis Global Education for All Fellows are working together and with others across and beyond UC Davis to advance Global Education for All, a campus goal aiming to provide 100% of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with global learning opportunities that change their lives and our world.
Read more about these student-led projects
About Services for International Students and Scholars
Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS), within Global Affairs, is helping to build a campus community that includes students and scholars from over 140 countries and six continents. SISS serves more than 10,000 international students, faculty, and researchers and their accompanying family members who come to UC Davis each year. We welcome the world to UC Davis.
As a part of Global Affairs, Services for International Students and Scholars aims to inspire global curiosity, understanding, and engagement.