June 2021 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Provost Issues Fall Planning Update
We encourage all international students and scholars to read the announcement for fall 2021 planning from Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan, which includes information for our international community about registering for in-person classes regardless of your current location.
Read the Provost's fall 2021 announcement
More resources:
Learn more about fall 2021 planning
Submit Your Fall Plan Now
If you haven't done so yet, please submit 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.
Student Visa Updates
On April 26, 2021, the U.S. State Department announced a National Interest Exception for students from certain countries. This emergency measure grants travel into the United States and is automatically applied when you apply for a visa.
- Read more about the National Interest Exception
- Students from India may qualify for the National Interest Exception as well. Read more.
If you do not qualify for the National Interest Exception, keep checking visa appointment wait times for consulates and embassies in your preferred city so you can request an appointment as soon as they are available.
Congratulations, Grads, and Best Wishes for Finals Week
Congratulations to our graduating students! All of us at SISS are proud of your perseverance and determination as you have pursued your academic goals through such challenging circumstances. Wherever you go, you are always Aggies.
Our best wishes to our students for a successful finals week. Please remember to take time for yourselves, get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated.
Good luck to you all!
SISS Reviewing New OPT Application Process
On April 12, 2021, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that requests for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the STEM OPT Extension could be applied for via the I-765 online through the USCIS website. SISS is reviewing this process and will provide guidance in the near future.
For now, SISS advises that you apply for OPT and the STEM OPT Extension using the processes outlined on our website and in iGlobal.
SISS Closed for Independence Day Holiday
SISS will close at 2 p.m. (PDT) on July 2 and will be closed on July 5, 2021 for the national holiday. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor in advance.
SISS Does Not Recommend Traveling this Summer
If you are in the United States and plan to be on campus for fall 2021, SISS recommends you do 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 you SISS Advisor if you have any questions.
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 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
Life After UC Davis Event Recording Now Available
If you missed the Life After UC Davis event for undergraduate students, graduate/professional students, and postdocs who plan to stay in the United States to work after leaving UC Davis, the webinar recording is now available.
Download the presentation slides
Caste and the Global Indian Middle Class
Join UC Davis Middle East/South Asian Studies for a conversation between Professor Ajantha Subramanian, Chair, Department of Anthroplogy at Harvard University and Professor Kavita Philip, President's Excellence Chair in Network Cultures, Department of English at the University of British Columbia.
- Date and time: June 4, 2021, 5-6:30 p.m. (PDT)
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: June 10, 2021, 9-10 a.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.
- Deadline: June 14, 2021
Learn more and take the survey
Scholarship Opportunity for International Students
Undergraduate and graduate international students can apply for scholarships through the Flywire Charitable Foundation.
- Deadline: June 21, 2021
University Global Coalition Annual Gathering Call for Proposals
University Global Coalition is accepting proposals to lead 45-minute virtual sessions on teaching, research, operational practices, and partnerships within and beyond higher education that highlight these themes. Suggested session formats include but are not limited to: a mini-workshop, a structured conversation, or panel presentations.
- Deadline: June 25, 2021
Learn more and submit a proposal
Exciting New Summer Session Courses and Updated Global Studies Minor Available from Global Affairs
Global Affairs has launched two new courses starting this month and unveiled a revamped Global Studies minor in fall 2021. The new Summer Session courses focus on real-world challenges and applications. Enrollment for Summer Sessions is open now.
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
International Scholars Among Winners of 2021 Award for Excellence in Postdoctoral Research
Graduate Studies recently announced that two international scholars, Dr. Essam Abdelfattah and Dr. Fabio Anzà, were selected as winners of the 2021 Award for Excellence in Postdoctoral Research. Congratulations, Dr. Abdelfattah and Dr. Anzà.