December 2021 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Stay Alert to Prevent Scams
It is important to stay alert to avoid being scammed. Scams are easy to fall for and you might not know a phone call, email or interaction is fraudulent until it is too late.
Before you engage or continue a conversation, whether over the phone or online, think twice. Any request that does any of the following may be a scam:
- 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 claiming to be a government official
Learn about protecting yourself from scams and watch our video
SISS Closed December 23–January 2
The SISS office will close at 2 p.m. on December 22, 2021, and will remain closed from December 23, 2021, through January 2, 2022. Please plan ahead for these closures and give us time to process requests or reply with answers to questions. We will reopen on January 3, 2022.
Request I-20/DS-2019 Extensions by December 10
Students who need their I-20/DS-2019 extended beyond December 31, 2021, should plan to submit their request by December 10, 2021, to allow for adequate processing time.
COVID-19 Testing Requirements During Winter Break
COVID-19 testing is still required during winter breaks. We anticipate high demand for testing during the week of January 3, so please plan ahead.
Information about COVID-19 testing during winter break
Travel Not Recommended for Campus Community; New Requirements for Entering the U.S.
To continue to protect the safety and well-being of our campus community, UC Davis still recommends against all non-essential domestic and international travel. Check with your SISS Advisor if you have any questions.
The White House announced a new policy that now requires foreign nationals entering the U.S. by air to be fully vaccinated. In addition, travel from southern African countries is currently restricted.
Read more about the new travel requirements
COVID-19 Campus Updates
Please continue to connect with UC Davis Campus Ready to stay informed about the latest COVID-19 updates and campus requirements, including information about face coverings, social distancing, accessing campus, testing, and using the Daily Symptom Survey.
Visit the Campus Ready website
Programs and Events
Aggie Moonlight Breakfast
Take a late-night breakfast break with Chancellor Gary S. May. Free with a UC Davis student ID while supplies last.
- Date and time: December 7, 2021, 9–11 p.m. (PST)
- Location: UC Davis Coffee House
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: December 9, 2021, 9–10 a.m. (PST)
Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
Global Studies Minor Info Session
The interdisciplinary minor in Global Studies will enable students across disciplinary areas to learn about global issues and gain first-hand experience both locally and internationally through academic coursework and experiential learning. A combination of coursework and experiential learning will allow students to develop capacities in three areas: global awareness, global diversity, and global action. Join the information session to learn more.
- Date and time: January 26, 2022, 12–1 p.m. (PST)
Opportunities and Announcements
Applications to Receive Mentorship Now Open
The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is designed to help new first-year and transfer undergraduate international students successfully adjust to life at UC Davis. We match new international students with current students based on similar interests to connect them with a community of support and friends. Apply today to be matched with a peer mentor for the 2021-22 year.
Learn more and apply for mentorship
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 F-1 Students (Part 1 of 3)
- STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students
Racial Discrimination Experience Survey
Communication students from the College of Letters and Science are conducting a survey about the differences in racial discrimination experiences between international students and domestic students for a sociology class project. The students welcome survey responses from international students!
- Deadline: December 4, 2021
Internal Fellowship Competition for UC Davis Continuing Academic Graduate Students
The application for the 2022–23 Internal Fellowship Competition for UC Davis Continuing Academic Graduate Students is now open. This annual competition awards over 125 fellowships that are valued at approximately $3 million total.
- Deadline: January 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. (PST)
Student and Scholar Spotlight
Global Learning: Becoming a Mentor, Becoming a Friend
Mentors in the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program are welcoming new undergraduate international students with events, guidance and friendship. Student mentors can help ease the transition for new international students as they acclimate to life in the United States at UC Davis.