January 2022 SISS Newsletter

January 10, 2022

Information and Updates

New COVID-19 Guidelines from UC Davis

We in SISS wish you a happy new year and all the best as you begin the winter quarter. As you know, on January 6, 2022, UC Davis announced that the campus would remain in remote operations through January 28, 2022. SISS will provide 100% remote services during this time. Please be mindful of UC Davis' new guidelines and bookmark these helpful, frequently asked questions from Campus Ready for more information.

If you are eligible for a booster, you are required to get it by January 31. (See information about an upcoming booster clinic below.)
Fully vaccinated employees or students must get tested every 14 days when accessing campus.

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

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic January 18 and 19

UC Davis will hold an immunization clinic this month where boosters will be available. If you are eligible for a booster and looking for an appointment, please sign up for one of these clinics by using the My Turn website.

Dates and times: January 18 and 19, 2022, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sign up using MyTurn and select one of four clinic options:

Drive-Thru UC Davis 1/18 - Pfizer (12+)
Drive-Thru UC Davis 1/18 - Moderna Booster
Drive-Thru UC Davis 1/19 - Pfizer (12+) Booster
Drive-Thru UC Davis 1/19 - Moderna Booster

Please note: On MyTurn, UC Davis clinic locations are listed as 611 Hilgard Lane, Davis, CA 95616. The clinics will be held in the Mondavi Center Visitor Parking Lot 1.

If you were vaccinated outside the United States: Please be aware that WHO-approved vaccines from outside the U.S. are not options to choose from when registering and reporting your immunization on MyTurn. To ensure that international members of our community can make appointments and receive boosters at these clinics, event organizers advise the following:

Register for a booster.
If you were vaccinated outside the United States with a WHO-approved vaccine, tell the system that your initial vaccine was Pfizer.
Answer the rest of the questions based on your vaccination history.

Connecting with SISS Advisors

Welcome and welcome back to UC Davis. We are excited to have you on campus this winter quarter and look forward to serving you soon. Our services are 100% remote through January 28, 2022.

We continue to offer remote advising appointments. If you need to meet with a SISS Advisor, you can find information about scheduling an appointment on our Staff Directory page. You can also reach a SISS Advisor by email. If you do not know whom to contact, students can email siss@ucdavis.edu and scholars can email sissscholar@ucdavis.edu. An advisor will return your email within two days.

Students, it is important to remember that when choosing between a Tier 1 and Tier 2 student advisor that Tier 1 advisors advise by topic/category while Tier 2 advisors advise based on other topics and are assigned alphabetically by the first letter of your last name. If you have questions about Tier 1 topics, you can see any of our three Tier 1 advisors available. Below is more information about the Tier 1 and Tier 2 advisors available to international students.

Tier 1

For students on the topics of 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 U.S., F-1 and J-1 on-campus employment, F-1 OPT packet review, passport renewal/lost, F-1 and J-1 program extensions, reduced course load final quarter, SSN/ITIN, transferring, visa renewal, travel questions, updating/adding a dependent.

Tier 2

For students on the topics of changing degree level (bachelor/graduate), curricular practical training (CPT), dismissal, OSSJA and related topics, dropping below 12 units for academic difficulties, dropping below 12 units for medical, F–1 OPT/STEM questions, J–1 academic training (AT), J–2 work authorization, leave of absence/PELP.

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 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 17)

The SISS office will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Please note that we will close at 2 p.m. on January 14, 2022, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Please plan ahead for these closures to give our staff time to process requests or reply with answers to questions.

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.

Programs and Events

Winter Quarter International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is virtual this quarter. If you are a new international student at UC Davis in the winter quarter, join SISS to learn more about resources, maintaining your visa status, and meet the SISS staff who are here to assist you.

Date and time: January 12, 2022, 3:30–5 p.m. (PST)

Attend the Winter Quarter International Student Orientation

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: January 13, 2022, 9–10 a.m. (PST)

Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register

Global Tea Initiative Seventh Annual Colloquium

Join the UC Davis Global Tea Initiative for the Seventh Annual Colloquium, Tea and Beyond: Bridging Science and Culture, Time and Space. This free virtual event is open to the public.

Date and time: January 13, 2022, 8:30 a.m. (PST)

Learn more and register for the Global Tea Initiative Colloquium

Grad Slam Information Session

Attention graduate students: Getting ready for Grad Slam? We can help. GradPathways, the premier professional development program, can help! Join the UC Davis Grad Slam Information Session for help preparing for the big competition.

Date and time: January 26, 2022, noon–1 p.m. (PST)

Learn more and register for the Grad Slam Information Session

UC Davis Study Abroad & Internship Fair

Are you considering studying abroad this summer or completing a global or virtual internship? Drop by the fair to explore the many opportunities available for UC and UC Davis credit. From Argentina to Thailand, choose from 40+ countries available. Receive on-the-spot advising for enrollment, financial aid, scholarships, and more.

Date and time: January 26, 2022, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (PST)

Learn more about the Study Abroad & Internship Fair 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, 12:10–1 p.m. (PST)

Learn more about the Global Studies Minor Info Session

The Evolution of Employment: Job Searching During COVID-19

All are welcome to join career expert and GoinGlobal founder Mary Anne Thompson for a free event as she explores proven strategies and tactics for helping job seekers achieve their career objectives in an employment market transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, she will share insights gathered by her global team of in-country career experts.

Date and time: January 27, 2022, 7–8 a.m. (PST)

Learn more and register for The Evolution of Employment

Save the Date: California Income Tax Workshop

SISS will host a workshop to assist international students and scholars with their California income tax returns. Hear from tax experts as you prepare to file California income taxes. Registration and event details to be announced.

Date and time: March 10, 2022, 10 a.m.–noon (PST)

Opportunities and Announcements

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)

Start your application

Apply to Receive Mentorship

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.

If you are a new first-year or transfer international student, apply today to be matched with a peer mentor for the 2021-22 year.

Learn more and apply for mentorship

Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Mentor Fellows

Mentor fellows are current undergraduate students who assist international students in adjusting to UC Davis and U.S. life. As a mentor fellow, you gain valuable leadership skills, practical experience with intercultural communication, and a deeper understanding of your role in a global community. Mentor fellows are also eligible for a $500 payment.

Deadline: January 30, 2022

Learn more about the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program

Apply through the Global Learning Hub Experiential and Intercultural Portal

Call for Comment: UC Davis Library Draft Strategic Plan

A draft of the UC Davis Library’s new five-year strategic plan is now available for review and comment by the UC Davis community.

Read the draft plan and share your feedback by emailing librarystrategicplan@ucdavis.edu
Deadline: January 31, 2022

Learn more

Employment Workshops Now Available On-Demand Online

Are you interested in OPT or CPT? F-1 Employment Workshops are available online. Select your workshop to get started.

Donald A. Strauss Scholarship Application Now Open

The Donald A. Strauss Scholarship funds $15,000 for sophomores and juniors to implement a public service project anywhere in the world. Applicants can be of any citizenship status and must be ranked in the top third of their class. Applications are now open.

Campus Application Deadline: February 2, 2022
Email Scott Palmer with questions