April 2022 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
New Resources for Those Affected by Conflict in Ukraine
We continue to closely follow reports of the recent Russian invasion in Ukraine and support UC Davis students, scholars, faculty, staff, partners and international visitors from Ukraine and other regions affected by violence and conflicts. UC Davis students, faculty, staff, and scholars are encouraged to pursue the resources available and learn about how UC Davis continues to support our local and global community impacted by the crisis in Ukraine and other regions of the world.
Stay Alert to Prevent Scams
The United States Customs and Border Protection have warned about a scam that impersonates a Customs and Border Protection agent. The caller says a package was intercepted containing money and drugs addressed to the victim in the scam. Read more about this phone scam.
UC Davis Police also warned students about a scam involving emails from someone claiming to be a professor and offering employment in a recent update to campus. Read more about this incident.
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.
Think twice before engaging in or continuing a conversation with someone you do not know—whether over the phone or online. 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
Travel Recommendations for Campus Community—Updated
Due to the persistent risk posed by COVID and other communicable diseases, travelers should continue to take all available precautions. All travelers are highly encouraged to make a travel medicine appointment before they leave. These appointments provide important information on local risks and vaccine requirements beyond the COVID-19 requirements. UC Davis employees are encouraged to make an appointment with the UC Davis Travel Medicine Clinic. UC Davis students are encouraged to make an appointment with UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services.
Read more about these travel updates
Additionally, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 — Do Not Travel Warning for Ukraine due to the current conflict. As a result, and out of concern for the well-being and safety of the UC community, the University of California Office of the President is directing all members of the UC community to avoid all travel to Ukraine at this time. Additionally, travel to neighboring countries should be carefully evaluated.
Read more about the developing travel restrictions due to the current conflict in Ukraine
Programs and Events
Life After UC Davis
If you are an undergraduate student, graduate/professional student, or postdoc who plans to stay in the United States to work after leaving UC Davis, watch the recording of our event Life After UC Davis. The event features legal experts Charina P. Garcia and Melissa Harms, both partners at WR Immigration, LLP, as they cover information about visa options for international students and scholars after they leave UC Davis.
Scholar Evening Discussion: Tipping in the U.S.
Tipping for a service is a common practice in the U.S. It can be confusing to determine when to tip and how much to give. Come join us for an informal discussion to learn more about the tipping culture in the U.S. and why it's important to tip.
- Date and time: April 14, 2022, 5–6 p.m. (PDT)
A Day in Florence: Two Truths and a Myth about the Home of Michelangelo's David
Students are invited to explore Florence, Italy, without ever leaving UC Davis! Find out what is truth and myth about this iconic city, experience what it would be like to spend a day in Florence, learn a few words in Italian, and make new friends while enjoying trivia, anecdotes, fun challenges and free food!
- Date and time: May 4, 2022, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
- Location: International Center, 3119
- Registration coming soon
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: May 5, 2022, 9–10 a.m. (PST)
Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
Opportunities and Announcements
Graduate Student and Postdoc Certificate Series
Participants will be provided insights from mid- and late-career professionals on how to improve leadership skills, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, for success in intercultural work environments, whether in the public, private, or academic sectors.
- Deadline: April 8, 2022
UC Davis Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Violence
UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services and Center for Advocacy, Resources and Education launched a campus-wide survey to gather crucial information regarding the lived experiences of sexual violence of the UC Davis student body. This information will help departments and support systems learn how to better support UC Davis students and foster a campus culture that is intolerant of violence.
- Deadline: May 27, 2022
Learn more and take the survey
Visit the ASUCD Pantry for Free Groceries
The ASUCD Pantry located in the Memorial Union offers free groceries and basic necessities to all UC Davis students, staff and faculty regardless of financial need. Order ahead online for nonperishables/basic necessities or come by anytime for a walk-in visit to get fresh produce. Everyone is welcome!
- Hours: Mondays–Fridays, 10:15 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturdays–Sundays, 10:15 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Union
Learn more about the ASUCD Pantry
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.
- CPT for Undergraduate F-1 Students
- OPT for F-1 Students (Part 1 of 3)
- STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students
F-1 Students Looking for Summer Employment and Internships
If you are an F-1 student who will continue into the 2022-23 academic year and are looking for employment authorization this summer, please review our Curricular Practical Training (CPT) information and our online CPT workshop video.
If you are an F-1 student who will complete your degree requirements this spring or over the summer in 2022 and are looking for information about employment authorization for post-graduation, please review our Optional Practical Training (OPT) information and our three-part OPT workshop videos. If you are a STEM major, you can also review the process for the two-year STEM OPT extension.
Student and Scholar Spotlight
Two International Students Selected as 2022 UC Davis Grad Slam Finalists
UC Davis Graduate Studies recently announced ten finalists who faced off with live presentations at UC Davis Grad Slam earlier this month. This year, two of the ten UC Davis Grad Slam finalists were international students, Lo-Wei Lin, a Ph.D. candidate in pharmacology and toxicology who presented “Look out! The smoky orange sky is harmful to your skin,” and Jaihan Zou, a Ph.D. candidate in biological systems engineering who presented “Novel Cooling Media: Cooler Than Ice.”