June 2022 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Congratulations, Graduating Aggies!
To all of our graduating international students, we wish you hearty congratulations on this milestone achievement! Your work toward your degrees these last two years has been made all the more challenging by the global pandemic and other crises. We applaud your resiliency, flexibility, determination and perseverance as you pursued your goals. It has been our honor to serve you on this journey. You will always find a welcome home at UC Davis no matter where you go. Congratulations, Global Aggies!
Healthy Finals Preparations
As students prepare for final exams, we want to remind you to make your health a priority as you study. Here are some tips to help:
- Take frequent breaks. Use the Pomodoro technique of focus for 25 minutes, followed by a short break.
- Stretch or rest your eyes if you are working at a screen. Set timers for yourself to act as reminders for these breaks.
- Stay hydrated. Fill your water bottle and use your stretch breaks to refill it.
- Get enough sleep. Put sleep on your schedule so you commit to getting as much rest as you can.
- Eat well. Plan healthy snacks and meals to keep you fueled.
- Give your brain a break. Take a walk. It can even be a quick walk, but get outside for 15-30 minutes and give your brain a well-deserved break.
- Don't forget, you've got this!
Stay Alert to Prevent Scams
Each month, we encourage you to be aware of scams, especially those targeting international students and scholars. But unfortunately, scams are easy to fall for, and you might not know a phone call, email or interaction is fraudulent until it is too late.
As a reminder, the United States Customs and Border Protection have warned about a scam that impersonates a Customs and Border Protection agent. 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. Read more about this incident.
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
Summer Travel Recommendations
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.
Additionally, the U.S. State Department 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. 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
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: June 2, 2022, 9–10 a.m.
Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
Save the Date! The July Scholar Coffee Break will be on July 7
Alumni 101 Series for Graduating Students
UC Davis Alumni and Affiliate Relations is hosting a series for graduating students to help prepare them for life after college. Next in the series: Maximizing the Gap Year(s). Is graduate school in your future? This workshop explains what a gap year is, the reasons to consider taking a gap year and what to do during that time.
- Date and time: June 3, 2022, 1:10–2 p.m.
- Location: Virtually
Welcome Dinners for Newly Arrived Visiting Scholars
Community Friends of Scholars is a local organization of volunteers, sponsored by International Students, Inc. (ISI), with staff and volunteers from area churches. They hold monthly Welcome Dinners for newly arrived visiting scholars. At the dinners, scholars have the opportunity to sign up for other activities, like Zoom cooking classes and Farm Tours.
For more information, email Simon Zeigler with ISI
Opportunities and Announcements
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
New Video Highlights SISS, Features International Students and Scholar
A new video highlighting the work of SISS is now live on our website and the Global Affairs YouTube channel. The short video features interviews with international student Ash Singh, international postdoctoral researcher Elisa Penna, and Associate Professor in African-American and African Studies Bettina Ng'welo, an international scholar.