Overview
SISS Student and Scholar Advisors assist incoming and current international students, faculty and researchers ("scholars") and their accompanying families with visa and immigration issues while they are at UC Davis. This includes help with paperwork, maintaining legal status and other topics.
SISS Student and Scholar Advisors are often assigned by the student or scholar's last name and/or by the advisor's area of expertise. To schedule an appointment, find your SISS Advisor from the list below and click on their name to view their contact information. You will find directions below about how to schedule an appointment directly with your SISS Advisor.
For Students
In-Person and Virtual Advising
During the academic year, in-person meetings are offered by appointment only on Mondays through Thursdays. Virtual appointments are available Mondays through Fridays. SISS does not offer drop-in advising.
Finding Your International Student Advisor
Students should consult with any Tier 1 International Student Intake Advisor on the following topics: 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 International Student Advisors are assigned based on the student's last name (noted by advisor below) and should be consulted on the following topics: 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.
- Sharon Ericsson advises last names beginning with B, V, Z
- Lorena Galvan advises last names beginning with K, N, U, W, X
- Marissa Hoggard advises last names beginning with G, H, I, J, O, T
- Matthew Kaminski-Lucas advises last names beginning with A, C, D, E, F
- Meredith Lucas advises last names beginning with M, Q, S, Y
- Robert Nagel advises last names beginning with L, P, R
Student-athletes and students in School of Law or Graduate School of Management programs should contact Tammy Silver.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Click on your advisor's name in the above section. Each International Student Advisor has a link in their profile to "schedule an appointment." Use this feature to select an in-person or virtual appointment and find a time on the advisor's calendar that fits your needs. Follow the prompts to sign up for and confirm your appointment.
Trouble setting up an appointment? Contact us.
For Scholars
In-Person and Virtual Advising
By appointment only Mondays through Fridays. SISS does not offer drop-in advising.
Finding Your International Scholar Advisor
International Scholar Advisors are assigned based on the scholar's visa type, and in the case of J-1 visa holders, also by the scholar's last name.
- J-1 advisors: Daniel Padron advises last names beginning with A-K and Mary Alurwar advises last names beginning with L-Z
- H-1B advisors: Gayle Nerli and Simone Kueltz
- E-3, TN advisor: Gayle Nerli
- Permanent Residence and O-1 advisor: Kimberly Haky
Still not sure who your SISS Scholar Advisor is? Contact us.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Click on your advisor's name in the above section to email your advisor with a brief description of your issue, question or situation. Do not include confidential information such as your visa number or other personal data in this email. Your advisor will work with you to set up a virtual appointment at a mutually convenient time.
Trouble setting up an appointment? Contact us.
Office Hours
SISS is open for paperwork drop-off and pick-up Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m., except for university holidays.
Meetings by appointment only.
SISS is closed on weekends, university holidays and the days between Christmas and New Year. All holidays are listed on the campus Academic and Administrative Calendar.
Please note that SISS closes at 2 p.m. on the business day prior to three-day weekends and major holidays such as Thanksgiving and the start of winter break. Please plan ahead for SISS services and staff to end the workday early on these days.