February 2023 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Understanding Freedom of Expression
In a recent email to the UC Davis campus, Chancellor Gary S. May explained details about freedom of expression and what that means as a public university. Releasing a video message along with his email, Chancellor May goes in-depth on both the benefits and challenges regarding free speech.
SISS Closed on February 20
SISS will be closed for Presidents' Day on February 20. SISS closes early, and services end at 2 p.m. on the business day before a long weekend or holiday. Please plan ahead to avoid delays.
Scam Awareness: Rental Scams
Scams are fraudulent attempts to trick people out of their money. Unfortunately, these lies are easy to fall for and scammers will often target international students and scholars.
When looking for housing, it is especially important to stay alert to avoid scams. Our biggest recommendation is to always see the property in person, or have a friend see it before you pay anything.
Here are some signs that you might be dealing with a rental scam:
- The person doesn't want to meet you in person or avoids attempts at meeting you in person
- They want you to move in immediately
- They ask for rent or a security deposit before you sign a lease agreement (this should be done once you sign a lease, not before)
- The price is very low compared to similar places in the area
Learn more about protecting yourself from scams
Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS
Attention students and scholars with F-1 or J-1 status:
You must keep your local address up to date with SISS. Updating your address in UCPath does not automatically update your information with SISS. Visit iGlobal to provide the current local address where you are living. This address cannot be a campus department or PO Box.
Visit iGlobal to confirm your local address
Travel Signature Required for Winter Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. this winter break, please review the travel requirements for both students and scholars. In addition to the other requirements noted on these pages, F-1 students will need a valid travel signature on their I-20 form, and J-1 students and scholars will require a valid travel signature on their DS-2019 form.
If you need a new travel signature, you must make your request in iGlobal.
Consult your SISS advisors with any questions about international travel.
Employment Workshops Available On-Demand
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
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: February 2, 2023, 9–10 a.m.
- Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
- Save the date! The March Scholar Coffee Break is on March 2, 2023, 9–10 a.m.
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Voices: Inclusivity for a Stronger World
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is hosting an event to bring students, faculty, alumni and administrators together to learn more about careers with USAID. There will also be information regarding an upcoming Innovation and Diversity Engagement Awards Case Competition, sponsored by Pepsi, where students can win up to $15,000 in cash prizes for developing solutions to global development challenges.
- Date: February 15–17, 2023
California Income Tax Workshop
If you worked in California during 2022, you might need information about California State taxes. SISS will sponsor a webinar to provide information and resources to complete a California income tax return. This two-hour presentation will include the following topics:
- Do I need to file?
- California residency laws
- Items taxed by California: All income versus Source income
- Taxation of fellowships, stipends and scholarships
- State and federal differences
- Calculation of California tax
- A step-by-step example of completing a form 540NR
The presenter, Ms. Janie Tran from the State of California Franchise Tax Board, Taxpayers Rights Advocate Office, will provide online resources, forms and answers to common questions. You must pre-register for this virtual event.
- Date and time: March 2, 2023, 2–4 p.m.
Opportunities and Announcements
Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Mentor Fellows
Become a mentor fellow and provide mentorship and friendship to new international students, develop programming, build leadership skills and contribute to the international community at UC Davis! Open to current undergraduates. Participants are eligible for a $500 payment. Check out more information on it below and apply by the deadline!
- Learn more about being a mentor fellow
- Apply to be a mentor fellow
- Application deadline: February 5, 2023
2023 Orientation Leader Applications Now Open
UC Davis is recruiting a large team of Orientation Leaders to implement the Aggie Orientation experience and welcome nearly 10,000 new Aggies to the community, and build relationships through a fun and engaging experience. Apply today to become an Orientation Leader.
- Priority Deadline: February 3, 2023
- Final Deadline: April 5, 2023
Grad Slam Returns
Grad Slam is the annual event for all master's and doctoral students to share their research stories concisely and compellingly in three minutes or less! Not only will you refine your research communication skills, but the winners will also take home prize money.
- Deadline: February 17, 2023
- Save the date for the semi-final: April 6, 2023, 1–3 p.m.
- Date for the University of California Round: TBD
UC Davis Widening Circles Global Social Impact Program
Through a global network of social impact organizations, guidance from mentors, multimedia storytelling and a rigorous curriculum, students will explore new pathways for learning, sharing, connecting and acting with purpose and humility in the face of global inequality and injustice. Funding available!
- Start date: June 26, 2023
- End date: August 25, 2023
Student and Scholar Spotlight
Huaijin Zhou is First in Animal Science to Win National Academy of Sciences Award
Huaijin Zhou, an international scholar, professor in the Department of Animal Science and the director of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Genomics to Improve Poultry, was honored by the National Academy of Sciences with the Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences.