June 2023 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Congratulations, Aggies!
To those international students who are graduating and completing their programs this spring, congratulations on your accomplishments! You join an ever-growing community of Global Aggies throughout the world.
Thank you for your hard work, perseverance and dedication, Aggies. We can't wait to see what you will do next!
Travel Signature Required for Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. this summer break, please review the travel requirements for international 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.
Fraudulent Student Accounts and Payments Allege to be from UC Davis
An active email scam involves student accounts and payments that purport to originate from UCD Student Accounting but are fraudulent. Cybercriminals use sophisticated methods to steal money and data. The fraudulent email may look like it comes from the UC Davis Student Accounting email address (myaccount@ucdavis.edu) or another person in university leadership.
Scam Calls from Safe Rides Number
The phone number for the UC Davis Police Safe Rides service (530-754-2677 or 530-754-COPS) is being spoofed by scammers. Parents of UC Davis students have received calls apparently from this number claiming that their son or daughter has been arrested and demanding money in the form of gift cards.
These calls are fraudulent. Law enforcement and government agencies will not demand money over the phone.
SISS Closed on June 19 and July 4
SISS will be closed for Juneteenth on June 19 and Independence Day on July 4. 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.
Scheduling an Appointment with Your SISS Advisor
SISS Advisors are available for in-person and virtual appointments. Schedule an appointment with your advisor in advance.
Find your advisor and schedule an appointment
Ask an Advisor
By Stephanie Partridge, Tier 1 International Student Intake Advisor
Q: "Do you have any tips for biking in Davis?"
A: Biking is a convenient way to get around Davis. Follow these four steps to feel confident on the road:
- Get the right gear. Besides a bike, you need reflectors, lights (free from the UCD Police Department), a good lock and a helmet (free through Helmet Hair Don't Care). You might also consider purchasing fenders, a waterproof backpack cover and a basket.
- Act predictably. Use hand signals, pass slower bikes on their left side, ride counter-clockwise around roundabouts, and stop at stop signs and red lights.
- Be ready to react quickly. Don't ride while distracted. Pay attention to other bicyclists, cars and pedestrians.
- Don't bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You could be arrested if you bike under the influence, which could affect your visa.
Programs and Events
Today Only! RSVP Now for 'A Quest To Save Baby Yoda'
UC Davis Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian Student Resources and UC Davis Cross Cultural Center host Chai Chat Scavenger Hunt: A Quest To Save Baby Yoda. Pizza, coffee/chai/qahwa/juice and snacks will be provided, and friends and allies are always welcome.
- Date and time: June 1, 2023, 6:30–8 p.m.
- Location: Cross Cultural Center
- RSVP
Alienation and Liminality: An Installation on International LGBTQIA+ Graduate Student Experiences on Campus
International LGBTQIA+ graduate students encounter unique challenges and experiences navigating the context of UC Davis. Join the 2022 recipients of the Global Aggies Award for LGBTQIA+ Rights for an interactive art installation in the main lobby of the International Center.
- Dates: Now through June 8, 2023
- Learn more
Aggie Black Excellence Presents: A Book Talk with Rachel Jean-Baptiste
Global Affairs is proud to sponsor this event. How have people and societies debated what it means to claim mixed race/multiracial identity? How have these debates shaped global history, Africa, and the African diaspora? This book answers these questions by narrating the history of children born to African women and European men in French-speaking West Africa in the twentieth-century period of French colonial rule.
- Date and time: June 21, 2023, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- Location: Manetti Shrem Museum
- Learn more
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: July 6, 2023, 9–10 a.m.
- Learn more about the Scholar Coffee Break and register
Opportunities and Announcements
Short-Term Research in Mexico for UC Graduate Students
UC Alianza MX is pleased to announce this call for applications. The purpose of the short-term stays will be for graduate students at the University of California to accomplish specific laboratory, library, or field research at partner institutions in Mexico. Stays must include active engagement in scholarly or scientific activities at a host institution, with an emphasis on using the stay to advance research and academic development. UC Alianza MX will provide funding to cover living expenses, travel, and other related expenses in Mexico for up to three months.
- Deadline: June 16, 2023
- Apply
Welcome Dinner 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 at szeigler@isionline.org
Sign up for the I-House Newsletter
Looking to engage more with the international community in the city of Davis? Sign up to receive the International House (I-House) newsletter to learn more.
Sign up at the bottom of the I-House webpage
University Global Coalition Annual Gathering
For this year’s Gathering, University Global Coalition (UGC) will host a global, virtual version of 17 Rooms, a process developed by The Brookings Institution and The Rockefeller Foundation. In 17 Rooms, participants select one of 17 groups representing each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Rooms will work to determine a deliverable from their discussion that can be presented during SDG Action and Awareness Week 2023. Inspiration sessions will open and close the week. Participation is open to students, faculty, and staff in any higher education institution and selected community partner organizations.
- Deadline to register: July 10, 2023
- Date: October 2–6, 2023
- Learn more and register
Support Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
You’re invited to join the Commencement Ambassador team to help make this year’s spring undergraduate commencement at the Golden 1 Center an unforgettable experience for our graduates. As a token of appreciation for your time, ambassadors will receive a $75 Visa gift card, parking voucher, T-shirt, collectible pin and a meal.
Student and Scholar Spotlight
International Student Wins 'Big' with College Scheduling App
International student Henry Yu is the founder and CEO of SchedGo, an automated degree-planning tool. He and his team won the Big Bang! Business Competition for the app and were awarded the top prize of $20,000!