SISS Newsletter

October 2024 SISS Newsletter

Information and Updates

Getting Settled at UC Davis

Whether you are a new or current student or scholar, we encourage you to connect with campus and build your community of support. SISS offers guidance and information about housing, settling in at UC Davis, campus activities and clubs, transportation, nearby shopping and more.

Browse the International Student and Scholar Handbook

Plan Ahead: Travel Signature Required for Winter Travel

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. this upcoming 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 Global. Consult your SISS advisors with any questions about international travel.

Learn more about travel requirements 

WarnMe and Aggie Alert Campus Messages

UC Davis sends WarnMe and Aggie Alert messages by text, email and the Everbridge Mobile App to provide faculty, staff and students with timely information during emergencies and other urgent situation

Learn more and ensure your contact information is up to date

Protect Yourself from Scams

Never give your personal information to someone you don't know! Here are some signs that an email, phone call or text may have come from a scammer. 

End the conversation if the person:

  • 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
  • Offers you a job you didn't apply for
  • 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 by claiming to be a government official

Learn more about protecting yourself from scams

Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS

Attention current students and scholars with F-1 or J-1 status: 
While at UC Davis, you must keep your local (U.S.) 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

Programs and Events

Scholar Coffee Break

We invite international scholars (visiting faculty and researchers) 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: October 3, 9–10 a.m.

Register

Global Learning Fair

Join us at the UC Davis Global Learning Fair to learn about global opportunities and funding resources. The fair showcases global leadership opportunities, study abroad programs, global internships, post-graduate global opportunities, funding for global learning programs and more.

  • Date: October 3, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Location: West Quad

Learn more

International Festival at I-House

Celebrate culture and community in Davis at International House with hours of music and dance, international food, craft activities, artisan wares and information booths.

Learn more

Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors (AMHAs) at the International Center

AMHAs are excited to resume monthly tabling at the International Center! Are you interested in learning about mental health and well-being resources and evidence-based practices to take care of yourself and others, or are you looking for a friendly chat with a fellow Aggie? Stop by the AMHA table.

  • Date and Time: October 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Learn more

Register for Pal Program This Fall

The Pal Program pairs up UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use weekly one-hour sessions to increase their intercultural awareness, practice a target language, and develop friendships.

  • Deadline: October 14

Learn more

Fall Internship and Career Fairs

UC Davis students and alumni are invited to the Internship and Career Fairs this fall. Here are some of the upcoming fairs.

STEM Career Fair

Business and Public Service Career Fair

Learn more about the upcoming fairs

Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Mentee Applications

Incoming international students, apply now to receive a peer mentor! Your mentor can be your go-to resource for information about student life at UC Davis, as well as campus resources and events. Meet other students and make new friends at our social events!

Learn more

Language and Culture Coaching for Graduate Students

Graduate students can sign up for the Language and Culture Coaching Program to practice their oral communication skills in English in one-on-one or small group settings. Fall quarter registration opens in mid-September.

Learn more

Opportunities and Announcements

Getting Involved with a Student Organization

Students are encouraged to connect and engage with student organizations on campus. UC Davis has many options to get involved and make friends. Find a student organization through the Center for Student Involvement. Search by interest or schedule a virtual meeting to learn more.

Visit the Center for Student Involvement

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!

Learn more about the ASUCD Pantry

Need Campus Help? ‘Ask an Aggie’

Ask an Aggie is a virtual platform for students who have general questions about the many resources and programs offered by campus. It helps students become more aware of what is available to them and get assistance connecting with resources and navigating campus systems. Students will meet via Zoom with trained student peers from the Aggie Mental Health Ambassador team. 

  • Now through October 11: Available M–F, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • After October 11: Available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Learn more and Ask an Aggie

China-U.S. Scholars Program Grants for Conference Participation and Research Travel

Open to scholars and students in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Conference presentations and research travel should relate to China studies and/or China-U.S. relations. Citizens and permanent residents of China, Hong Kong SAR and the United States can apply now.

  • Deadline: October 31

Learn more

Career Support and Job Search Available with GoinGlobal

GoinGlobal provides career and employment resources for more than 120 worldwide locations. Log in with your UC Davis Kerberos ID to access the H1B Plus portal, career guides, global job and internship search database by country, and an employer directory.

Learn more and log in

New Safe Ride App Available for UC Davis Community

Download the NEW Safe Ride app, “UC Davis Safe Ride,” from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The new app lets you request rides, get more accurate wait times, and more. The Safe Ride service provides UC Davis students, staff and faculty rides from campus to on-campus and off-campus Davis addresses.

Learn more

SISS Spotlight

Learn about our Student Services for undergraduate and graduate students:Learn about our Scholar Services for international faculty, researchers and postdocs: