June 2025 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Congratulations, Graduates!
It's an exciting time of year as we congratulate our graduating Aggies on their hard work, resilience and growth. As you turn the page to an exciting new chapter, we celebrate all you’ve achieved and the amazing journey ahead. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to cheer you on as you make your mark on the world. Best wishes, and go Ags!
Important Summer Travel Update
Recently, the media reported that the U.S. State Department has instructed U.S. consulates to temporarily pause scheduling new visa appointments for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. While already-scheduled appointments will be honored, new appointments may not become available until permitted by the U.S. Department of State.
SISS strongly encourages incoming students and scholars to continue other steps in the visa process, including obtaining a Form I-20 or DS-2019 and initiating the DS-160 visa application, where permitted, even if a visa appointment slot may not be currently available. It will be important to be prepared once new visa appointment time slots become available.
If you are currently an F-1 or J-1 visa holder who needs a new visa to return to the U.S. after your summer travel outside the U.S., SISS cautions you to refrain from international travel until more information is made available from the State Department. Due to the uncertainty regarding the duration of this pause in appointment scheduling, it may be advisable to avoid international travel if you do not already have a scheduled visa appointment. While the temporary pause will reportedly be brief, we do not have confirmation when new appointments will be available. Visa scheduling may also vary by consulate.
For other travelers, please be aware that international students and scholars are advised to carefully consider travel plans due to the unpredictability of the international travel environment, including possible changes to U.S. government policies and regulations. If traveling internationally, consider your travel risks to make an informed decision. All of your documents must be valid for re-entry to the U.S.
If you have any questions, please email SISS at siss@ucdavis.edu or talk to your SISS advisor.
U.S. Secretary of State's Statement About International Student Visas
Earlier this week, we were alerted to the statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the State Department’s intent to review and potentially revoke the visas of certain students from China. SISS is carefully monitoring this situation and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Federal Government Updates for International Students and Scholars
Latest Updates
May 29, 2025: Statement from U.S. Secretary of State Rubio About International Student Visas
May 28, 2025: News Reports of F and J Visa Appointment Pauses at U.S. Consulates
As we become aware of updates or changes to important visa and immigration-related matters, we will publish the information on our website.
While immigration changes are often widely discussed on social media and other websites, we strongly encourage you to rely on us to provide verified information as it becomes available.
Visit our federal government updates webpage
University of California Guidance
With numerous, quickly evolving federal policy shifts underway, the University of California is working diligently to monitor these developments and seek clarity on a range of issues.
Visit the UC Federal Updates webpage
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
SISS Closed for Juneteenth and Independence Day
The SISS office will be closed for business on June 19 for Juneteenth, with the office reopening on June 20, and on July 4 for Independence Day, with the office reopening on July 7. SISS is expected to close early, ending services around 2 p.m. on July 3. Please plan ahead to avoid delays.
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Follow the Global Affairs Instagram account for programs, events, updates and more.
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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: June 5, 9–10 a.m.
Global Aggies Graduation Celebration
Are you a graduating international student this year? If so, check your inbox for your invitation to join us as Global Affairs celebrates our graduating international student community. This is an open event where graduating Global Aggies are welcome to drop by at any time to take photos and decorate their graduation caps. It's time to celebrate your global learning achievements!
- Date and time: June 5, 2–5 p.m.
- Location: International Center, Lobby
Graduate Student and Postdoc Certificate Series
This series is open to graduate students and postdocs. Participants can register for workshops emphasizing skill development in DEI or intercultural teaching and learning for success in intercultural work environments. Workshops can be combined toward a certificate from Global Affairs.
Opportunities and Announcements
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.
UC Davis Health Equity Fund
The UC Davis Health Equity Fund is available to help reimburse students who have experienced significant out-of-pocket expenses related to accessing physical or mental healthcare or to students who have a significant privacy concern as a dependent (e.g., related to sexual health services).
Supplemental Funds
- Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund: Experiencing a medical emergency is stressful enough, but it can feel even more overwhelming when you're far from home, or without transportation. To support students during such critical moments, the Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund helps cover the cost of ambulance services, ensuring that financial concerns do not stand in the way of urgent medical care.
- UC Emergency Mental Health Grant for Students Impacted by the Israel-Palestine Conflict: Students can request an emergency mental health grant to cover off-campus counseling costs related to the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel.
Identifying Scams and Protecting Your Money
Scammers continue to evolve their tactics in the hope of tricking you. Stay alert and never give your personal information to someone you don't know. If you receive an email, phone call, text or social media message, look for some of these behaviors, which could signal that you are dealing with a scammer:
- Threatens to suspend your Social Security number or visa (even if they have part or all of your information)
- 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 and threatens consequences if you inform your school or local police
- Threatens to seize your bank account
- Threatens to arrest family members or other relatives
- Promises to increase your Social Security benefits
- Tries to gain your trust by providing fake documentation, false evidence, or by claiming to be a government official
Scams can come from people posing as school staff, faculty, employers, U.S. government officials, and even officials from other countries. Trust your instincts and reach out to SISS or UC Davis Police if you are contacted from unverified sources or are subjected to threats, harassment or demands for money that seem unusual and suspicious.
Learn more about protecting yourself from scams
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 can sign up for other activities, like Zoom cooking classes and farm tours.
For more information, email Simon Zeigler with ISI at szeigler@isionline.org.
SISS Spotlight
A Mandela Washington Fellow's Path to Becoming a UC Davis Grad Student
Roy Akumu, a 2023-24 alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, took a unique path to selecting a graduate school. Originally from Kenya, he is once again at UC Davis, this time as a student pursuing his master's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.