Overview
All international graduate students are required to attend BOTH the (1) mandatory International Graduate Student Orientation (IGSO), hosted by Services for International Students and Scholars, and the (2) Graduate Studies Graduate Student Orientation. It is your responsibility to sign up for BOTH orientations.
International Graduate Student Orientation (IGSO)
International Graduate Student Orientation (IGSO) hosted by SISS is Friday, September 14, 2018. International students studying at UC Davis with a F-1 or J-1 visa are required to attend the IGSO session, which explains important immigration regulations for your studies and employment.
IGSO Schedule: September 14, 2018, attendance is mandatory
| Time | Session | Location |
| 8:00 a.m.—8:45 a.m. |
Sign-in & Breakfast Reception: Join SISS staff for coffee, tea, and light refreshments. |
Social Science and Humanities Building Room 1100 |
| 8:45 a.m.—9:00 a.m. |
Welcome & Opening Remarks |
Social Science and Humanities Building Room 1100 |
| 9:00 a.m.—10:30 a.m. |
Immigration 101: As an international student you are responsible for your F-1 or J-1 status. This workshop will provide you with an overview of U.S. immigration regulations pertaining to your student status. |
Social Science and Humanities Building Room 1100 |
| 10:30 a.m.—10:45 a.m. | Break | |
| 10:45 a.m.—11:30 a.m. |
Off-Campus Work Regulations: Learn about work authorization requirements pertaining to off-campus employment. |
Social Science and Humanities Building Room 1100 |
| 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. |
Accessing the Basics: Learn how to get your immediate needs covered, plus useful hints on where to buy cheap, and how to find things around Davis easier. Q&A with a panel of experienced grad students. |
Social Science and Humanities Building Room 1100 |
| 12:30 p.m.—2:00 p.m. |
Lunch: Enjoy a complimentary lunch at the Memorial Union Coffee House with other international students! |
Social Science and Humanities Building Room 1100 |
| 2:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. |
Navigating the Health and Medical System in the U.S.: An overview on how to get medical care while studying at UC Davis. |
Social Science and Humanities Building Room 1100 |
| 6:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m. |
Social at the Graduate: We welcome all graduate students to join us at the restaurant and bar The Graduate located in the University Mall for an exciting night of socializing, free food, and dancing! |
University Mall, 805 Russell Blvd, Davis, CA 95616 |
Basics Orientation
SISS will be holding a Basics Orientation on Thursday, September 13th, the day before IGSO. This orientation is open to scholars, graduate students, and their spouses and dependents. The sessions will cover the basics of living in Davis, where you will learn about the U.S. school systems, banks, phones, and become more familiar with resources the city and university offers. These sessions will be extremely helpful in transitioning into your new life in Davis. The F-2 and J-2 Spouse and Dependents Session is not mandatory, but will be highly beneficial and highly recommended.
| Time | Session | Location |
| 9:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m. |
American School System: Join the Davis Unified School District as they explain the American school system and how to sign up your children for school. |
International Center 3119 |
| 10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m. |
F2 & J2 Partners Orientation: The SISS student advising team explains important immigration and employment regulations for partners and spouses of graduate students. |
International Center 3119 |
| 1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. |
Davis City Police: Come meet the Davis City Police and learn more about safety and the city of Davis. |
International Center 3119 |
| 2:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m. |
Transportation and Bicycles: Learn more about transportation options and the importance of having a bike in Davis! |
International Center 3119 |
| 3:45 p.m.—5:00 p.m. |
Phones, Banks, and Shopping: Learn about your options for phones, banks, and shopping in Davis and Sacramento. |
International Center 3119 |
| 5:15 p.m.—6:30 p.m. |
Introduction to Living in Davis: Come to the UC Davis Campus Store to get connected to different resources from campus and the Davis community that will help you (and your family) adjust to your new home. Learn about transportation options, accessing Amazon lockers, restaurants and shops, and fun activities available on campus. |
UC Davis Campus Store, Memorial Union |
Graduate Student Orientation hosted by Graduate Studies
The general Graduate Student Orientation hosted by Graduate Studies is Monday, September 17, 2018. These sessions cover the necessary information and requirements for graduate students at UC Davis.
- Register for Graduate Studies Orientation.
Questions?
Questions about SISS Orientation/IGSO? Email us at sissconnect@ucdavis.edu
General questions about Orientation and Graduate Studies? Email us at gradorientation@ucdavis.edu