Coronavirus Information and Resources for UC Davis International Students and Scholars

We continue to follow the developments of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and monitor situations on campus and around the world. Your safety, wellbeing, and educational experience are our priorities. See the updates and resources. The UC Davis International Center is currently closed, but we are still here to help: please email your SISS advisor directly with questions or to set up a remote appointment. Find your advisor listed on our Contact Us page.

Orientation for Graduate and Professional Students

man standing at a chalkboard

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 18, 2020. 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.

Students must indicate whether they will be attending IGSO when they request their I-20 or DS-2019 through iGlobal. There is no separate registration form or email. Students can access the correct I-20/DS-2019 request form starting on April 7, 2020.

IGSO Sample Schedule: Friday, September 18, 2020, attendance is mandatory (sample schedule below is subject to change)

Time Session Location 
8 a.m.—9 a.m.

Breakfast and Welcome: Join SISS staff for coffee, tea, and light refreshments.

 Sciences Lecture Hall 123
9 a.m.—10:15 a.m.

Visa Regulations: 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.

Sciences Lecture Hall 123
10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

Employment Regulations: Learn about work authorization requirements pertaining to off-campus employment.

Sciences Lecture Hall 123
11:30 a.m.—12:15 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.

 Sciences Lecture Hall 123
12:30 p.m.—1:45 p.m.

Lunch: Enjoy a complimentary lunch at the Memorial Union Coffee House with other international students!

 Memorial Union Coho
1:45 p.m.—2:45 p.m.

Navigating the Health and Medical System in the U.S.: An overview of how to get medical care while studying at UC Davis.

Sciences Lecture Hall 123
 6 p.m.—8 p.m. Social at Bistro 33 (optional): Come meet and mingle with other new international graduate students. Free food will be served! Bistro 33

Basics Orientation

SISS will be holding a Basics Orientation on Thursday, September 17, the day before IGSO. This optional 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.

Graduate Student Orientation hosted by Graduate Studies

The general Graduate Student Orientation hosted by Graduate Studies is Monday, September 21, 2020. These sessions cover the necessary information and requirements for graduate students at UC Davis.

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

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