September 2026 SISS Newsletter | |
Duration of Status Changes to Fixed Admission Until Date and Impact on Extension of Stay Requests to USCIS
SISS has been tracking updates and new information about what the change to duration of status means for F and J visa holders at UC Davis.
Read more about the final rule and changes to duration of status on our website. We encourage you to make this webpage your first stop for answers to your questions and the latest information. As advisors learn more, we continue to update our website first.
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Register to Attend Upcoming Webinars About Changes to Duration of Status
Update on the DHS Final Rule: Q&A for J Scholars, Professors and Short-Term Visa Holders
September 2, 2–3 p.m.
Register for this webinar.
Update on the DHS Final Rule: Q&A for F and J Student Visa Holders
September 3, 3–4 p.m.
Register for this webinar.
Change of Duration of Status to a Fixed Period of Admission for Current Undergraduate Students
September 23, 5–6 p.m.
Register for this webinar.
Change of Duration of Status to a Fixed Period of Admission for Current Graduate Students
September 24, 5–6 p.m.
Register for this webinar.
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Changes to CPT Processing
If you are an F-1 student interested in off-campus employment, we want to make you aware of recent changes to CPT processing.
In light of new guidance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), SISS is temporarily suspending applications for "Course Credit" CPT to minimize risk to students’ immigration status and future benefits and to protect the university’s ability to host international students and scholars. SISS will continue processing “Degree-Requirement” CPT as normal.
Learn more about the changes to CPT.
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Bookmark These Helpful Links in Your Browser
Use these links to find the latest information and updates about federal government topics:
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Office Closed for Labor Day
The SISS office will be closed on September 7 for Labor Day. SISS is expected to close early on September 4, with services ending around 2 p.m. Please plan ahead to avoid delays. The office will reopen on September 8.
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Follow the New SISS Instagram Account
SISS now has an Instagram account to share news, updates, events, programs, resources and more with international students and scholars. Follow us at @ucdavisSISS.
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How to Schedule an Appointment with Your SISS Advisor
SISS Advisors offer in-person and virtual appointments. Meetings are by appointment only, so schedule a time with your advisor in advance.
Find your advisor and schedule an appointment.
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New to UC Davis?
The International Guide has information about living, learning and working at UC Davis. Find answers to your questions, get to know your new community, and find support for your academic and career goals.
Explore the International Guide.
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Campus Resources for International Students and Scholars
SISS is part of a large campus community that supports international students and scholars. From becoming familiar with campus to accessing language and academic support, SISS is here to help you achieve your goals.
Learn more about campus resources.
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Cybersecurity Tips from UC Davis Information and Educational Technology (IET)
IET has several tips for students that apply to the greater campus community too. Review them to stay up to date on the latest trends and keep your information, work and privacy secure.
Cybersecurity tips from IET.
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Karaoke and Sing-Along with Community Advising Network (CAN) Counselors
Join CAN Counselors for Karaoke and Sing-Along. You are invited to take a wellness break, sing along with your UC Davis community and celebrate the end of summer with us. There's nothing like singing your favorite songs to help you relax and de-stress. All UC Davis students and staff are welcome.
September 2, 10–11:30 a.m.
Location: Student Community Center, Second Floor in the Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian (MENASA) Resource Center
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Scholar Coffee Break
Whether you are new to campus or have been here for several months, international scholars are invited to join this welcoming space. The monthly SISS Scholar Coffee Break is a good opportunity to connect with peers, learn more about campus and build your network.
September 3, 9–10 a.m.
October 1, 9–10 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Register for the Scholar Coffee Break.
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International Student Support Group Meetings This Month
The International Student Support Group is a welcoming and supportive space open to all undergraduate and graduate students who identify as or support international students.
The group offers an opportunity for connection and support for students who may be experiencing stress related to their international student identity, current global or personal events, cultural adjustment challenges, feeling overwhelmed, and more. Participation is voluntary, and students are welcome to engage at their own pace and comfort level.
September 9, 1–2 p.m.
September 23, 1–2 p.m.
Location: International Center, Room 3119.
Contact Sara Ruebelt with questions or to RSVP.
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Student Parent Welcome Picnic
The UC Davis Student Parent Resource Center invites all incoming pregnant and parenting students and new post-doc and visiting scholar families to enjoy a catered lunch, a resource fair with campus and community organizations, children’s activities, and more at this fun-filled welcome event.
September 27, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Conference Center
Register for the Picnic.
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Pal Program Fall Quarter Welcome Event
Join the Pal Program to kick off the Fall quarter with refreshments, games, and an opportunity to connect with other students. This event is open to all UC Davis undergraduate students, and attendees are welcome to bring friends! Meet students from around the world at this intercultural social event and explore the Pal Program.
October 1, 4–6 p.m.
Location: International Center, Lobby
Register for the Welcome Event
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Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Welcome Event
Undergraduate students, join the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program’s welcome event! Connect with students from around the world, meet peer mentors and learn about quarterly events. Enjoy food and fun activities with a chance to win gift cards in our raffle. Bring a friend—everyone is welcome!
October 2, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: International Center, Lobby
Register for the Welcome Event.
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Attend the 2026 Pre-Health Conference at UC Davis
The 2026 UC Davis Pre-Health Conference is the nation's largest student-run pre-health conference. It features 200+ exhibitors, 70+ workshops, and networking opportunities with admissions deans and professionals.
October 17
Learn more about the conference.
Register for the conference.
| | Opportunities and Announcements | |
Applications for the Global Affairs Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Internship Are Now Open
SDG interns engage fellow students across campus, research and catalog UC Davis and broader sustainability efforts, and help document their impact through case studies and metrics. This opportunity is open to all upper-division undergraduate students and offers academic credit.
Deadline: September 11
Learn about the SDG Internship and apply
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Get Matched with a Global Ambassador Mentor
For first-year international undergraduate students, the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program pairs you with a peer mentor who can help you navigate academics, campus involvement, and student life. Make connections before you arrive, engage in cross-cultural exchange, and join fun social events. Space is limited.
Learn about becoming a mentee.
Apply to become a mentee
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Pal Program Accepting Registrations for Fall Quarter
The Pal Program pairs international and domestic undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can enhance their intercultural awareness, learn about a target language, and develop friendships. Add new skills to your resume, contribute to a welcoming UC Davis campus community and make new friends. Fall quarter registration is open now.
Deadline: October 6
Learn more about the Pal Program, including how you can earn credit toward graduation.
Register for the Pal Program.
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Chinese Characters and Calligraphy Projects in Exhibit at the International Center
Students' final projects from the Winter 2026 first-year seminar, Demystifying and Unlocking the Beauty of Chinese Characters, taught by Yutian Tan, are now on exhibit in the lobby of the International Center through October.
Location: International Center, Lobby
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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.
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UC Davis Student Parent Newsletter
Graduate and undergraduate student parents, as well as postdocs, visiting scholars, staff, faculty, and community advocates, can subscribe to the Student Parent Newsletter for the latest events and opportunities for those balancing academics with raising children.
Sign up to receive the student parent newsletter.
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Join Club-I from International House Davis
Club International (Club-I) is a group of international and American students that plans activities throughout the year, including trips around California, cultural dinners, potlucks and parties. They meet every Friday evening, usually somewhere in Davis, to socialize and have fun.
To join or learn more, email the program coordinator or join the Club-I Facebook group.
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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, such as Zoom cooking classes and farm tours.
For more information, email Simon Zeigler with ISI at szeigler@isionline.org.
Note: This is a community opportunity and is not affiliated with UC Davis.
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