November 2026 SISS Newsletter

Before You Travel: Travel Signature Required for Winter Trips

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., please review the travel requirements, available for both students and scholars. In addition to the requirements noted, F-1 students need a valid travel signature on their I-20 form, and J-1 students and scholars need a valid travel signature on their DS-2019 form.

If you need a new travel signature, you must request it in iGlobal in advance. Consult your SISS advisors with any questions about international travel. 

Learn more about travel requirements

Scam Prevention Tip of the Month: Know How to Spot a Scam

Scammers often follow a similar pattern of behavior that looks like this:

• Pretend: Scammers lie about who they are by pretending to be from a reputable organization, such as a government agency, UC Davis, a bank, etc. 
• Problem/Prize: Scammers present you with either an unexpected problem you need to resolve, or they offer you something you weren't expecting, such as money or a job. 
• Pressure: Scammers will pressure you so you react to their demands without thinking. They will tell you there is an urgent deadline, or they may threaten you with legal action or consequences.
• Pay: Scammers will demand that you provide them with something, often money or financial information. 

Be aware of this pattern. End the conversation if you notice the pattern or feel uncomfortable. Talk to someone you trust, or contact SISS if you have questions about your visa and immigration status.

Read more about scam awareness and prevention

New Optional Practical Training Fee Proposed

On Oct. 8, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposal to impose a new Optional Practical Training (OPT) fee. The proposed rule would establish a $70,000 application fee on the initial OPT application, and a $30,000 fee for any subsequent OPT application. This rule is still in its proposal phase and has not been implemented. We encourage our community to review the detailed proposal.

A 30-day comment period is open and will end on Nov. 9, 2026. Officials will review comments prior to making a final decision about the proposed rule and fees.

Update on Ongoing Curricular Practical Training Litigation

On October 5, the Association of American Universities, Presidents' Alliance, NAFSA and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) new interpretation for authorizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The University of California (UC) is actively engaged with association partners on this issue.

The complaint argues that DHS’s actions violated the Administrative Procedure Act, and requests preliminary and permanent injunctive relief. A preliminary injunction hearing is set for November 6. We will continue to monitor the situation.

Tips for Academic Success

Managing stress and feelings of overwhelm is crucial to your academic success. If you feel you are behind in your classwork, underperforming on tests or other assessments, or feel like you don't understand something in class, here are some tips to be proactive and take more control of your situation:

• Attend office hours. Your professors and TAs want to hear from you. We strongly encourage students to communicate and attend office hours, especially now, before the end of the quarter arrives.
• Find help with writing at the University Writing Center. This friendly and professional resource aids all Aggies of all abilities by providing support to empower writers. It offers one-on-one consultations, writing groups, workshops, seminars and more. 
• Academic Assistance and Tutoring Centers provide academic support to undergraduate students enrolled in biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics, physics, statistics and writing across the disciplines. Professional staff offer classes, workshops and office hours, and undergraduate tutors provide drop-in services for students enrolled in math, science and writing across the disciplines. 

One last tip! In the Upcoming Events section below, you will find information about the International Community Hour, a meeting for international students to discuss stresses unique to their experiences. We encourage students to attend an upcoming session.

Office Closed for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Holiday

The SISS office will be closed on November 11 for Veterans Day and will reopen on November 12. It will also be closed on November 26 and 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen on November 30. SISS is expected to close early on November 10 and 25, with services ending around 2 p.m. Please plan ahead to avoid delays.

Don't Miss Out. Follow Us on Instagram!

SISS shares news, updates, events, programs, resources and more on our Instagram account. Follow us at @ucdavisSISS.

Shields Library International Open House

Discover how the UC Davis Library supports students, no matter where in the world they are from. Take a tour of Shields Library and discover how to access the collection for your class assignments and research; meet librarians who can support you; browse books in more than a dozen languages; enjoy free food; make your own bookmark at our craft station; contribute to our community project by telling us about your favorite food; and find opportunities and more at campus resource tables.

November 4, 12–3 p.m.

Location: Shields Library

International Community Hour

Facilitated by counselors in the Community Advising Network through Student Health and Counseling Services, the International Community Hour is open to undergraduate and graduate students and scholars who identify as or support international students and scholars.

The group provides connection and conversations around international student and scholar life, including cultural adjustment, stress related to global or personal events, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed.

Participants can connect with others who may understand these experiences and find support in community. Participation is voluntary, and students and scholars are welcome to engage at their own pace and comfort level.

November 4, 1–2 p.m.

November 18, 1–2 p.m.

December 2, 1–2 p.m.

December 16, 1–2 p.m.

Location: North Hall, Room 132

Contact Sara Ruebelt with questions or to RSVP.

I-Fest is Back at International House

Celebrate cultures from around the world at I-Fest. Enjoy music, dance, food trucks and cultural and artisan booths at this free, family-friendly festival that brings people together to share traditions and connect with our vibrant and diverse community.

November 7, 2–9 p.m.

Location: International House (10 College Park)

Learn more about I-Fest

Belong and Build: Job Search Strategy for International Students

Hosted by Interstride (GoinGlobal), this workshop introduces strategies for conducting a focused and successful U.S.-based job search. Take away a four-step framework to optimize your job-search game plan and network effectively to get your foot in the door.

November 17, 1–2 p.m.

Register for the Interstride event

Learn about the GoinGlobal job search

Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Undergraduate students, join the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program for a cozy afternoon! Decorate a gingerbread house, tackle a jigsaw puzzle, or just hang out with a cup of hot chocolate and a festive cookie. If you want to participate in the gingerbread house decorating, please arrive on time, as kits are limited.

November 20, 2:30–4 p.m.

Location: International Center, Lobby

Register for the Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Fall Quarter Research Workshops

Graduate students and researchers, advance your skills with a research workshop this fall! The UC Davis Library and the GradPathways Institute are offering a series of workshops on data management, copyright, AI research tools, publishing, citation management and literature search.

Find dates, times and topics on the Library website

U21 Sustainable Micro-Internships

These free, two-week virtual internships connect UC Davis students with peers worldwide to tackle real global challenges related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (no CPT needed). Spaces fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions run from November through February.

Deadline: November 2

Learn more about the micro-internship and apply today

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 with fellow students, engage in cross-cultural exchange, and join fun social events. Space is limited.

Learn about becoming a mentee

Apply to become a mentee

ASUCD Fall Elections

Students can vote in the ASUCD elections from November 2 until November 6.

Learn more about the ASUCD elections, including candidates and how to cast your vote.

Global Graduate Student and Postdoc Career Skills Workshops

Join workshops designed by graduate students and postdocs to develop communication and leadership skills for success in intercultural work environments, whether in the public, private, or academic sectors. Combine workshops to earn a certificate from the Global Learning Hub.

View and register for the workshops

Apply Now: Library Graduate Student Prize

The UC Davis Library is accepting applications for the 2027 Library Graduate Student Prize. The prize is open to UC Davis graduate students, professional students and postdoctoral scholars. Prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded for original, unpublished scholarship.

Deadline: December 4

Apply for the Graduate Student Prize

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

Welcome Dinner for Newly Arrived Visiting Scholars

Community Friends of Scholars is a local volunteer organization, 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.

Note: This is a community opportunity and is not affiliated with UC Davis

For more information, email Simon Zeigler with ISI at szeigler@isionline.org