Dashew Center's Monthly Newsletter - April 2025 Edition

 
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In The Post newsletter:

Monthly Updates

Dashew Center & Related Programs

UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities

 F-1 Visa Updates

 J-1 Visa Updates

Important Resources for International Bruins

April 2025 Updates


Immigration Updates Page: Find recent UCLA communication and important immigration related information. (visit the webpage)


 Friday, April 11: Study List deadline (becomes official)

Saturday, April 12: Bruin Day for First-Years

 

Tuesday, April 15: General Tax Deadline (IRS)


Dashew Center's Events & On-going Support

File your Taxes with Sprintax


The Dashew Center has partnered with Sprintax Returns to give your discount codes to help you & guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents and check if you’re due a tax refund.   

 

To prepare your tax documents with Sprintax today, simply: 

1) Register here and follow the simple instructions

 2) Complete the online questionnaire  

3) Enter your unique code: 24UCLA5F200 (on the ‘Review your order) 

Sprintax Website

Spring Language Exchange Applications

Due Monday, April 7th, 2025

Apply Today



Are you working on learning a new language? Do you want to take what you're learning in the classroom a step further? The Language Exchange program connects language learners together to improve their conversation skills and meet people from around the world. Language Exchange is open to members of the UCLA community and all language levels!

Website & Application

Grad and Professional Appreciation Week: Goodies and Giveaways

Wednesday, April 9th from 12-2pm (PT)


Join us on Wednesday, April 9th to celebrate Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week at our Goodies & Giveaways event! Free grab-and-go snacks and Dashew swag will be available for the first 75 attendees. 


Stop by and take a break, or grab some food on your way to class!

More Details

Spring English Language Circle

Wednesdays, from 12-1pm (PT)



Are you looking for a safe and supportive space to practice your English conversation skills? Check out Dashew Center's English Language Circle! Here you will have an opportunity to practice your English with other language learners. RSVP for specific sessions

RSVP for Specific Sessions

Weekly CPT & OPT Webinars - via Zoom


Interested to know more about off-campus employment as an international (F-1) student? 

 We are hosting live sessions to prepare F-1 students to understand the process of applying for off-campus work authorizations known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). 


See All Webinars Dates

"The World Through Our Lenses" Photo Submissions

(By International Student Ambassadors)

On-going via Submissions Form

Show us your favorite part of home by submitting your photography from around the world. Learn more and submit yours today!  "The World Through our Lenses" is a project by the International Student Ambassadors at the UCLA Dashew Center.

Submission Form

Navigating life @ UCLA? Ask Ambassadors!



Do you have questions about life at UCLA/Los Angeles? Do want to speak with someone that represents your home country here at UCLA?  The International Student Ambassadors can respond directly to the questions you submit through this form. You will receive an email with a response to your question within 72 hours.

Ask Ambassadors

UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities

Book Loan Program Spring 2025

by UCLA Students with Dependents

Apply by Sunday April 6th @ 11:59PM


Students who qualify can earn up to $150 of funding for textbooks as a book loan. The program prioritizes CCAMPIS Participants, but the program is available to all students with minor dependent(s).


Learn more and apply here.

Bruin Self Defense Program

Wednesdays 6:30PM - 7:30PM & Fridays 12PM - 1PM

John Wooden Center Blue/Gold Room


Are you interested in self defense? Check out the Bruin Self-Defense Program. Every Wednesday and Friday, the instructors will cover numerous basic self defense techniques. Classes are FREE for students.


Learn more here.

Getting Started with Research

Thurs. 4/3 • 4PM - 5PM PST

Powell Library, Classroom 320C 


Learn all about the research process and research opportunities at UCLA, as well as how to find a faculty mentor and earn course credit for doing research. This virtual workshop is free and open to all undergraduates.


Please register here in advance to attend in person or virtually.

UCLA Academic Advancement Program Alumni Network &

the UCLA Center for Community College Partnerships

Networking Night

Fri. 4/4 • 3:30PM - 6PM PST

Campbell Hall Pavilion & Patio 


The UCLA Academic Advancement Program Alumni Network (AAPAN) and the UCLA Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) are excited to invite current students and AAP / CCCP alumni to join them on Friday, April 4th, 2025 from 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm for an evening of connections while enjoying delicious appetizers and light refreshments.



Fill out the RSVP form here to secure your spot today!

Career Week 2025 Internship Lab

Mon. 4/7 • 10AM - 1PM PST

Bruin Plaza


In honor of Career Week, bring your laptop and get ready to search for and apply for internships! This is a supported independent workspace where you will have the ability to ask questions on the best way to search for internships that match your interests on Handshake. Learn more here.


Check out all the Career Week events here, you don't want to miss them!

Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week by

UCLA Graduate Student Resource Center

Mon. 4/7 - Fri. 4/11


The GSRC presents Graduate & Professional Appreciation Week! Join them April 7th through April 11th for FREE food, coffee vouchers, and events all week long! Don't forget to RSVP in advance for the events you don't want to miss! Learn more here.

Inter-Networking Career Week

Mon. 4/7 • 6PM PST

James West Alumni Center


Join Inter-Networking Career Week (April 7–10), a collaboration with Samahang Pilipino Education And Retention (SPEAR) and Pilipino Alumni Association. PAA alumni will connect with fellow Bruin during SPEAR Inter-Networking Career Week:


Mon. 4/7 – Law, Government & Education | James West Alumni Center

Tues. 4/8 – Healthcare | Kerkhoff Stateroom 133 in Kerkhoff Hall

Wed. 4/9 – Business, Entertainment/Arts | Powell Library Classroom 320C

Thurs. 4/10 – Engineering, STEM | James West Alumni Center


Spring 2025 UCLA Employer Resume Day

Wed. 4/9 • 12PM - 2PM PST

Career Center, 3rd Floor


Employer Resume Day gives UCLA Students the opportunity to network and receive one-on-one resume critiques from Industry Representatives & Recruiters, in preparation for the Spring 2025 Recruiting Season. Students will have the opportunity to speak with an employer for 15-minutes to go over their resumes for upcoming fairs and employer events. Learn more here.

Bruin Day for First-Years

Wed. 4/12 • 8AM - 4PM PST

UCLA Campus


Exclusively for newly admitted first-years and their families.Take advantage of the opportunity to explore academic programs, student clubs and organizations, campus and housing tours, financial aid resources, and undergraduate research opportunities. Learn more here.

FAB - Health Career Net Working Night

Thurs. 4/17 • 5PM - 9PM PST

Carnesale Palisades


Pre-health undergraduates come to network with professionals of their aspiring career paths and are exposed to new career options as well. There will also be multiple workshops, panels, and professional school application advising to further offer undergraduates opportunities to gain insight on various healthcare fields. Learn more here.

UCLA Student Wellness Commission Field Day: Capture The Flag

Fri. 4/18 • 1PM - 4PM PST

UCLA Intramural Field


UCLA SWC presents Capture the Flag tournament for Bruin Health Week. Bruin Health Week is a week full of wellness events aimed to provide education and free resources supporting student health. First winner will receive UCLA Jerseys and second winner will receive an Owala Water Bottle!

Learn more here.

Collecting and Citing Sources

Thurs. 4/24 • 4PM - 5PM PST

Powell Library Classroom 320C or Zoom


Learn about citation practices and avoiding plagiarism, how to auto-generate your bibliography, keep track of your sources and more! Join us for this workshop with library instructors to learn about citing your sources. This event will be offered both in person and over Zoom.

Please register here in advance to attend in person or virtually.

UCLA International Institute Events




Take a look at the UCLA International Institutes' event lineup here.

Travel Advisory for International Students and Scholars

International students and scholars, we strongly encourage you to stay informed and make thoughtful decisions when planning any international travel. Immigration policies are subject to change at any time, and such changes may affect your travel plans. If you have any questions or need legal guidance, we recommend consulting an immigration attorney. A list of attorneys for information purposes only is available on the Dashew Center website. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Dashew Center.

 F-1 Visa Updates

MyBruin International Portal

All Dashew Center F-1 related requests and documents can now be accessed through MyBruin International. F-1 students will be able to login using their UCLA logon ID and Single Sign-on (SSO).


U.S. Address Reporting Requirement 

All F-1 students must update any changes to their U.S. address and contact information with the Dashew Center within 10 days of moving. They can do this by submitting the Address & Contact Information Update Form through MyBruin International. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that you report changes to your U.S. address, contact email, and U.S. phone number at all times during your study.

 

OPT I-20 Request:

Graduating in Spring 2025? Looking to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation? OPT is a post-graduation work authorization approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To apply for OPT, students must first request an OPT I-20 from the Dashew Center and follow the OPT Application submission Instructions to submit your complete OPT application to USCIS. For more information, please review the OPT Online Workshop and the OPT Guidelines, or attend our upcoming OPT webinars.


CPT Application Submission:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization that allows students to engage in off-campus academic internships or employment (paid or unpaid) that is a required or integral part of their academic curriculum. To request CPT authorization, please submit a completed CPT Request Form. Please find more information listed on our website or attend our upcoming CPT webinars.


I-20 Extension Request:

Do you need more time beyond your current I-20 end date to complete your degree program? If your I-20 is expiring but you will need more time to complete your degree program, you must submit your I-20 extension request at least one month prior to your I-20 end date. Please review the F-1 I-20 Extension Form for complete details.


Traveling Outside of The U.S. During Summer?

Don’t forget to obtain an updated travel signature prior to returning to the U.S. To request an updated travel signature on your I-20, please submit the online request form. It will take Dashew Center up to 10 business days to process the travel authorization request.

J-1 Visa Updates

MyBruin International Portal

All Dashew Center J-1 related requests and documents can now be accessed through MyBruin International. J-1 Scholars can only login using the International Portal ID and PIN emailed to them. J-1 Students will be able to login using their UCLA logon ID and Single Sign-on (SSO).

 

U.S. Contact Information Reporting Procedures 

J-1 Students & Scholars must update any changes to their U.S. address and contact information with the Dashew Center within 10 business days. They can do this by submitting the Address & Contact Information Update Form through MyBruin International. The Department of State requires that you report changes to your U.S. address, contact email, and U.S. phone number at all times during your program.

 

Traveling Outside of The U.S. During the Summer?

Don’t forget to obtain an updated travel signature prior to returning to the U.S. To request for an updated travel signature, please submit the Travel Authorization Request Form through MyBruin International. The processing time to request travel authorization is 10 business days from the date a complete request is received.

 

Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement

U.S. government regulations require that all J-1 visa holders maintain health insurance during the entire duration of their J-1 program. Failure to maintain health insurance coverage for the entire duration of stay may lead to the termination of your J-1 visa status and participation in your UCLA program. More information is provided on the Dashew Center website.

Important Resources for International Bruins

Wescom Financial is the Official Banking Partner

of The UCLA Dashew Center

 

Need Assistance with banking?

Wescom Financial has been committed to helping Bruins build better financial futures for more than seven years by providing valuable and affordable financial products and services. When Bruins open a Wescom Financial account, they can enjoy free checking,* direct deposits up to two days sooner,** and much more.



Drop-In Hours:

Counseling and Psychological Services 

for International Students & Scholars & For Muslim Students


UCLA Counseling and Psychological services are offering Drop-In Hours for international students and scholars. Find the drop-in hours on the CAPS website.



Healthcare at UCLA Guide for the 2024-25

 Academic Year


UCLA Ashe Center has creative a helpful guide to students to learn more about how you can use the healthcare services on campus and with your health insurance. See the Healthcare guide here.



Case Management Services

(UCLA Student Affairs)


Case Managers are available to assist students struggling with mental or physical health, facing unexpected challenge or crisis, or experiencing a personal loss. The Dashew Center has its very own case manager: Hillary Thomas is here to help you when you are stressed or need to talk through a problem. She can connect you to resources that will help you succeed academically, socially, and emotionally! 

To contact Hillary please fill out this form.