Dashew Center's Monthly Newsletter - May 2026 Edition

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

May 2026 Updates

Immigration Updates Page: Find recent immigration related information for Bruins

(Dashew Center website)

The Dashew Center will be closed on the following days:

Internal Meeting: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (closed from 10am to 12pm)

Memorial Day Holiday: Monday, May 25, 2026

Dashew Center's Events & On-going Support

International Prom Night!

Friday, May 8, 2026

6-9Pm (PT)

Covel Grand Horizon

Join us for International Prom Night "Traveling to Spring". Enjoy salsa lessons, live DJ, International bites, photobooth and giveaways all night. All international students and friends are welcome — dress to impress (black tie or cultural wear is welcomed!) and let’s make it a night to remember!

Envelope Art & Writing Magazine
Submissions are Open!

Due May 11, 2026

Envelope is an Art & Writing Magazine featuring creative work from UCLA's International Student, Scholar, Faculty, and Staff community. When you open Envelope, you find poems, creative fiction, opinion pieces, digital art, drawings, paintings, photography, etc. The submission form is now open for the 2026 edition of Envelope Magazine and The theme is "Finding Belonging".

Global Bruins Year-End Celebration

Wed, May 20th from 5:30-7pm (PT)

De Neve Plaza Rom

Join us to celebrate all global bruins on a fun evening with light dinner, entertainment and giveaways! Whether you are an international student/scholar or have studied abroad, we would like to celebrate you and the class of 2026. 

You will get to purchase a special Global Bruin Graduation sash during registration!

English Language Circles

Wednesdays - via Zoom

Are you looking for a safe and supportive space to practice your English conversation skills? Join us to ELC, where you will have an opportunity to practice your English with other language learners. The circle is led by a native English speaker, who will help you become more confident in your speaking skills and who can answer your language and grammar questions.

Weekly CPT & OPT Webinars

Wednesdays - via Zoom

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

  We host live sessions to prepare F-1 students to understand the process of applying for off-campus work authorizations.

Need to Open a U.S. Bank Account?

Wescom Financial is Here for You!

Wescom Financial and UCLA Dashew Center have established a partnership to support the international community at UCLA. International students & scholars can now start to open an account with Wescom even before they arrive in the U.S.. Contact Wescom for more details.

UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities

Mobile Market

(By Basic Needs)

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

11am-1pm (PT)

Bruins, FREE GROCERIES!

Come out to basic needs MOBILE MARKET at the

Tipuana multipurpose room this Wednesday!

Bring a bag and see you there.

Summer Before Applying to Grad School Workshop

(By AAP Graduate Peer Mentor)

May 7th from 12:00pm-1:00pm

In 1224 Campbell Hall



Are you applying to Graduate School next year? Let’s help you prep for a stress free application season! Join us in person or join us via Zoom!

More details

FITTED x Teaching Kitchen:

Lemon Cupcakes

May 7th from 5-7pm (PT)



Join [FITTED] x Teaching Kitchen for a cooking class! We’ll be making lemon cupcakes + cream cheese frosting with Chef Julia! Limited spots, come bake, laugh, and leave with something delicious.

More details

Point of View: Public Health Practice

May 7th at 5:30pm (PT)



Point of View is a conversation series from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health’s Office of Public Health Practice that centers the lived experience of public health practitioners, not just what they do, but what it takes to do it. At a time when public health is under pressure and trust, resources, and institutions are being contested, this series brings us face-to-face with those holding the field together, across local and global contexts. RSVP for online attendance Here

UCLA Career Center Spring Events

Week 6

Kick off the quarter with events designed to help you explore career paths, build skills, and take action toward your future.

Stop by the Career Center throughout the week and don’t forget to grab a bear sticker while you’re there.

Writing a Literature Review (Introduction and Overview)

Wednesday, May 6 • 5:15PM–6:30PM

Get started on your literature review with this interactive Zoom workshop designed to guide you through the process. Learn how literature reviews function across different contexts and gain practical strategies for note-taking, organization, and structuring your writing. This session is ideal for students at any stage of the writing process who want to build clarity and confidence. RSVP through the link provided.

More Information!

Guided Tour of Blood Components Processing Lab

Thursday, May 7 • 1:00PM–2:00PM

Meet at UCLA Career Center (2nd Floor), walk to CHS Building

Go behind the scenes and learn how donated blood is tested, processed, and prepared to save lives. This guided tour offers a unique look into the work happening at UCLA’s Component Processing Lab and the impact it has on patient care. It is a great opportunity for students interested in healthcare and medical systems. Registration is required through Handshake.

Learn More!

BBRC Spring Cookout

Friday, May 8 • 2:00PM–6:00PM

Westwood Park

Join BBRC for their biggest event of the quarter and enjoy an afternoon of community, music, and free food. This annual spring cookout is a great chance to connect with other students, relax outdoors, and celebrate the season. Bring your friends and enjoy a laid-back, high-energy atmosphere. RSVP is encouraged.

Register Here!

GSRC Graduate Student is Hiring!

Deadline is Friday, May 8

The Graduate Student Resource Center is hiring Graduate Student Orientation Coordinators. Details regarding compensation are available in the application. Applications close May 8.

Apply Now!

UCLAxFilmFest

Saturday, May 9

Los Angeles Theatre

Celebrate a decade of filmmaking at the UCLA Extension Film Fest. This event highlights the creativity, dedication, and storytelling of emerging filmmakers. Attendees can enjoy screenings and connect with others passionate about film and media. Free tickets are available, but registration is required.

Event Website

Locks of Love

Tuesday, May 12 • 10:00AM

James West Alumni Center

Support a meaningful cause by donating your hair to individuals experiencing medical hair loss. Participants will receive a free haircut while contributing to an initiative that supports women and children in need. This event is a simple yet impactful way to give back to the community.

Be part of this initiative!

Negotiation Online Workshop

(By UCLA Graduate Career Services)

Tuesday, May 12 • 4-5pm (PT)

Via Zoom

Come learn about negotiation on the job market. Even if you’re at the start of your job search journey, negotiation is a key skill that is useful to understand throughout the job search process. RSVP in the link in their website.

Learn More

UCLA First To Go Career Mixer

Tuesday, May 12 • 6:00PM–7:30PM

UCLA Career Center, Strathmore Building (3rd Floor)

Connect with professionals and mentors during an evening focused on career exploration and networking. The event includes a mentor panel, open Q&A, and a networking dinner designed to help you build meaningful connections. Whether you are exploring options or pursuing a specific path, this is a valuable opportunity to gain insight and guidance. Dinner will be provided.

Learn More!

UCLA Music Industry Program Career Fair

Friday, May 15 • 10:00AM–3:00PM

Career Center, Room 200, Strathmore Building

Meet top professionals across the music industry at this specialized career fair. Students will have the opportunity to explore internships and full-time roles while connecting with representatives from record labels, talent agencies, streaming platforms, and more. This event is ideal for those interested in entering the global music marketplace.

Register Now!

Clarkia Flower Festival Volunteer Opportunity

Saturday, May 16

Volunteer at the UCLA Botanical Garden’s Clarkia Flower Festival and help bring this community-focused event to life. Opportunities include greeting guests, assisting with arts and crafts, and supporting event breakdown. The festival celebrates nature, sustainability, and community engagement, offering activities for all ages. Your participation will help create a meaningful and memorable experience for attendees.

More Information HERE

Maker Showcase

Tuesday, May 19 • 5:00PM–8:00PM

Covel Grand Horizon

Experience a dynamic evening of creativity featuring a fashion show, science fair, interactive workshops, and a makerspace build. This event highlights innovation across disciplines and offers a space to explore and engage with student creativity. Whether you are presenting or attending, it is a great opportunity to connect with makers across campus.

Learn More!

Service Impact Summit

Wednesday, May 20 • 3:00PM–8:00PM

Carnesale Commons, Palisades Room

Celebrate student-led service and community impact at UCLA’s annual Service Impact Summit. This year’s theme, “Bigger than Oneself – Small Efforts, Big Impact,” highlights how small actions can create lasting change. The event includes project showcases, research presentations, and workshops focused on leadership and collaboration. Join peers committed to making a difference.

Event Website

TEDxUCLA 2026: Renaissance & Revival

Tuesday, May 26 • 6:00PM–9:00PM

UCLA Northwest Auditorium

Join TEDxUCLA for an evening centered on innovation, renewal, and the future. This year’s theme, “Renaissance & Revival,” reflects on transformation and the power of ideas in shaping what comes next. Hear from inspiring speakers and be part of conversations that explore creativity, resilience, and progress.

Register Now!

Lela Swift: Television Director

Sunday, May 31 • 12:25PM

Billy Wilder Theater

Attend this special screening and discussion honoring pioneering television director Lela Swift as part of the UCLA Festival of Preservation. The program includes rare screenings of restored works and an introduction by a UCLA Film & Television Archive expert. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore television history and its evolution through Swift’s work. Admission is free and seating is first come, first served.

More Information HERE

 F-1 Visa Updates

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 2026? 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). Students with spring 2026 degree completion date can now request an OPT I-20 from the Dashew Center and follow the OPT Application Filing Instructions to submit your complete OPT application to USCIS. For more information, please review the OPT Online Workshop, 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 workshop 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

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 a travel signature on your DS-2019 form prior to returning to the U.S. if you don’t already have one. To request a 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.

Employment Authorization

Maintaining your J-1 status at UCLA requires written approval from the Dashew Center before starting any employment, including on-campus jobs or off-campus training. Whether you are a student seeking Academic Training or a scholar invited for an off-campus consultation, you must submit your request via the MyBruin International Portal to ensure federal compliance. Engaging in unauthorized work can lead to the termination of your SEVIS record, so please plan ahead. 

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. Please visit the Immigration Updates page for current information. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Dashew Center.

Important Resources for International Bruins

UCLA CAPS CORE

Learn More

Compassionate Response (CORE) Team

CORE is a team of licensed mental health specialists who provide compassionate interventions, support, and resources to UCLA students experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

CORE delivers crisis resolution and mental health relief to students on campus. Services include telehealth and on-site evaluation, stabilization, de-escalation, follow-up, and coordination of other health care supports.

Case Management Services

(UCLA Student Affairs)

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.

MyBruin International Portal

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