Dashew Center's Monthly Newsletter - December 2025 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

December 2025 Updates

Immigration Updates Page: Find recent UCLA communication and immigration related information.

(Dashew Center website)

Dashew Center Resources: See the Resource Guide designed to help you navigate UCLA!

Office Closure and UCLA Campus Winter Break: The Dashew Center will be CLOSED on the following dates. Please plan accordingly. (December 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026)

Dashew Center's Events & On-going Support

Winter 2026 Language Exchange Program

Applications due Jan 12, 2026

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!

Global Siblings Program Application

Apply by January 5, 2026

Join the Global Siblings program!

Build Community - Share Culture - Explore Together

Are you looking to create connections across cultures? Would you like to explore the UCLA campus and local area with globally-minded friends? Apply to the Global Siblings program for the 2026 academic year!

Weekly CPT & OPT Webinars

Wednesdays - 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). 

Annual Bru-International Celebration Game

December 16, 2025 • 7:00PM PDT

Pauley Pavilion, North Entrance



Celebrate with us as we recognize all cultures, including many international student organizations, performances, history facts, giveaways, and more!•

All UGLA students get in FREE with their Bruin Card! All students must enter the North West entrance of Pauley for free entry.

Gates open at 6PM at Pauley Pavilion!

Be Aware Of Scams!

Scams and Safety Page

Many international students and scholars studying in the U.S. have recently been victims of multi-phase scams. Learn how to identify and protect yourself from scams and fraud!

Healthcare at UCLA Guide

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.

UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities

Digital Detox

Fri 12/3 • 4PM - 7:30PM

John Wooden Center



Disconnect from technology and join us at the John Wooden Center for a Digital Detox! Play dodgeball, Dance at the Dance Party, DIY Keychains, Participate in giveaways and much more!

Reflect with RISE: Year Ends + Hope for 2026

Thu 12/4 • 11AM - 11:30AM

RISE Center at Lu Valle Commons Basement Level



Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reset with this beginner-friendly meditation session. Students will have the chance to reflect on the end of the year, cultivate hope for the year ahead, and practice mindfulness together. This gathering offers a gentle space for grounding and connection in community.

Botany of the Holidays

Thu 12/4 • 12PM - 1PM

La Kretz Garden Pavilion



Celebrate the season with the Garden’s annual holiday program exploring the botanical histories behind global winter traditions. Learn how cultures around the world use plants in rituals, foods, decorations, and ceremonies during the holidays. This event is free, open to all, and requires no RSVP. Arrive with curiosity and holiday spirit.

Bruin Love Station

Thu 12/4 • 12PM - 3PM

Intramural Field Southeast Gates



The Bruin Love Station offers free safer-sex supplies, Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and opportunities to speak with trained peers and professional staff. Students can stop by to pick up supplies, learn more about harm reduction, and engage in conversations about safety and wellbeing. All are welcome to drop in anytime during the event.

December Birthday Party

Thu 12/4 • 7PM - 9PM

De Neve Plaza Room B

Come celebrate December birthdays with cake, music, and good vibes. This monthly event brings together residents to recognize everyone born this month, whether it's your birthday or you just want to join the fun. Meet new people, build community, and help make each celebration feel special.

Winter Movie Night: The Polar Express

Thu 12/4 • 6PM - 8PM

Rieber BCC



Take a cozy break from finals season at this winter-themed movie night featuring The Polar Express! Enjoy a relaxing evening with a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, pizza, and surprises under the winter tree. Bring your comfiest blankets and pajamas to settle in and unwind before the end-of-quarter rush. If you’ve been craving a warm, nostalgic space to slow down, this is the perfect midweek reset.

Career Center Week 10 Events

Level Up With Enterprise: Finding an Internship and Standing Out as a Leader: Thu 12/4 • 12PM - 1PM: Virtual

Learn how to make your internship applications stand out and strengthen your leadership skills in this virtual workshop hosted by Enterprise.

Pre-Health Drop-Ins: Fri 12/5 • 12PM - 1PM: Virtual

Have questions about pre-health pathways, prerequisites, or planning future applications? Drop in virtually for one-on-one guidance from Career Center advisors. This is a quick and easy way to get personalized support with no appointment needed.

Eyes on Ukraine

Fri 12/5 • 7:30PM

Billy Wilder Theater



In recognition of AIDS Awareness Month, this world-premiere documentary explores the intersection of war and the HIV epidemic through the story of activist Yana Panfilova. The film highlights art, resilience, and community as forms of survival in times of crisis. The screening includes a historical presentation and a post-film panel featuring UCLA faculty and international contributors.

Movie Night Kit Giveaway Survey

Deadline: Fri 12/5 • 12PM

Share your feedback for a chance to win a cozy “Movie Night Kit”! All current UCLA students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, are eligible to participate. Simply fill out the survey before the deadline, and the winner will be contacted directly by email. This is a quick and easy way to support campus programs while entering to win a fun prize just in time for finals.

Wescom Foundation Holiday Donation Drive

Mon 12/1 • 7AM – Fri 12/5 • 4PM

Drop-off: ASUCLA Student Union Info Window (Ackerman A-Level) & Wescom Branch (Ackerman Level 1)



Give back this holiday season by donating essential items to support Bruins in need. The Wescom Foundation is collecting food, clothing, toiletries, baby supplies, and other basic necessities, with all contributions returning directly to the UCLA community. Donations are accepted all week at designated drop-off locations. On Friday, December 5 from 12–4 PM, Wescom will host an in-person collection event at the Wescom Student Terrace, where donors will receive ASUCLA meal vouchers and Wescom swag as a thank-you.

Holiday Community Care Celebration (Bruin Parenting Scholars)

Sat 12/6 • 5PM - 8PM

Straus Clubhouse Banquet Room



Join Bruin Parenting Scholars and campus partners for an evening honoring student caregivers and their intersecting identities. This celebration centers inclusion, community care, and belonging at UCLA. Attendees will enjoy dinner, gifts, basic needs supplies, and a warm space to reflect and connect. All are welcome to attend with RSVP.

December Guided Garden Tour

Sat 12/6 • 10AM - 11AM

UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden



Explore plants from around the world in this free guided tour led by Garden staff. Visitors will learn about the cultural and scientific significance of selected plants while taking in the beauty of the living collection. All ages are welcome, and tours meet at the La Kretz Garden Pavilion with a brief grace period at the start.

Finals Week Grab and Go

Mon 12/8 • 12PM – Wed 12/10 • 2PM

Bruin Resource Center



Stop by the BRC for snacks and drinks to help you power through finals. Hosted by BUS, USP, and CRP, this grab-and-go station supports students heading to exams, recovering from late-night studying, or simply needing a quick boost. All offerings are free, and the space is open for students to pause and recharge.

Winter Holiday Food Distribution

Tue 12/9 • 11AM – 7PM

Student Activities Center



Applications for the CPO’s Winter Holiday Food Distribution are officially open! Now entering its 10th year, this program is here to support Bruins and their families through the winter break.

Apply now through on our website at cpo.ucla.edu/winterbox.

All UCLA students and community members are welcome to apply.

Pajama Jammy Jam

Sat 12/13 • 4PM - 7PM

Location available upon RSVP

Celebrate the holidays in your coziest pajamas with brunch, games, and family-friendly fun. Hosted in partnership with Residential Life, Students with Dependents, and Bruin Underground Scholars, this event brings together Bruins of all ages for a warm and festive afternoon. RSVP is required to receive the event location.

Bruin Network Program

Apply by Friday 12/19

See the Interest Form

Are you interested in building your networking skills? Join us for our Networking Program, a 5-session series designed to help you expand your network and feel more confident once you are on the job market. The program will run throughout Winter quarter.

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.

 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 winter 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 winter 2026 degree completion date can request an OPT I-20 from the Dashew Center starting 12/22/2025 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 Winter break?

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 Winter Break?

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.

Important Resources for International Bruins

Wescom Financial X 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.

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.