Dashew Center's Monthly Newsletter - July 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

July 2026 Updates

Dashew Center Closure Days:

Friday, July 3, 2026: CLOSED in observance of 4th of July Holiday.

Immigration Updates Page: Find recent immigration here

Dashew Center's Events & On-going Support

World Cup Watch Parties

June 24 - July 19

Hammer Museum

Watch the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup live at the Hammer—on big screens, with friends and fellow fanatics, in an indoor/outdoor setting where art and sport come together. Between matches, explore our free exhibitions, shop the store, or grab a bite at our restaurant. Drinks available for select matches. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Summer 2026

Language Exchange Program

Applications are Open (Now - July 13)

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!

Summer 2026

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.

Dashew x Wescom Financial

Testimonials Interest Form

(Now - June)

UCLA Bruins who bank with Wescom, we want to hear from you! Share your experience for a chance to score a $125 UCLA Store gift card. Spots are limited, 3 Bruins will be selected to win! Sign up today via link below:

FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinals Watch Party

Wednesday, July 15 • 11:30AM - 2PM

Ackerman Student Union, Level A TV Lounge



Join the Dashew Center, ASUCLA, and the UCLA Computational Medicine Department to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinals with fellow Bruins! The match kicks off at 12 PM, with doors opening at 11:30 AM. The first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary light lunch, and there will be free giveaways and raffle prizes throughout the event. Registration is recommended but not required. We hope to see you there!

UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities

12twenty Kickoff Session

Wednesday, July 1 • 12:20 PM

Virtual

Join the UCLA Career Center for the official launch of 12twenty, the university's new career platform. Learn how to set up your account, explore its career tools and resources, and get your questions answered before using it throughout the year.

True Bruin Ambassadors Applications

Application Deadline: Friday, July 3



Become a True Bruin Ambassador and help welcome incoming Bruins during Fall 2026 Move-In. Volunteers receive early move-in, meals, leadership experience, and the opportunity to build community while supporting new students during one of UCLA's biggest traditions. Applications are open to returning students living on the Hill or in University Apartments North.

SWC Executive Board Applications are open!

Application Deadline: Friday, July 3 • 11:59 PM



The Student Wellness Commission (SWC) is now accepting applications for its 2026–27 Executive Board. If you're passionate about student wellness, peer advocacy, and creating campus-wide initiatives, this is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills while making a positive impact at UCLA. Transfer students are encouraged to apply.

GPSA Book Talk: Empire of Light

Tuesday, July 7 • 6:00 PM

Zoom



Join the Graduate and Professional Student Association for a virtual discussion with UCLA alumnus Dr. R. Grant Steen about his new book Empire of Light. Discover how decades of American films reveal the nation's evolving values and culture through the lens of data science, followed by a live Q&A with the author.

Under the Gavel: The U.S. Supreme Court's

 Most Recent Term in Review

Tuesday, July 7 • 7:30 PM

Hammer Museum

Hear leading UCLA legal scholars discuss the Supreme Court's most significant rulings from its latest term. Topics include executive power, voting rights, birthright citizenship, gun laws, campaign finance, and other landmark decisions shaping the future of American law and public policy.

Real Talk for New Grads Summer Series

Thursday, July 9

Zoom



Whether you're job searching, considering graduate school, or exploring your next steps, this virtual summer series offers practical career advice, professional insights, and supportive conversations with career experts and fellow Bruins. Register for one session or attend the full series.

Family Flicks: The Secret World of Arrietty

Sunday, July 12 • 11:00 AM

Hammer Museum

Bring the whole family to a free screening of Studio Ghibli's The Secret World of Arrietty. Recommended for ages 5 and up, this beautifully animated film tells the story of a tiny girl whose unexpected friendship with a young boy leads to a heartwarming adventure about courage, trust, and belonging.

Beyond the Algorithm:

How to Get Noticed When Everyone Is Using AI

Wednesday, July 15 • 6:00 PM

Zoom


Learn how to use AI strategically throughout your job search while standing out from the crowd. This workshop covers how employers use AI in hiring, ways to strengthen your applications and LinkedIn profile, and practical strategies to highlight your authentic professional voice.

Annual TA & Postdoc Teaching Conference: Flash Talk Proposals

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, July 29



The Teaching and Learning Center is accepting Flash Talk proposals for the 2026 Annual TA & Postdoc Teaching Conference. Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from all disciplines are invited to share innovative teaching strategies, instructional approaches, or lesson ideas that have been successful in their classrooms. Submit your proposal by July 29 and contribute to a collaborative conversation on teaching excellence.

Read the full request for proposals and submit your Flash Talk proposal.

Henry J. Bruman Summer Chamber Music Festival: 2x3:

From Duo to Sextet

Thursday, July 30 • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lani Hall & YouTube Livestream



Enjoy a free lunchtime concert as part of UCLA's annual Henry J. Bruman Summer Chamber Music Festival. Featuring acclaimed chamber musicians, this performance is open to both in-person audiences and viewers joining online via livestream.

826LA@Hammer: How to Write a Movie!

Thursday, July 30 • 6:00 PM

Hammer Museum, Bay Nimoy Studio



Ever wondered how movies get written? In this interactive workshop, participants will create original characters, write a short screenplay scene, and watch professional actors bring their stories to life. It's a fun introduction to the basics of screenwriting for aspiring storytellers.

Graduate & Professional Student Financial Wellness Coaching

June 29 – September 18

Virtual | By Appointment

Graduate and professional students can schedule free one-on-one virtual coaching appointments with UCLA Financial Wellness. Meet with graduate consultants for personalized guidance on budgeting, credit, student loans, investing, retirement planning, and other financial topics to help you build confidence in your financial future.

Stick Shift Driving Lessons

By Appointment



Planning to conduct research abroad or travel to remote locations? UCLA Environment, Health & Safety is offering free stick shift driving lessons through Primo Driving School. Students, researchers, and staff can request personalized training by emailing the Field Safety team with a brief description of their needs.

 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 summer 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 summer 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

Career Center Transition to 12twenty

Starting July 1, the UCLA Career Center will officially transition from Handshake to 12twenty. Students will use the new platform to access Career Center services, appointments, job opportunities, and events. Graduate Career Services (GCS), the Graduate Writing Center (GWC), and the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC) will also use 12twenty for appointments and services.

Career Center Announcement HERE

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).