Dashew Center's Monthly Newsletter - July 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

July 2025 Updates


Newsletter Break: We will be taking a break from our "Weekly Wrap" until August 2025.


4th of July Holiday: The Dashew Center will be closed. Please plan accordingly.


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

(Dashew Center website)


July, 1st, 2025: iSTART Orientation is live for fall 2025 (iSTART Page)

Dashew Center's Events & On-going Support

Summer Language Exchange

Apply by July 14th



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.

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). 


International Students Voices 2025

Participate today



Submit the interest form and participate in the video on: International Student Experiences with the International Institute. Filming will cover a few questions about your experiences at UCLA. You will receive a small gift for your participation! Learn more here.

UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities

A New Era of Student Health at UCLA

Learn More


Things are about to get Epic—literally!

Starting July 8, 2025, UCLA Student Health and Counseling Services (The Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center + Counseling & Psychological Services) will transition to Epic, the electronic medical record (EMR) system used by top hospitals like UCLA Health.


This is a major leap forward to support your health and wellbeing!

Twilight In The Garden (By UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden)

July 17, August 21 and September 18 RSVP


Bruins, chill with your friends and see the Garden at sunset! Enjoy live music and wine bar at the first Twilight in the Garden, starting on July 17. 

Mastering LinkedIn: Building Your Personal Brand and Unlocking Networking Opportunities



Thu 7/17 • 6PM PDT

Zoom


Join in for an engaging workshop on personal branding and networking on LinkedIn, where you'll learn how to craft a compelling profile, enhance your online presence, and build meaningful professional connections.

UCLA Basic Needs at Strathmore


Take the Survey


If you have ever visited the Basic Needs office at one of our mobile markets, please help us and our partner Student LunchBox by filling out this brief survey! Your help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and see you all on July 16th for our next mobile market.

UCLA RISE Center Summer Hours


RISE Center Website


RISE is open all summer long!

Come by Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM (*Fridays close at 4PM) to rest, relax, and recharge. Drop-in hours with our Wellbeing Coordinators are also available every weekday from 1–3PM. Located in Lu Valle Commons.

UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden


Job Post & More Information


Bruins, are you still searching for a summer job? Look no further!

UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden is currently hiring two student workers to help with events and marketing (including social media!) at the Garden this summer. Send your resume and any questions about this position to ansemart@ucla.edu! 


UCLA Graduate Writing Center

Virtual Workshops


Graduate Students are invited to join the upcoming events hosted by the Graduate Writing Center during the summer on a variety of topics! From Mindful Writing Retreats to Self-Editing Strategies for Non-Native Speakers of English and more. RSVP for specific sessions today.

UCLA Recreation Facility Access


Sign Up Today


Students who are not enrolled in summer sessions are able to use UCLA Recreation facilities with a Student Summer Recreation Membership.

Register now!

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 summer 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.




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.