Spring 2021 | Week 6 | Weekly updates for International Students @ UC San Diego
Announcement
Support for Our Students from India
Our thoughts go out to our students and their families in India as they respond to the health crisis in the country. We realize that this may be weighing heavily on your minds, whether you are here in the U.S. or currently in India, and that you may need support during this difficult time. 

The following campus resources are here to help: 
  
News
Presidential Proclamation Adds India to COVID Geographic Travel Restrictions
On April 30, 2021, President Biden issued a Proclamation suspending entry of nonimmigrant persons to the U.S. who were physically present in India within the fourteen-day period immediately prior to applying for admission to the U.S., effective Tuesday, May 4th. National Interest Exceptions to this proclamation exist similar to those for the other COVID geographic travel restriction proclamations; however, due to COVID conditions in-country, U.S. consulate services have been sharply curtailed, and those persons needing to apply for a visa stamp may encounter significant delays. This proclamation does not apply to immigrants. 
Uniform Global National Interest Exceptions to COVID Geographic Travel Restrictions
On April 30, 2021, The U.S. Department of State issued a press release regarding "Uniform Global National Interest Exceptions to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions." The same potential exceptions applied to travelers from other COVID restricted geographic areas may also apply to persons present in India; these include automatic exceptions for F-1 students whose programs begin on or after August 1, and potential exceptions for J-1 Exchange Visitors, who must contact their local consulate to apply for the exception. Persons in H-1B status may qualify based on humanitarian, public health response, or critical infrastructure needs. 
Nonimmigrant Visa Processing Ceasing in Russia
Effective May 12, 2021, the U.S. Mission in Russia will reduce consular services offered in Russia, including ceasing all nonimmigrant visa processing. Learn more here. Nonimmigrant persons traveling to Russia who will need to renew their visa stamp will need to consider what third country U.S. consulate may have visa appointments available to them.  
Changing Degree Levels Reminder
If you have been accepted into a higher degree level at UC San Diego, you will need to update your I-20/DS-2019 to maintain your visa status. You must apply for a Change of Program Level I-20/DS-2019 no later than 10 days before the end of your grace period. 

Reminder: Fall Enrollment Starts (Full-Time Enrollment)
International students in the U.S. are required to enroll full-time (12 units) each academic quarter at UC San Diego to maintain their student status. Ensure that you are enrolled in 12 units by the end of the Add/Drop Deadline, October 8, 2021 as listed on the Academic and Enrollment Calendar 

  • Thinking of taking less than 12 units? Students in the U.S. who are unable to maintain 12 units of enrollment due to medical reasons, academic reasons, or if they are in their final quarter should apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) in the iPortal prior to dropping below 12 units. Contact an ISPO Advisor to learn more if you are thinking about applying for a Reduced Course Load.    

Note: Students who are taking less than 12 units this fall quarter may be eligible for tuition reductions. To see if you qualify, submit your request for Part-Time Status (Undergraduate Students) & Half-Time Status (Graduate Students) also by October 8, 2021.
Do You Need an I-20 or DS-2019 for Fall 2021?
If you have never entered the U.S. with a UC San Diego I-20 or DS-2019 before but plan to this fall, remember that your I-20/DS-2019 start date needs to reflect UC San Diego's fall quarter start date*! 
 
  • If you are a Fall 2021 admit and have never requested or received a UC San Diego I-20/DS-2019 before: 
  • Request a NEW (Initial) I-20/DS-2019 
  • If you are a Fall 2020, Winter 2021 or Spring 2021 admit and have requested or received a UC San Diego I-20/DS-2019 before, but you need to have your start date adjusted for entry into the U.S. for Fall 2021: 
  • Request an AMENDMENT I-20/DS-2019 
  • If you are returning to UC San Diego from a leave of absence of less than 5 months: 
  • Request an I-20 Reactivation (F-1) or Initial DS-2019 (J-1) 
  • If you are returning to UC San Diego from a leave of absence of more than 5 months: 
  • Request a NEW (Initial) I-20 (F-1) or Initial DS-2019 (J-1)  
 
*If you are enrolling in in-person Summer Session classes or are part of a required early start summer program, your start date may be earlier. Refer to the iPortal application and answer the questions according to your need for an early-start I-20/DS-2019. 
Celebrating Graduating International Tritons!
We want to celebrate our graduating international Tritons!

We know that graduation this year might look a little different than you envisioned. In order to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, check out the opportunities below:

Be featured on our International Graduates Virtual Recognition Website

ISPO is asking graduating international students to submit a graduation recognition profile to be featured on this site. This is an opportunity for you to not only reflect on your time at UC San Diego, but also to share this amazing milestone with friends, families and loved ones around the world! 

Sign up for a Graduation Package (Cap, Gown, & Tassel) - Undergraduate Students

In partnership with Associated Students (A.S.), ISPO is providing FREE graduation packages for undergraduate international students (which includes a cap, gown, and 2021 tassel). But hurry! Students need to sign up by Tuesday, May 12th in order to receive their graduation package - so sign up now!

Job Opportunities
ISPO is Hiring!
See Job Posting for Deadline

ISPO is hiring for four student positions for the 2021-22 academic year! We are hiring for a Marketing & Communication/Social Media Student Assistant (Job #4668723), a Video Production Student Assistant (Job#4668650), an ISPO Graduate Student Affairs Intern (Job #4727576) and an International Peer Coach Graduate Assistant (Job #4704280) 

Undergraduate and Graduate Mentors Needed! Apply Today!
Grad Pals Program

Grad Pals matches incoming graduate students with current graduate students at UC San Diego – most commonly within their same department. This program aims to help new students settle in by giving them the opportunity to ask non-academic related questions, provide them with support during the first few weeks, and ease their transition into graduate life at UC San Diego.


Global Ambassadors Program (GAP)
Deadline to Apply is Friday, June 4

The Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) is a peer mentoring program designed to assist incoming undergraduate international and out-of-state students in acclimating to a new environment and making a smooth transition into university life. Grad Pals matches incoming graduate students with current graduate students at UC San Diego – most commonly within their same department.

Stay Connected with Fellow Tritons | iPrograms and iEvents
Sign up for these programs happening now!
Stay connected with ISPO and other Tritons by taking a look at our events calendar below.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and CAPS has an array of workshops available to all students. Visit https://caps.ucsd.edu/programs/may.html for more information.  

CAPS also offers support services specifically for enrolled UC San Diego international students, including "Let's Talk", a virtual drop-in consultation service (next available on May 10) as well as access to My Student Support Program (My SSP), a 24-hour support service app available for students residing outside the U.S. 
ISPO Chats
Friday, May 7 | 8 AM

Think of ISPO Chats as your monthly office hour with the ISPO Leadership team. ISPO deeply values the student voice and we want to hear from you. What is affecting you as an international student at UC San Diego? What would you like to learn more about? Do you have questions about policy updates, current events, etc.? ISPO Chats is an informal time for you to share about your experience as an international student at UC San Diego as well as questions to ISPO staff. We hope that by hosting these monthly office hours, we can hear your concerns, advocate on your behalf and invest in our international student community.

iCafé- Your Passport to Culture: Hong Kong
Friday, May 7 | 12 - 1 PM

This Friday we explore Hong Kong! Cultural Ambassadors share their experiences of Hong Kong. Whet your appetite with the Cook Club presentation and explore sports in the Global Playground segment. Win a prize playing Travel Trivia!

iCafe is free of charge and open to everyone! Additionally, students receive CCR credit for attending!

If you want to be a Cultural Ambassador or share a recipe, email Debi at dgianni@ucsd.edu.


Triton Trekkers: Nature Photography Hike
Sunday, May 9, 2021 | 5:30- 7:30 PM

Join this group adventure during the golden hour and bring your camera (or your phone)! Explore the nature on campus and try your hand at taking compelling photos in our own backyard. Triton Trekkers is a collaboration between ISPO and Outback Adventures at UCSD.  

Let's Talk
Monday, May 10 | 3:30-4:30 PM

The UC San Diego Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is pleased to offer “Let’s Talk”, a program designed to provide drop-in consultation services to undergraduate and graduate international students. The one-on-one meetings with Dr. Rina Schul (CAPS/ISPO Liaison) are for international students who are seeking informal support with issues such as stress, adjustment, cross-cultural challenges, motivation, focus, and relationships. Let’s Talk sessions are designed to provide practical strategies, information, and support.

Intercultural Social Hour
Tuesday, May 11 | 8 PM

Sometimes you just need a break. At Intercultural Social Hour, you can hang out, relax, and play games while meeting new people in a fun environment. Now that we have taken Intercultural Social Hour online, join from wherever you are and let's play across time-zones! Intercultural Social Hour is hosted by our International Peer Coaches. 

Dining During Ramadan
For students who observe Ramadan, Housing, Dining and Hospitality (HDH) has provided on-campus dining options that are open before and after fasting hours. Additionally, all HDH market locations will feature Halal items. As a reminder, students can also use the Triton2Go mobile ordering app to order food in advance.

For any questions, please contact HDH at diningengagement@ucsd.edu.


Ramadan Mubarak!
Beware of Scams!
International students are a common target of financial scams. During this pandemic where everything has gone digital, take extra precaution! If you receive unusual calls, emails, or texts asking to make payments or provide confidential information for tuition, housing, or immigration purposes, it could be a scam! DON'T PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION - Don’t be one of the victims!   
As we continue to shift our services to accommodate the needs of our students, this schedule may fluctuate and is subject to change. ISPO's most current advising hours can be found at iContact.ucsd.edu.
Virtual Zoom Advising 
ISPO has expanded virtual advising hours to accommodate different time zones. See the exact advising times/hours on our website.
Online Contact Form
Send ISPO an email through our Online Contact Form. These inquiries are directed to specific advisors depending on nature of the request.
WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?
You have been identified as an F-1 or J-1 International Student. To ensure you receive important regulatory information to maintain your immigration status while studying at UC San Diego, you have been automatically added to this newsletter to receive updates. You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by clicking 'Unsubscribe...." at the bottom of this email block. If you are NOT in F1 or J1 status and believe you have been subscribed in error, please email iStudents@ucsd.edu.