April 2026 SISS Newsletter | |
A Message from Samantha Lu, SISS Director
Dear International Students, Scholars and the Aggie Community:
I’m thrilled to join UC Davis as the Director of Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS). I’m excited to bring my 25+ years of experience to this role and to be part of the Aggie community. Like many of you, I recently relocated. My journey brought me across the country from New York, arriving in the middle of winter quarter to this beautiful, floral-covered, tree-lined campus. I find myself feeling like a new student again as I settle into campus life.
Having studied abroad in Italy during my college years, and more recently having the honor of receiving a Fulbright–Nehru International Education Administrators Award to participate in a program in India, I deeply value the experiences and perspectives that international education fosters.
I am eager to learn from you about the community, local landmarks, and the cultural spaces and food that make Davis unique. Most importantly, I look forward to working alongside the team in SISS and our campus partners to strengthen how we support our international students and scholars. I welcome your suggestions and feedback. Please feel free to email me, or if you see me on campus, please say hello.
Thank you for your warm welcome and support.
With gratitude,
Samantha Lu
| |
Scam Alert: Be Aware of This Common Phone Scam
In more than a dozen states, including California, reports have been filed regarding calls from people claiming to be court officials or law enforcement officers.
Do not provide any information related to your bank or credit card to anyone claiming to be an officer of the court or law enforcement. Although court personnel may contact you by telephone, they will never ask for your personal or credit card information.
If you receive communication from someone requesting your personal information, hang up immediately and contact UC Davis Police or your local police department to report the incident.
Learn more about scam prevention
| |
Travel Advisory for the Middle East North Africa (MENA) Region
In light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including broader regional tensions, on March 3, the University of California (UC) issued an advisory on travel within the region. In the announcement, UC said, "With the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff as our highest priority, we are advising all members of the UC community to discontinue travel to the MENA region until further notice."
Read the UC's travel guidance
| |
WarnMe and Aggie Alert Campus Messages
UC Davis sends WarnMe and Aggie Alert messages by text, email and the Everbridge Mobile App to provide faculty, staff and students with timely information during emergencies and other urgent situations.
Learn more and ensure your contact information is up to date
| | Helpful Links to Bookmark | |
New Support Group for International Students
Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure in a new environment is completely normal, especially when adjusting across cultures. College brings excitement and challenge, and many international students experience unique academic, cultural, social, and emotional stressors.
The International Student Support Group offers a confidential, welcoming space for connection. Through guided discussion and peer support, students can share experiences, reduce isolation, and build belonging at their own pace. Meetings are held every other Wednesday through June 10.
April 1, 1–2 p.m.
Location: International Center, Room 3119
April 15, 1–2 p.m.
Location: International Center, Room 3130
April 29, 1–2 p.m.
Location: International Center, Room 3119
Find upcoming meetings on the SISS Events Calendar
| |
Scholar Coffee Break
We invite international scholars (visiting faculty and researchers) to connect at the monthly SISS Scholar Coffee Break. Whether you are new to campus or have been here for several months, international scholars are invited to join this welcoming and virtual space.
April 2, 9–10 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Register for the Scholar Coffee Break
| |
Knowledge Exchange Webinar: Startups Founders and U.S. Immigration Strategy
Free Knowledge Exchange webinar from UC Davis Venture Catalyst: Startup Founders and U.S. Immigration Strategy, featuring immigration attorney Nathan Grow. This session is designed for foreign national students, researchers, and employees exploring how to launch or join a startup while navigating complex U.S. immigration rules.
April 2, 12–1 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register for the Knowledge Exchange webinar
| |
Cross Cultural Communication Workshop Series
Students will participate in weekly online workshops, discussion activities, guest speakers, and case studies in global communication and education. Students will be able to practice cross-cultural communication to solve local challenges and appreciate different perspectives. This workshop is open to current and graduating undergraduate students.
April 7, 4–5:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register for the Cross Cultural Workshop Series
| |
SDG Symposium
The inaugural SDG Symposium aims to increase awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to develop attendees' capacity to pursue actionable change in their current and future work.
April 30, 11–3 p.m.
Location: International Center
Register for the SDG Symposium
| |
Coming Soon
SISS and Graduate Studies will co-host webinars on upcoming changes affecting the filing fee for international students. Dates and times are coming soon and will be posted on our online events calendar.
Find SISS events
| | | Opportunities and Announcements | |
UC Davis Health Equity Fund
The UC Davis Health Equity Fund is available to help reimburse students who have experienced significant out-of-pocket expenses related to accessing physical or mental healthcare or who have a significant privacy concern as a dependent (e.g., sexual health services).
Additionally, a supplemental fund, the Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund, was established to help cover ambulance costs, ensuring that financial concerns do not stand in the way of students' urgent medical care.
Learn more about the Health Equity Fund
| |
UC Davis Global Grad & Postdoc Career Skills Series and Certificate
This series is open to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Participants may register for workshops focused on skill development in workplace inclusivity or intercultural teaching and learning to support success in intercultural and international work environments. Workshops may be combined toward a certificate from Global Affairs.
Learn more and sign up for this series
| | Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe today. | | siss.ucdavis.edu | 530.752.0864 | siss@ucdavis.edu | | | | |
