Our office wants to make sure that your educational journey in the U.S. is safe and healthy, allowing you the space to learn and grow. That's why we're focusing on some important safety reminders for international students this week. As always, please reach out to our office if you have any questions or concerns.
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Tips for Recognizing Fraud and Scams |
International students and visitors can be targets of crimes because they are less familiar with the area. These incidents are random, but can often be avoided with some knowledge and awareness. A scam is when a person or persons try to get you to give your personal information and/or money under false pretenses (a lie). It can also be called fraud. The most common scams include someone claiming to be:
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A U.S. law enforcement or other U.S. agency (police, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, USCIS, etc.)
- The IRS (U.S. tax department)
- A company offering you a job or anyone you don't know that requests you purchase items (including gift cards) using your own money. Gift cards are used in scams because they don't require identification to be used.
- A person offering an apartment or housing
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Someone on social media you do not know (including WeChat, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Posing as the ISSS office or an ISSS staff member
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If you receive a questionable or concerning call or email, do not give out any personal information, get the caller’s name and contact details, then call or email ISSS immediately. We can assist students in identifying potential scams and responding to any legitimate communication from a U.S. government official.
Learn more about safety and scams on the ISSS website »
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Safety During Fire Season |
It is common in California for there to be wildfires in the fall (September – November) when the ground and plants are dry and before the rainy season begins. During this time, there may also be emergency power outages, where the power company shuts off power to prevent the spread of wildfires. Taking the following steps will help you be prepared for a wildfire-related power outage.
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Sign up for alerts: For those in Northern California, sign up with PG&E to get an alert notification for a planned power outage in your neighborhood. If you are a PG&E account holder (pay a bill to PG&E), log into your account to sign up for alerts. If you do not have a PG&E account, you can sign up for an alert based on your zip code. You can also check the status of power in your neighborhood and view the power outage map. Check out PG&E's resources in other languages »
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Prepare for a power outage: Power outages can last a few hours or a few days. Make sure you have one or more flashlights for a power outage. You will also want food that does not require refrigeration. One way to keep your fridge cold is to freeze ice packs or gallon-size plastic jugs of water. When your power goes out you can put these frozen items in your fridge to keep them cool. Extra batteries, or a solar power pack, are also good to have on hand. Read more about how to prepare for a power outage.
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Conserve power: It is important during this time to conserve energy. Learn about why the power company plans an outage and what you can do to help save energy and prevent the need for an outage.
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Review USF's Air Quality & Wildfire Policy: Campus Resilience monitors all area wildfires and wildfire smoke that may impact the Hilltop and all other campus locations. USF will use the Air Quality Index (AQI) used by the Environmental Protection Agency for reporting and forecasting. Learn more »
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USF encourages students to have an emergency plan and be prepared in case of a disaster. Being prepared can help you feel calmer during a power outage and if there is an incident where you may not be able to go out or perform your routine activities, a plan can help you navigate the emergency and stay safe.
Register for the Public Safety presentations »
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Machine Learning & Ethics: Chris Brooks |
Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 5–6 p.m. PDT
Online | Zoom
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This series will feature distinguished experts exploring the intersections of technology and spirituality, addressing critical topics such as machine learning ethics, the impact of AI on health and spirituality, human-robot interaction, neuroscience, and the integration of Buddhist perspectives with AI. Join us for insightful discussions and deepen your understanding of the ethical and spiritual dimensions of artificial intelligence.
Learn more »
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| 14th Annual Critical Diversity Studies Forum |
Thursday, Sept. 19 | 2:40–4:25 p.m.
McLaren Complex
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Join us for the 14th annual Critical Diversity Studies Forum: Called to Solidarity. In our current political moment, we understand that the call to solidarity is urgent and powerful. This year’s forum will highlight artists and storytellers to explore how we can answer the call to solidarity both locally and globally. The keynote will be delivered by Craig Santos Perez MFA ’06. Craig is an Indigenous CHamoru from the Pacific Island of Guåhan (Guam).
Learn more »
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International Student Retreat Welcome Picnic |
Saturday, Sept. 28 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Golden Gate Park
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Organized by the University Ministry, Graduate Student Senate, and ISSS, join other international students to build community, learn Jesuit values, make meaningful connections, and more! This event is free and open to all international students. For more information, please contact Poonam Kakodkar. Registration is required.
Register now »
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| Tuesday, Sept.17 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Lo Schiavo Science | Privett Plaza
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Shop for free produce from Star Route Farms and Capay Valley Farm Shop while sampling Alicia’s tamales and other local products. In partnership with Bon Appétit, Sustainability at USF, and ASUSF Senate please join us at the USF Market Day! You can also get a free ASUSF sustainability lunchbox, and enjoy music from a live DJ.
Learn more »
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Rebecca is a third-year student majoring in computer science and minoring in mathematics. Her favorite thing about ISSS is how many resources the department provides to help the students here.
- Axel is a 4+1 computer science student. His favorite thing about ISSS is how friendly and hardworking everyone is in the department.
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Mai is a graduate student in applied economics. Her favorite thing about ISSS is the weekly newsletter, as it packs in all the must-have info!
- Sammi is a fourth-year student majoring in chemistry and minoring in engineering. Her favorite thing about ISSS is how welcoming and helpful the ISSS staff is.
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If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal. You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.
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Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom of any corner on the ISSS webpage, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.
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Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.
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Our podcast focuses on mindfulness, diversity, and inclusion, featuring episodes that cover diverse topics. Subscribe for engaging narratives, consistent audio quality, and a cohesive visual identity, and join us in building a mindful and inclusive USF community.
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University of San Francisco | International Student and Scholar Services
2130 Fulton Street | San Francisco, CA 974117 US
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