April 09, 2021
Sunapsis, known as iGlobal at UC Santa Cruz, is a database and portal managed by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) that collects and organizes information for international students, scholars, and employees.
iGlobal replaces the old database, ISSM. In order to remain compliant with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the government database that tracks individuals in F-1 and J-1 visa status, we must have in place an intermediate database that receives information from AIS, the campus’ registrar information system, and sends it to SEVIS.
iGlobal offers much more robust functionality that improves the student experience by enabling requests to be made within the database workflow. For example, rather than having a student print out a form as they did in ISSM, documents can be routed online through electronic forms (e-forms) to advisors that need to approve certain requests.
“Communication via the iGlobal database, between ISSS advisors and international, students, scholars and faculty streamlines the reporting and compliance requirements process,” said Frank Calabrese, ISSS Director. “International students and scholars have to adhere to strict guidelines. Simple and clear communication and automated processes enhance our ability to provide support and improve services for everyone.”
ISSS began using iGlobal last spring, enabling international students to request and receive their immigration documents electronically. Over the next few months, ISSS plans to release a suite of e-forms through iGlobal to allow students to request employment authorization, program extensions, and social security numbers, among other important actions.
For more information about iGlobal and to explore the portal, visit the iGlobal webpage.