Solid Research Requires a Solid Foundation

Do you have one experience in genealogy and are now looking to enhance your research skills? If so, this course is for you!

In just six week starting Tuesday, September 10th and running for 11 weeks until November 19th, Sara Scribner, CG, and her team of instructors will expand their student's ability to find and analyze intermediate record types such as:

• Local and federal land
• Military
• Immigration
• Naturalization, and 
• Find the underlying laws

Students will also learn how to conduct research using best practices and following genealogical standards.

Because this course is offered virtually, students can enhance their research skills from home around their busy schedule but still receive an in-depth, institute-intense course, while building on their existing knowledge and experience.

Homework will allow students to practice new skills and to work in original records. Understanding will be enhanced by a homework review session in the week that follows, instructor presence in a closed Facebook group the week following their class session, a homework key, and written class homework summary comments.

Sara provides more details about her course in a short video by going here. Don't miss out on giving yourself a solid genealogical foundation! Register today!

Did you know that Maryland ...

is one of two states, along with Delaware, which gave up some of its land to help form the nation's capital of Washington, D.C in 1790?

Located in the Mid-Atlantic, Maryland is a small state with great diversity. It has been said that it represents America in microcosm. From Western Maryland, which was Maryland’s last frontier, to the Eastern Shore, which is part of the Delmarva Peninsula and consists mostly of flat farmland, to the City of Baltimore, Maryland provides researchers with a wide array of resources to explore.

This course is designed to provide in-depth coverage of Maryland record groups, repositories, as well as social, economic, and historical context for researchers discovering their Maryland ancestors, from the founding as a proprietary colony to the present. The course will cover the Maryland State Archives as well as the collections of other libraries, repositories, and archives available for genealogical research in Maryland. Also covered will be vital records, land records, court records, tax lists, probate records, military records, church records, and online databases.

Additionally, there will be hands-on exercises offered to students to provide reinforcement of the material covered as well as the opportunity to apply what was learned during the course.

Don't miss an opportunity to explore Maryland in-depth! For more details and to register, go here.

SLIG Scholarship for First-Time Institute Attendees Winner

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is pleased to announce that Julie Johns Defrancesco was selected as the winner for the SLIG Scholarship for First-Time Institute Attendees for 2020.

The competition was strong and many candidates submitted worthy applications. The committee determined that Ms. Defrancesco's application effectively conveyed her desire for a more in-depth learning experience at an intermediate (or above) level.

Julie was born the fifth of five children in La Verne, California to a family with rich Italian, Swiss, French and Irish heritage. Three of her grandparents immigrated to this country between 1906-1929. The fourth grandparents’ line extends to this country’s earliest European settlers.

Her love for genealogical research began at the age of 17 on a trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City in 1978. From that time to this, Julie has taken advantage of every opportunity to learn about family history. Her desire to discover more about her family line has inspired a hunger to learn everything there is to know about genealogical research. She has attended local LDS conferences, interviewed family members, participated in BYU Home Study Courses in Genealogy, and attended countless conferences and online courses. She is an annual participant in RootsTech.

Her desire to learn more about her ancestry inspired Julie to make pilgrimages to Europe and the British Isles in search of more and better information and to become acquainted with the land, culture and the people that figure so prominently in her heritage.

Julie loves sharing her discoveries with her large family of 5 siblings, 22 nieces and nephews, 38 great nieces and nephews, and an ever growing list of newly discovered relatives! “It is so gratifying to see them soak up the information I share at reunions and family gatherings and ask questions about their ancestors.” Twenty-five years ago in an effort to better share her research and unite her extended family, Julie began a quarterly newsletter called “A Common Thread”.

Today, “A Common Thread” has become a well-received family ancestry blog to which she posts weekly. “I’ve learned so much and reconnected with family members, each of whom has added a few more strands to our family tapestry. I have such a love of family…those living, and those past. But, there is more to learn and more to discover.”

Julie has a strong desire to broaden her knowledge and skills, and by so doing extend her family line and help others to do so; rarely does a guest leave her home without discussing their family history, and in some instances receiving a brief tutorial to help them get started in their research!

Julie currently lives in the Gallatin Mountains near Bozeman, Montana with Steve, her husband of thirty-six years, their German Shepherd Lucia, and frequent guests. These guests include not only family and friends, but deer, elk, bear, moose and even mountain lions. The quiet, peaceful solitude of this alpine setting is ideal for long hours of computer research and reflection on generations past.

Congratulations to Julie and we look forward to seeing her in January!

UGA Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship Winner for 2020

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is pleased to announce Melody Daisson as the winner of the UGA Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship for 2020.

Named in honor of Jimmy B. Parker, whose legacy of service to the genealogical community covered more than 50 years, this scholarship is awarded to an individual who has "demonstrated commitment to genealogical excellence and community involvement."

The competition was strong and many candidates submitted worthy applications. The committee determined that Ms. Daisson's application exemplified the culture of giving back to the community as demonstrated by Jimmy B.Parker.

Melody Daisson is an Accredited Genealogist in the Southeast Region of the United States. Melody graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in family history and has 25 years of research experience She works as a professional genealogist at Family Locket. Melody is also on the online remote faculty at Brigham Young University Idaho and teaches FHGEN 112: Family History Research—Part 2: Analysis of Research Evidence. She wrote the Southern Research and African-American course modules for a U.S. Specialty Region Course at Brigham Young University-Idaho. Melody serves on the ICAPGen Study Group Committee as the curriculum designer and peer review lead for the Level 1 study group. Melody's genealogical passions are Southern Research and genealogical writing.

Congratulations to Melody and we look forward to her attendance in January 2020!

SLIG Intermediate Foundations Scholarship Winner for Fall 2019

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is pleased to announce that Carly Morgan of Murray, Utah was selected for the the SLIG Intermediate Foundations Scholarship for Fall 2019.

New this year, this scholarship reaches out to those who haven’t yet attended an institute that need to strengthen their research knowledge and skills at an intermediate level in order to prepare to attend future institutes.

The competition was strong and many candidates submitted worthy applications. The committee determined that Ms. Morgan's application exemplified the need to move her skills to an intermediate level.

Carly has engaged in genealogical research for the last ten years and writes about genealogy at Historicish.com. Her personal family research is focused on the Polish community in Chicago, the Chinese community in San Francisco, and her colonial roots in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. She is pursuing further education in genealogy to continue writing with a particular focus on family storytelling and digital genealogy.

Congratulations to Carly and we wish her success in the virtual Intermediate Foundations course!

John Doe & Richard Roe ... What it all means!

This course offers students an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the rich research resources of the law, including those generally available only at law libraries. This is critical when conducting research to ensure you understand the meaning of the records you are finding.

Students will work with legal records and sources, gaining a better grasp of legal history and its implications for research as well as the skills to find and apply the law to solve genealogical problems. 

Individual sessions will focus on specific legal disciplines (criminal, civil, probate and the like) and students will have the opportunity to visit and use the resources of a major university law library. The visit to the law library provides hands-on experience that puts lessons into practice.

This course has the following prerequisites:
Completion of a basic course in genealogy and law—Family History Law Library (SLIG) or Law School for Genealogists (GRIP)—is recommended.

For more details and to register, go here.

Who Needs Standards?

From the website of Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) in discussing the need for their book on standards: 

"Genealogy Standards begins with the simple fact that accuracy is fundamental to genealogical research. Without it, a family’s history would be fiction. That first edition of the manual presented the standards family historians use to obtain valid results, updated, clarified, consolidated, and expanded for the 21st century, and tied more directly to the Genealogical Proof Standard."

"This new 2019 second edition reflects the fact that the practice of genealogy is not static, but evolves as new developments and technologies emerge. Genealogy’s standards must keep pace also. Responding to this decade’s spate of advancements in the practice of genetic genealogy, BCG has modified four existing standards and added seven new standards to guide the use of DNA evidence in genealogical analysis. BCG also has updated the Genealogist’s Code to address the protection of individuals who provide DNA samples. New terms added to the glossary reflect the specialized language associated with DNA evidence."

This is a unique course for advanced practitioners. 

Most courses and lectures approach genealogy standards from the perspective of how to meet standards and how to produce work that meets standards. 

During this course—a supervised practical application of Genealogy Standards—the students will be the judges. 

This is a forum for discussion of each standard and for substantive genealogy questions. Each day the students will evaluate genealogical work samples of unknown quality to determine whether the samples meet, partially meet, or do not meet standards. 

From these exercises we hope that the students will gain insight into the mindset and the habits involved in consistently producing work that meets standards. We hope that the students will develop evaluation strategies to identify weaknesses in their writing and in the writing of others. 

This course will be a forum for discussions of each standard and for substantive genealogy questions.

Why are standards necessary? To produce reliable and accurate genealogical products ... not works of fiction.

To learn more about the course and to register, go here.

Why do I need to research like a professional?

Professional genealogists must meet their clients' expectations. To do so, they have to be able to effectively address their clients' research problems. 

Success in answering research questions follows directly from the research techniques professionals use. 

By developing strong research methods, professional genealogists can solve even the most complex research problems and satisfy their clients. These research methods can be learned and applied by all genealogists, increasing the rate of success in solving any research problem.

This course is taught by credentialed, successful full-time professional genealogists. They have different perspectives and different experiences, yet we all apply the same research standards and methods. Throughout the course, student will be taught the different means of efficient project management to achieve reliable results. The course is framed by the Genealogical Proof Standard but focuses on practical skills.

Throughout the course, students will also complete short homework assignments on a project of their choosing, applying new skills to maximize the potential for successfully solving your own research problem.

Michael provides unique insights into the course through the accompanying video in the description of his course. Go here to see that, the schedule, and to register.

Treasures in Federal Records

Do you recognize the building in this photo? It is the National Archives building located in Washington, DC. 

Michael Strauss is going to play the part of Nicholas Cage's character in National Treasure to lead his students through the wonders that Federal Records can provide.  

This course covers those who desire to learn about a wide of variety of records maintained, and in the custody of the National Archives of the United States. Record sets to be discussed will include:

• land
• military
• patents
• copyrights
• trademarks
• civilian government employment
• taxation
• naturalizations
• passenger arrivals
• criminal, and 
• government documents 

By gaining a firm understanding of a wide variety of different record groups (several which students may not have exposed to beforehand), each attendee will be able to apply the lectures presented in the course to get to know their ancestors personally by applying the techniques of fundamental genealogy research and methodology. 

Students will be asked to think critically about the records of the Federal Government as these records may have impacted their families over generations.

If you are interested in taking this course, go here for more information and to register.

Don't forget to view the accompanying video, which gives you Michael's insights on the course.

Discover Your Chinese Ancestry

Americans of Chinese descent, including those with partial Chinese ancestry constitute 1.5% of the total U.S. population. According to the 2010 census, the Chinese American population numbered approximately 3.8 million.

This course is geared toward the individual with Chinese ancestry or the librarian that assists those with Chinese ancestry ... and ... no Chinese language ability is required!

Kelly Summers and her team of knowledgeable instructors will help students:

• Identify records that may contain genealogical information of a Chinese ancestor 
• Conduct an Oral History Interview to obtain historical and genealogical information 
• Locate and use appropriate collections to identify the correct Chinese surname character and ancestral village location 
• Understand the history and organization of the Chinese genealogy (Jiapu) 
• Recognize and extract key genealogical information found in the Chinese genealogy 
• Document and Organize genealogical information using technology 
• Understand the considerations for planning a trip to the Chinese ancestral village 

Additionally, learn about the records, tools and resources needed to discover Chinese ancestry. Identify records that may contain the original Chinese family name character and the location in China where the Chinese ancestral family originated. Locate and examine Chinese Clan Genealogies (Jiapu) and practice extracting important genealogical information. Gather and organize resources to use when helping others with Chinese genealogical research.

If this interests you, go here for more details and to register. This link takes you to the SLIG registration page, and you must scroll down to find more information about the Chinese Ancestry course.

Enter the DNA Dreamers

I had the opportunity to watch from the sidelines as Karen Stanbary developed this all-new course for SLIG: Meeting Standards Using DNA Evidence – Research Strategies. I admit that the title almost sounds a bit dry, and the prerequisites seem a bit daunting. But oh, if you can meet them and get to attend . . . what an amazing experience awaits!

Students taking this course will, in Karen's words: "Dissect familiar skills with a DNA Twist." 

Let's take a peek inside the classroom as it will exist in January:

Cases only Solvable with DNA Evidence

There are no fewer than eight (8) other instructors besides Karen presenting in this course. Each credentialed. Each with a strong DNA research background.

I see 15 case studies being presented – each one representing a long-standing brick wall that could not be solved without the skillful of DNA along with documentary sources. I see a panel of experts discussing the school of hard knocks so we can avoid the same mistakes.

I see the brain fog clearing and fear lifting as one learns how to apply the newly minted DNA-Related standards and the Genealogical Proof Standard to their work through daily dissection of cases and research strategies.

DNA Dreamers

Imagine being part of a DNA case "think tank" – analyzing, discussing, making recommendations to help the researcher decide on the best approach to resolution. Even more exciting – what if the case being discussed was one of yours? Several lucky students will provide a written summary of a real-life "stuck" case for the class to study and discuss. 

The "dreamers" discussions are optional, held after regular classroom hours, and not required to receive the completion certificate, but why would I not want to participate? Wow, just wow, is about all I can say.

Golden Nuggets

Naturally many handy tips and strategies will surface throughout the week. Students will collaborate to capture them into a take-home "Golden Nuggets Quicksheet." 

Thanks Karen for taking the time to put together this amazing course for SLIG 2020 students. 

And thanks to FamilyTreeDNA for their ongoing sponsorship support which enables us to take things to a new level when it comes to DNA education!

More Information: https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=582#course-11 

Announcement - Laura G. Prescott Scholarship Winners

The following announcement was provided to SLIG:

We are pleased to announce that Eileen Ó Dúill and Julie Parillo are the first recipients of the Laura G. Prescott SLIG Scholarship. Tuition to their course of choice at the 2020 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) or the 2020 SLIG Academy, plus hotel accommodations, will be paid out of scholarship funds generously donated by the genealogical community. Though designed to be awarded to one candidate annually, the scholarship is being doubled to celebrate its inaugural year.

The scholarship honors Laura G. Prescott, a genealogy professional who enriched the field with her talents as a teacher, writer, researcher, mentor, society leader and volunteer, and as director of Ancestry Academy—Ancestry’s collection of instructional webinars presented by leading genealogical educators. Laura was also especially known for her bright smile, positive attitude, and encouraging nature.

Scholarship winners are chosen by committee with Laura’s attributes in mind. Their short essay applications include information about what they hope to gain from attending SLIG, why they deserve the scholarship (not necessarily financial reasons), and how they intend to use what they learn. Those chosen embody Laura’s passion for and service to the genealogical community and thus will further her legacy.

Eileen Ó Dúill is known to many in the genealogy field, as she has been a professional Irish genealogist since 1990, specializing in legal and probate research. She is a founding member of the Irish Probate Genealogy Partners. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Eileen served on the APG board as the International Trustee for Britain and Ireland from 2007 to 2012 and received the APG Professional Achievement Award in 2016. She has lectured nationally and internationally and presented the Ancestry Academy webinar on Beginning Irish Research. Eileen has faced personal adversity with positivity and displays a passion to return as an active member of the genealogical community.

Julie Parillo is secretary for the Rockdale-Newton County Genealogical Society in Georgia and volunteers at the Henry/Clayton County Genealogical Society’s Brown House. She is a member of the Georgia Genealogical Society, the National Genealogical Society, and the Association of Professional Genealogists, and says she frequents as many seminars and watches as many webinars as possible to expand her knowledge. Julie’s passion for genealogy is clear when she says, “Genealogy not only offers me a glimpse into the lives of past ancestors, but will connect me to generations of the future. My goal is to enrich my part of the genealogical world as effectively as possible.”

Congratulations to these two deserving candidates!

Registration and Lodging Final Prep

As you are aware, registration opens tomorrow for both SLIG (9:00 am MDT) and Academy (2:00 pm MDT). Lodging also opens at 9:00 am MDT.

Grab and Go Day vs Special Events Registration:

• Saturday is “grab your course and run” day. No special events registration to slow you down.
• Mark your calendars for August 10th - we will open registration for special events, and SLIG Extended on that day.  These will be announced over the next few weeks; skeletal information is on the website to help you plan.

UGA Membership Discounts

• It is best to have your membership updated prior to registration.
• If you are just renewing your UGA membership, it will take 15 minutes to be synced up with our system. If you are in a rush, exit without paying and contact the registrar to apply the discount. Then return and pay by invoice. This will save us having to do refunds.

Planning your travel schedule?

• Please review the event schedules for both SLIG and Academy posted online before booking your airfare.  
• If you are attending either SLIG or Academy, you will be invited to attend the free SLIG Day at the FHL, Saturday, 1/18, and you will be eligible to register for consultations during either week, as well as Academy Professional workshops on Friday 1/24. 
• Bottom line: SLIG begins on Sunday, ends on Saturday 1/18 for those who wish to have the full experience. Academy begins on Saturday 1/18 for those who wish to come in early, and ends after workshops on Friday afternoon, 1/24.

Policies update:

• The registration and cancellation policies were recently updated (since June) to reflect policies written elsewhere - now they are all in once place. Please read them prior to registering, as you will be required to check a box indicating your agreement. (https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=575)

Waitlists:

• If you don’t get the course you want, it can be waitlisted. If you happen to be the last one to attempt to get a course, and don’t, you will be automatically waitlisted and asked to select another course. 
• At any time, you can see what programs for which you have enrolled, and which courses you have waitlisted and their status from your main menu. You can now also modify your waitlisted courses through add/drop. Please read the instructions carefully - and make changes with caution. Registration FAQ: https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=444

Lodging:

• Please read the updated procedures posted online: https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=346 and use the link posted there to book your room.
• In spite of appearances, this link will NOT be valid until 9:00 am tomorrow.
• If you are not able to get the room nights you need, just reserve what is available and put your additional dates needed in the reservation. We have the ability to manage those requests quickly this year. In fact, quite possibly by the end of the day. Yea!
  (a side email to let us know of your request will help as well).
• Please do not call the hotel; they do not have access to our block and won't have accurate answers - if they try to answer you at all; remember this is a group rooming block to get tax-free status; different rules.

Email courtesies:

• If you register for a SLIG program, you will need to receive occasional email from this address. 
• Please do not mark incoming email from any SLIG address as spam. That blacklists the account and affects everyone who does wish to receive it. Instead, please just delete what you don't wish to read and/or reply to this email and ask us to remove your account! (Note: The latter action will also remove your registrations; we must have the ability to communicate with you).

Need help? 

Please contact us: 

• Registration: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org or 801-259-4172, registrar
• Lodging: hospitality@slig.ugagenealogy.org or 801-259-4172, director
• UGA membership, Paypal issues: info@ugagenealogy.org or 801-259-4172, UGA

Please note that Saturday will be a very busy time for all of us in our efforts to support registration and lodging. If we miss your call, we will get back to you in the order contacted.

SLIG Lodging for 2020 Opens Saturday

The Institute is held at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center. The property features comfortable meeting space, large networking areas, and four-star comfort. Each room includes a compact refrigerator, work desk, and a safe large enough to fit a laptop. All rooms are non-smoking.The Hilton is located at 255 South West Temple, approximately three "Salt Lake City" blocks from the Family History Library. SLIG will be offering complimentary shuttle service to the FHL for labs and after classes.

Why Stay at the Institute Hotel

Besides the convenience of being on-site with everything easily accessible, and having all the comforts of home in this plush environment, staying at the host hotel helps keep SLIG registration fees reasonable. We thank you in advance for your support and hope you enjoy your pampered Hilton stay.

Group Rate

SLIG participants may reserve lodging at the group rate of $144.00 single, double, triple, or quad, allowing you to choose individual privacy or an economical shared experience. Rates apply to standard King and 2-Queen rooms; premium rooms and suites may be available at varying rates upon request. 

Guests in the block also receive complimentary self-parking in the underground garage (value $18/day) and complimentary wireless internet in the guest room (value $9.95/day). Microwaves are available upon request for $10/night (limited availability and not guaranteed).

Participants may piggy-back Hilton Awards nights onto their reservation. Rooms booked in the block are eligible for Hilton Honors points.

The Reservation Process

To ensure the most economical rate possible for our participants, SLIG utilizes a "group rooming list" process, which brings all lodging reservations under our organizational umbrella. While reservation confirmations may reflect the current lodging tax rate, tax will not be applied upon check-out.

Reservations must be made using the Passkey reservation link provided by the hotel for our exclusive use. Reservations made outside this block are not eligible for the SLIG group rate or tax-free status. 

A one-night lodging deposit will be required at the time of booking and will be paid directly to the hotel through the Passkey system. Changes and cancellations must be made directly through SLIG until after the final cut-off date in mid-December.

Read complete details and policies at SLIG.ugagenealogy.org.

SLIG 2020: Book Now 

(will open 9:00 am MDT, Saturday, July 13th)

Professionals need to polish their skills too!

Registration for SLIG's Academy 2020 opens on Saturday, July 13th at 2 pm MDT.

Take a look at the courses the Academy has geared for the professional:

• The Art of Writing Client Reports, Coordinator: Angela Packer McGhie, CG
• You're Invited: Public Speaking from Concept to Delivery, Coordinator: D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
• Building and Nurturing a Successful Genealogy Business, Coordinator: Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG
• DNA for the 21st-Century Professional, Coordinator: Angie Bush, MS
• Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy, Coordinator: Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CG
• Writing and Documenting for Peer Review, Coordinator: Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS, FUGA
• Project Management Essentials for the Professional Genealogist, Coordinator: Brent M. Hansen, DBA, PMP, IPMA-C

See SLIG's website for more details and to decide on the best course for you!

Learn more about records to advance your research!

Are you interested in a records-based course to elevate your genealogical education?

If so, check out the courses we are offering in 2020:

• Advanced Research Tools: Land Records, Coordinators: Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA and Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, FUGA
• Guide to Treasures Found in Federal Records, Coordinator:  Michael L. Strauss, AG
• Immigrants to the New World, Colonial to 1900, Coordinator: John Philip Colletta, PhD, FUGA
• Early U.S. Church Records, Coordinator: Rev. Dr. David McDonald, CG 

Registration opens this Saturday! See SLIG's website for more details!

SLIG is offering courses on Chinese and Advanced Hispanic Research in 2020

Are you interested in a course on a particular ethnicity? 

If so, check out the courses we are offering in 2020:

• Chinese Genealogy Research, Coordinator: Kelly Summers, MS, AG
• Advanced Hispanic Research, Coordinators: George R. Ryskamp, JD, AG, FUGA and Debbie Gurtler, AG

Registration opens this Saturday! See SLIG's website for more details!

Which Writing Course is Right for Me?

Genealogists can never learn too much about how to write and write well. With three writing courses between SLIG and the Academy for Professionals in 2020, students have a tough choice to make.

So, what is the difference? How do you know which one will help you best further your work at this time?

Here is a short synopsis about each course:

SLIG Course 15: Technical Writing for Genealogists - Melissa A. Johnson, CG
Many skilled genealogists with excellent analysis and correlation skills have trouble communicating their thought processes and presenting evidence in writing. Students in this course will overcome these roadblocks and gain essential skills needed to convey complex concepts in genealogical work products, including:

• proof arguments
• affidavits
• research reports. 

The course will cover important issues including documentation, establishing proof, use of citations, DNA evidence, and legal and copyright issues. Students will become more comfortable with important skills such as analyzing, organizing, and presenting complex evidence; resolving conflicts; reporting a variety of meaningful and negative findings; using DNA evidence in writing; and qualifying information, theories, and proof. The course will focus on meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard, and writing in a professional, clear and concise manner for a variety of audiences.

SLIG Academy Course 1: The Art of Writing Client Reports - Angela Packer McGhie, CG

Writing effective research reports can be a difficult skill to master. This course will provide instruction and hands-on experience creating each section of a report. A team of professional genealogists will share their expertise in technical writing, evidence analysis, incorporating visual elements, organizing material, time-saving strategies, and documentation. They will share examples of a variety of reporting formats covering simple to complex research problems from a variety of professional perspectives. Participants will learn both by evaluating provided reports and writing a research report during the week. Students should bring a laptop to work on practice exercises in class and complete writing assignments.

SLIG Academy Course 6: Writing and Documenting for Peer Review - Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS, FUGA
Peer review is an essential element of every academic pursuit, including genealogy. The vetting of articles and other work products ensures that the author or applicant is conforming to standards dictated by that discipline. Within the field of genealogy, our scholarly journals present peer-reviewed written work adhering to best practices and genealogy standards. Peer reviewers/judges for our credentialing bodies—the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Genealogists (ICAPGen)—determine whether our knowledge, our analysis, and final products demonstrate consistent high-quality work. Study groups and writing groups present us with opportunities to act as peer reviewers ourselves. This course will examine the peer-review system from several angles, arming students with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve success.

While a tough choice, students can choose to take more than one since they are not all offered in the same week and reinforcement is always helpful!

For more details, go here.

SLIG's State-based Courses Being Offered in 2020

Are you interested in learning more about a particular state to elevate your genealogical education?

Do you conduct genealogical research in Maryland or Virginia and would like to obtain more detailed knowledge to make your research more effective?

If so, then you may be interested in:

• Virginia from the Colonial Period to the Civil War, Coordinator: Barbara Vines Little, CG, FVGS, FNGS, FUGA
• Maryland: Researching in the Old Line State, Coordinator: Debra A. Hoffman

Registration opens this Saturday! See SLIG's website for more details!

SLIG is Offering Three DNA Courses in 2020

DNA courses continue to attract students as more and more genealogists are adding the skill to  their toolbox. 

SLIG will be offering the following DNA courses in 2020 to continue to provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively use and integrate DNA into their research:

• Meeting Standards: Using DNA Evidence, Coordinator: Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
• Introduction to Genetic Genealogy, Coordinator: Paul Woodbury, Med

For the professional, the SLIG Academy is offering:

• DNA for the 21st-Century Professional, Coordinator: Angie Bush, MS

Registration opens this Saturday! See SLIG's website for more details!

Are you interested in Advanced Methodology?

What part of your genealogical education would you like to elevate this year? 

If it is advanced methodology, check out the courses we are offering in 2020:

• Corpus Juris: Advanced Legal Concepts for Genealogy, Coordinator: Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
• Applying Standards to Appraise Genealogical Work, Coordinator: Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG
• Meeting Standards: Using DNA Evidence, Coordinator: Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
• Advanced Genealogical Methods, Coordinator: Paul K. Graham, AG, CG, CGL
• Researching Like a Professional, Coordinator: Michael G. Hait, CG, CGL

SLIG is also offering Guided Research and Consultation with Craig Scott, MA, CG, FUGA.

Registration opens this Saturday! See SLIG's website for more details!

Experience the Power of a Personal Guide for Your Research

Experience the power of having your own personal guide for an entire week as you research both online and in the Family History Library. 

Students will review progress and findings in regular group meetings and in one-on-one consultations throughout the week as they work on their own personal research projects. Assistance will be available as needed during specific research hours.

Students should bring their own research project – all notes, prior research, copies of records, etc., along with their own laptop for research – and be prepared to provide a short overview of their goals and project.

Peg Ivanyo, SLIG director, shared:

"I had the opportunity to sit down with Craig Scott to learn more about this course while at NGS in May – how it would work, what students might experience, and what they could reasonably expect. 'But first,' I said, 'I need to ask you a question.'

"I pulled out the material I had retrieved at the National Archives at St. Louis the previous day. One question led to another, and to another. By the time we finished, Craig had lined up the documents in chronological order, interpreted their meaning, provided insight into the nuances, and helped me identify where additional records might be found - those important next steps! 

"We then chuckled at the fact that he had just demonstrated exactly what it would be like if I were a student in this course every day all week long. Now, I could definitely spend a week like that!"

Students should note that this is a full, week-long course. It is not possible to take this and another SLIG course at the same time. However, optional one-hour consultations will be available to purchase separately and will be offered in the evenings. 

The course will meet at the Hilton on Sunday, then at the Family History Library daily. RSVP will be required for morning shuttles to the FHL.

With a little help, you can elevate your research to the next level!

Go HERE for more information. Registration opens this Saturday! 

Registration: Waitlist Management

There are two ways to Waitlist a course:

Courses may be waitlisted during the registration process using the registration form. They may also be waitlisted using our new Waitlist Management system, which also allows you to view and modify waitlisted courses.

You do not need to be registered for a program in order to waitlist a course.

FIRST, please log into your SLIG Registration Account:
SLIG.ugagenealogy.org > Registration > Register
/or/
sligregistration.ugagenealogy.org.

While registering for a course:

If you have not yet registered for the program in which you wish to waitlist a course or session, AND you wish to register for one course and waitlist another, please do the following:

1. Click on the green "Register Now" button for the program:
   
2. Select the course or session for which you do wish to register, and click "Next":
   
3. If you change your mind, and don't wish to register for a course, select "Waitlist Course only" and click "Next":
   
4. Select the course or session(s) you wish to waitlist and click "Next" (you may select up to 3 per program in SLIG and Academy):
   
5. If you also registered for a course or session, continue to work through the registration form to the end and click on "Finish."
   If you only selected items to waitlist, the form will automatically skip to the end and give you this message:
   
6. To view and manage your newly waitlisted courses/sessions, please use the instructions below. 

Without registering for a course OR to modify waitlist choices:

If you have already registered for a program or are already waitlisted for a course in that program,  please do the following:

1. To view your enrollments, invoices, and waitlisted courses, please use the "Registrations" section on the left-hand menu of your registration account Home Page:
   
2. Click on "Waitlist Add/Drop" to view what courses/sessions are available to be waitlisted:
   
3. If there are no full courses, then there will be no courses to waitlist and you will receive this notice:
   
4. Select up to 3 courses or sessions per program and click on "Update my Wait List". You will receive a pop-up notification that your waitlist has been updated. "Close."
   
   
5. On the left-hand menu, click on "Waitlist Summary" to view details about all courses for all programs in which you are waitlisted, including the date/time added and status:
   
6. If you have withdrawn yourself from a waitlist, that status will be shown in your summary:
   
7. IMPORTANT: Only the most recent action concerning a course or session will be reflected on your summary. If you remove your name from a waitlist, then put it back on, you will be placed on that waitlist based on the new date/time of the action.
   

Restrictions: You may waitlist up to three (3) courses per program - 3 for SLIG, 3 for Academy. If you attempt to add a 4th, you will receive an error message requiring you to refine your selections.

Where to get help: In the event you encounter challenges using the waitlist system, or you need to correct an accidental error, please reach out to our amazing registration team: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

A Word of Caution: With this new waitlist management privilege comes a lot of responsibility – please "click and update with caution." The registrar will have access to a waitlist change log to review to resolve disputes. And while that log may also be useful to correct an inadvertent error, they will not have the authority to turn back time on a poor decision. Please make changes very carefully!

Timing: Waitlists sometimes clear rapidly – such as when we are able to expand the number of seats in a course. They also sometimes take right up until the day before SLIG to open up. And sometimes a seat never opens. Please consider registering for your second or third choice course while waiting to ensure you have a positive SLIG experience.