Seats Available in SLIG Encore Courses

Three courses from SLIG 2021 were selected to give an "encore" this fall during SLIG Virtual 2021. The courses have been opened to those on the SLIG 2021 waitlists - and lucky us, there are still a few seats available for general registration!

What courses are available? Each of the following courses are available as encore courses at SLIG 2021

• Advanced Research Tools: Land Records with Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
• Advanced Techniques for Mastering Online Searches and Uncovering Digital Records with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
• The Pennsylvania German and Research in the Keystone State with Michael D. Lacopo, DVM

A very limited number of seats is available in each of these courses.

When are these courses? Each of the courses runs a different week during the fall. The format of these courses will not be changed to the multi-week format of the SLIG Virtual courses but will run on the typical SLIG single-week schedule.

• Land Records - September 22 - October 1, 2021
• Online Searches - October 4 - 8, 2021
• Pennsylvania German - October 25 - 29, 2021

Can I register for an Encore course and a SLIG Virtual course? All participants are only able to register for a single course during SLIG Virtual. If you wish to take more than one course, you may email the Registrar (registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org) for an exemption.

Where can I learn more about these courses? You can view complete course details, schedules, faculty, and more by visiting the SLIG Virtual courses page here. Encore courses are listed at the bottom.

Registration opens on June 19, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT at sligregistration.ugagenealogy.org.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to the registrar (registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org).

Waitlists: Updates, Tips, and Magical Solutions

Waitlists are an inevitable part of institute course registration. Courses fill. Sometimes very quickly. Oh how we wish they didn't need to do that! Run out of seats we mean. But if they must, then the answer lies in fair application and management of that sacred waitlist. 

So, each year we work to improve the process. We began with automatic waitlisting when a course fills. Then we added a Waitlist Summary view so one can see exactly where they stand. And a Waitlist Add/Drop option so one can manage their own updates. This year? Wow. Just wow!

We now have the perfect solution to an age-old problem: not being able to get back into one's order after being waitlisted to add a second choice course.

May we introduce the "delete order, start again" button. Really just another green "Register" button, but because of its particular usage and placement, it is so very magical! 

Please read on.

First, Don't Dawdle: During the registration process, you select your course, check all agreements, and then view a summary of your order. That word "summary" is a bit misleading. It is NOT final. It is only a chance for you to make sure you selected the right course and checked the right boxes. You MUST click "Next" for the order to be saved. 

Automatic Waitlisting: If you fill out the registration form and do dawdle on the summary page (consider yourself twice warned), it is possible the class will fill before you click "Next." The result? Someone quicker on the keyboard gets the course. They will go to the payment options page, and you will get this message:

Thankfully, the automatic waitlist feature will take care of you.  No change here, except we remembered to test it this week rather than take that functionality for granted :)

But, then the magic begins. In the past, if you wished to register for a second choice, you needed to work with the registrar. Nice guy, but on busy days, just not fast enough! Now, you just click on that bright green "register" button. In this context, that button erases your previous order (agreements, donations, etc. which are quite useless without a course) and takes you to the beginning of the form to start again. Naturally, you will want to continue to move quickly :)

Using the "Waitlist Add/Drop" Function. Should your second choice course also be full (greyed out on the form), then you should use the "Waitlist Add/Drop" function to add it to your waitlist choices. 

Words of Caution. When using the "Waitlist Add/Drop" function, please be sure of any decisions before saving changes. If you add yourself to a waitlist, remove yourself, and then re-add later, you have effectively lost your original date/time stamped entry and replaced it with a later one further down the list.

Need Help? If you have further questions or experience difficulties with your waitlist, please contact the registrar at registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org. Do that immediately, as the date/time stamp on your email will be used for any waitlist updates made by the registrar on your behalf.

Course Spotlight: Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum

Once upon a time, a handful of students dreamed of a course that would help them continue to build on the knowledge and skills gleaned by taking the Advanced Methodology course. It didn't exist. So they created it. 

Now in its sixth year, the Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum continues to challenge advanced researchers with five case studies, one per week. 

All New Cases. This year features all-new never before seen case studies by some returning and some new faces. Each week the case study instructor will present their case containing complex research problems that will test student's skills to research and analyze. Students will gain hands-on experience and new insights as they work to solve each case throughout the week and come together the following week to learn from each other's methods and hear the outcome.

Time to Solve the Case. This course is designed for advanced genealogists. Each participant will need sufficient skills, experience, and education to solve the weekly cases. Students should plan on dedicating between 10 and 20 hours each week to research the case and write conclusions and summaries.

Collaboration. Students will have more than just an opportunity to practice their skills independently. After each case, students and instructors gather to compare notes. These open forum discussions allow all to discuss methodologies, sources, encountered roadblocks, and to receive direction from the case study instructor.

The full schedule for this course, faculty bios, and course details can be found here.

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program on topics from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Course Spotlight: Researching New York: Resources and Strategies

Always wanted to study New York research with Karen Mauer Jones, but either didn't get into the class or couldn't attend in January? This amazing course is now being offered in the fall. Virtually. Over multiple weeks. Offering plenty of hands-on opportunities to apply what you learn.

Experience All of New York. New York requires a genealogist to be knowledgeable to find success from the big city to rural farmlands, diversity of ethnic backgrounds, and complicated history. This course is equipped to bring you the needed skills to tackle the complexities of researching in the state. Following paths from both urban and rural areas and exploring various records, this course shows a researcher how to research in all of New York.

History and Records. This class will include New York history related to research methods and outline record creation and preservation across the state. Gaining knowledge of locating and using a wide variety of record types will be a major emphasis of the course. Topics will include immigration/migration, laws and the legal system, military records, ethnic groups, land and property, urban research, transportation records, newspapers, probate, directories, censuses, and more.

The full schedule for this course, faculty bios, and course details can be found here.

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program on topics from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Course Spotlight: Mother Russia: Research in the Countries of the Former Russian Empire and USSR

Wish to research, or help those who need to research, ancestral lines from what was known as the Russian Empire? It can seem a bit daunting. A different language, unique research methods, and multiple locations for record sets. The geographical context alone can seem overwhelming. So let the experts simplify and deliver. 

Mastering the Language. One of the daunting tasks of Russian research can be the language. This course is designed to help you gain experience and practice practical language skills for genealogists. Students will receive a packet of learning resources before the beginning of the course. This packet will contain all the tools and assignments you need to gain a baseline understanding of the Russian alphabet necessary for this course.

A module on Russian History, Geography, and Culture. Before beginning the course, students will also be given access to a 90-minute learning experience, including videos, reading, and handouts. This module will expose students to the important history, geography, and culture that will help them get the most out of the classroom instruction.

The full schedule for this course, faculty bios, and course details can be found here.

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program. Topics range from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Course Spotlight: Chinese Ancestry: Research Methods and Sources

Do you have Chinese ancestors but don't know where to begin? Or perhaps you work at a library or archive serving those with Chinese ancestral lines? This multi-week course will provide everything you need to know to get started. No prior knowledge of the Chinese language is needed.

Personal Research or Library Professional. This course is uniquely designed for the entire community of Chinese genealogy researchers. Components are meant to help both individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their family's past and professionals who work in archives or libraries assisting patrons with Chinese heritage. Regardless of your goals, this course will help sharpen everyone's skills in exploring the research methodology and available sources for Chinese ancestry.

Jaipu. Chinese Clan Genealogies, known as Jaipu, will be a major focus of the course. Students will be given the opportunity to learn to find these records and then examine and extract valuable genealogical data. Those individuals who may have their own Jaipu are encouraged to bring their own to work on (please notify the coordinator at the start of the course).

The full schedule for this course, faculty bios, and course details can be found here.

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program. Topics range from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Course Spotlight: Proving Your Pedigree with DNA

Are you looking for hands-on practice with DNA? A way to apply what you have learned so far about genetic genealogy in your personal research? How about taking one of your ancestral lines, applying DNA analysis skills, and proving that line back to your second great-grandparents, with the experts guiding you along the way?

Karen Stanbary's new "Proving Your Pedigree with DNA" fills the gap between our getting started with genetic genealogy course and being ready for more advanced challenges. 

Documentation and DNA.  This new intermediate-level course provides hands-on practice with DNA analysis and application.  Part of the DNA Dreamers Series, it naturally integrates documentary evidence with genetic genealogy to achieve proof. Students will practice on a pre-selected ancestral line of their choice.

Blending Instruction with Hands-on Experience. The schedule for this particular course is extensive. All-day classes will be held on Fridays for five weeks. But the extra class time is necessary. Several hours of the class each day are dedicated to independent practice time. Faculty will be nearby to answer questions and give guidance as needed. This course will truly be a blend of quality instruction and practical application.

One-on-One Consultations. During the independent practice time, faculty and other experts will be available for private consultation and questions. 15 to 30-minute consultation session will be available each week to allow for personal guidance on your own research and projects. 

The full schedule for this course, faculty bios, and course details can be found here.

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program. Topics range from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Course Spotlight: Intermediate Foundations

Self-taught and unsure of your research gaps? Feeling a little rusty on your research skills after a long hiatus? Or perhaps you have completed a beginning course and are ready to sink your teeth into methodology and intermediate record sets? This course was developed specifically with you in mind.

In-depth Instruction Enhanced by Learning Assignments

During this course, students will be exposed to a unique blend of instruction on methodology and records. Methodology instruction will include topics such as DNA testing plans, conducting and planning research, and the Genealogical Proof Standard. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about finding and analyzing records on an intermediate level, including records in the areas of federal and local land, legal records, newspapers, and military research.

The course's multi-week format focuses on a couple of topics each week in live, interactive sessions via Zoom. Students work on assignments and projects on their own schedule throughout the week, pose questions in a closed Facebook group, and check their accuracy against a homework key before joining faculty at the next session for a homework review. To get the full benefit of this course, students should prepare to spend up to 10 hours per week to complete assignments.

Course Faculty 

Coordinated by Annette Lyttle, MA, the course faculty also includes Angie Bush, MS; Melina Daffin Henningfield, CG, CGL; Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA; Nancy A. Peters, CG, CGL; Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR; Kimberly T. Powell; Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL; Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA; Sara A. Scribner, CG; Michael L. Strauss, AG; and Cari A. Taplin, CG.

The full schedule for this course, faculty bios, and course details can be found here.

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program on topics from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021 at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Get Ready for SLIG Virtual Registration

Many of you are anxious to get into the amazing offering of courses we have coming this fall. We wish to make you aware of some information and changes before registration opens on June 19, 2021, at 12:00 noon MT.

Single Course Registration - In light of the strong responses to virtual offerings, overlapping course dates, and the time commitment required for homework in the multi-week format, registration will be limited to one course. Exceptions will be made for those pulled from the waitlists for SLIG 2021 Encore courses. Others may apply for an exemption through the registrar (registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org); these will be reviewed for seats remaining 48 hours after registration opens.

SLIG Encore Courses - Courses repeated from SLIG 2021 are being offered to those on the waitlist. Initial emails have already begun to go out. The order of the waitlists is being honored, and a limited number of seats are available. If you were on the waitlist for one of the following courses, please keep an eye on your email to enroll in those courses:

• Advanced Research Tools: Land Records with Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
• Advanced Techniques for Mastering Online Searches and Uncovering Digital Records with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
• The Pennsylvania German and Research in the Keystone State with Michael D. Lacopo, DVM

Update Your Profile - All participants are encouraged to log in to the registration system before June 19th and ensure that all information in your account is up to date. A couple of things to keep in mind:

• Be sure to check basic information like email, phone, etc. for any changes.
• Be sure to update your address. Certificates will be mailed for this program and your correct mailing address is required.
• Badge names should not include postnominals, titles, or credentials
• Certificate names may include postnominals, titles, or credentials and should appear exactly as you wish them to on the printed certificate.
• Two-letter abbreviations should be used for all US states and Canadian provinces.
• Your email should match your UGA membership account (if applicable) to allow your UGA discount to be applied. If you wish to change your email, please do so in both the registration system and on the UGA website under the member section.
• Ensure that you have included in your account any dietary or disability needs.

Updated Privacy and Cancellation Policies - UGA and SLIG have updated the privacy and cancelation policies for the next year. We encourage you to read these updated policies before registration, as you will be asked to agree to them during registration. The policies can be found here: https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=549. 

Questions? - If you have any registration questions, please feel free to reach out to the registrar via email at regisrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.