2023 Virtual Academy

Course Information

Course 1: DNA Dreamers in Action: Writing Proof Arguments

Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG

Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CGThis course’s objective is for students to craft a genealogical proof argument demonstrating that a conclusion about a genetic relationship meets the Genealogical Proof Standard. Genealogical proof arguments are complex source-cited narratives that explain the evidence and reasoning that support a conclusion. When the conclusion addresses a genetic relationship, the proof argument discusses and integrates DNA evidence with evidence from documentary research. A convincing proof argument details the evidence in a meaningful and organized sequence. Proof arguments incorporating DNA evidence include reader-friendly tables and figures showing how numerical DNA data do—or do not—help support hypotheses about genetic relationships.

This HANDS-ON course is designed for those students who have completed research about a biological relationship and now wish to “write it up” into a polished complex proof argument. We will study examples and principles in the morning. Students will have the opportunity to incorporate the morning’s learning into their own proof arguments during private writing time in the afternoon and as homework between weekly sessions. Faculty will be available during afternoon private writing time for consultation. Each day concludes with a paired peer review experience.

Other Instructors

Dates & Times (Virtual)

Fridays, 8:00 am–4:30 pm MT, 17 February through 24 March 2023

Tuition

  • Regular Price: $595.00
  • UGA Member Price: $545.00

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Course 2: Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy

Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CG

Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CGCome explore your potential role in the fast-growing field of forensic genealogy. The instructors—all experienced, practicing forensic genealogists—will introduce students to a broad spectrum of topics. Classes each week will be spent exploring business practices, work products and skill development, and the also the types of work in which forensic genealogists engage. Homework and social media discussions between sessions will strengthen the learning. Students will learn the fundamental skills needed to establish or strengthen their own forensic genealogy practice.

Other Instructors

Dates & Times

Thursdays, 10:00 am–2:00 pm MT, 16 February through 20 April 2023

Tuition

  • Regular Price: $545.00
  • UGA Member Price: $495.00

[Read More & View Course Schedule]
 

Course 2B: Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy
(Asynchronous Schedule)

Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CG

Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CGCome explore your potential role in the fast-growing field of forensic genealogy. The instructors—all experienced, practicing forensic genealogists—will introduce students to a broad spectrum of topics. Classes each week will be spent exploring business practices, work products and skill development, and the also the types of work in which forensic genealogists engage. Homework and social media discussions between sessions will strengthen the learning. Students will learn the fundamental skills needed to establish or strengthen their own forensic genealogy practice.

What is an Asynchronous Schedule?

SLIG is excited to announce our first ever asynchronous course option! Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CG, and the faculty of her SLIG Academy for Professionals 2023 course have agreed to add this additional asynchronous section. We know that many interested students work full-time during the day and are not able to attend our multi-week courses. This opportunity provides all of the same course content, but with flexibility to work around any schedule. Recorded class sessions will be available to you to watch at your convenience, shortly after the live session. Weekly 30-minute live Q&A sessions will allow students to connect with faculty of that week’s sessions. If you can’t attend the live sessions, you may submit questions in writing and they will be answered and available to view in recordings.

Other Instructors

Dates & Times

Via video recordings & live Q&A sessions, 17 February through 26 April 2023.
Live Q&A sessions on Wednesdays from 5:00–5:30 pm MT.

Tuition

  • Regular Price: $545.00
  • UGA Member Price: $495.00

[Read More & View Course Schedule]
 

Course 3: The Art of Writing Client Reports

Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA

Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGAWriting 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.

Other Instructors

Dates & Times (Virtual)

Fridays, 8:30 am–4:00 pm MT, 31 March through 28 April 2023

Tuition

  • Regular Price: $595.00
  • UGA Member Price: $545.00

[Read More & View Course Schedule]
 

Course 4: 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.

Other Instructors

Dates & Times (Virtual)

Thursdays, 11:00 am–3:30 pm MT, 16 February through 4 May 2023

Tuition

  • Regular Price: $595.00
  • UGA Member Price: $545.00

[Read More & View Course Schedule]

Course 5: Intermediate Evidence Analysis Practicum

Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA

Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGAThis course provides an opportunity for genealogists to gain hands-on experience solving two genealogical cases. This will help participants put their research skills into practice while providing structure and guidance. Students will analyze background information, create a research plan, conduct research online, track their findings, analyze and correlate information, and report on conclusions.

The cases in this course address two of the most common research challenges: 1) dealing with multiple people with the same name, and 2) resolving conflicting evidence. The instructors will walk students through the process and teach the research strategies necessary to solve the cases. This experience will help prepare participants to take the Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum course or apply the skills to new research projects.

Students will work during the week on the case and then gather to discuss their progress with fellow classmates and the instructor. They will compare sources, strategies, and methodologies, discuss challenges, and receive guidance from the instructor. Students should plan 10–20 hours per week to work on the cases and record their findings.

Other Instructors

Dates & Times

Thursdays, 9:00 am–11:45 am MT, 16 February through 23 March 2023

Tuition

  • Regular Price: $545.00
  • UGA Member Price: $495.00

[Read More & View Course Schedule]
 

Course 6: Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional: The Why, the What, the How

Diana Elder, AG and Lisa Stokes, AG

Diana Elder, AGLisa Stokes, AGEarning the Accredited Genealogist credential with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your research proficiency in a chosen region. Benefits include strengthened research skills, confidence in performing client work, and respect in the genealogy community.

This interactive course will cover the requirements for each ICAPGen testing level and give you valuable information needed for successful testing. Assignments will provide experience with skills needed for passing each testing level. You will use rubrics to evaluate your work and that of your peers. A four-hour practice Level 3 project and a personalized meeting with an AG mentor who is knowledgeable in the chosen region of accreditation will cap off the week.

The instruction, labs, and homework are designed to assist you in the skill-building and preparation needed to start the accreditation process. Discover your accreditation readiness as you learn more about the testing process and receive peer and mentor feedback on your work.

Other Instructors

Dates & Times

Thursdays, 8:30 am–4:30 pm MT, 30 March through 27 April 2023

Tuition

  • Regular Price: $595.00
  • UGA Member Price: $545.00

[Read More & View Course Schedule]