Important Dates
August 18, 2008
Final Papers due
October 1, 2008 Student Scholarship Application deadline
October 12, 2008
Early Registration deadline

October 23, 2008
Special Hotel Room Rate deadline
EXTENDED
October 26, 2008 Regular Registration deadline
November 3 - 4, 2008 Pre-conference, Full-Day Classes
November 5, 2008
Pre-conference, Half-Day Classes
November 5-7, 2008
WUSS 2008 Conference
November 7, 2008
Post-conference,
Half-Day Classes
November 8, 2008
Post-conference,
Full-Day Classes
Special Notice:
The presidential election is Tuesday, November 4, 2008. If you are coming to WUSS early, please don't forget to vote absentee.
 


Reach for the Stars at WUSS 2008
November 5-7, 2008


Join us for an exciting conference filled with valuable educational, professional development, and networking opportunities.

Mary Federico Katz
Operations Chair

Patrick Thornton
Academic Program Chair

From the Conference Chairs ... . .
We invite you to boost your SAS skills at the 16th Annual Western Users of SAS Software Conference. WUSS 2008 will be held November 5 – 7, 2008, in Universal City, California, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. We are continuing the WUSS tradition of providing excellent opportunities for your professional growth and development in using SAS software. You will be able to learn new techniques that improve overall efficiency and increase productivity, attend full-day and/or half-day training courses before and after the conference, share SAS knowledge and ideas with other users, get assistance with your programming challenges from SAS experts, and work towards a SAS Certification credential by taking a SAS Certification Exam.  The SAS Exhibit and Demo Area is where you can talk to SAS developers, see product demonstrations, and meet representatives from SAS service areas such as Publications and Technical Support. While in the Exhibit and Demo Area, visit with the sponsors and exhibitors who generously provide financial support to WUSS.

WUSS 2008 blasts-off Wednesday afternoon with Rick Langston’s Keynote Address, SAS 9.2 Classic and Platform Releases: What's New and Upcoming. After the opening session, the journey continues with these opportunities to expand your SAS horizon:

Presentations on Multi-Disciplinary Topics:

Workshops:

Presentations by SAS Institute
Code Doctors

After flying high from new knowledge, come in for a landing in time for fun and relaxation! You won’t want to miss the SAS- sponsored Customer Appreciation Mixer on Wednesday evening. Share SAS or life stories with attendees at the Thursday ‘Networking’ lunch. Be entertained by Art Carptenter’s featured presentation. And lastly, attend the Closing Session on Friday for Awards and Prizes.

As in past years, WUSS is sponsoring a Children's Book Drive. Please help us give back to our host town.

Come reach for the stars at WUSS 2008. We look forward to seeing you in Universal City in November!

Prepare for Launch with SAS Essentials Workshop:
New User Ground School

SAS Software provides the tools to shoot for the stars, and SAS Essentials Workshop is the perfect ‘ground school’ to prepare for the journey. Join the Section Chairs, Kirk Paul Lafler (Software Intelligence Corporation) and Katie Martin (UCLA School of Public Health) for this day and half long opportunity to learn essential SAS techniques step by step. The section progresses Thursday morning from the fundamentals of obtaining and working with data in the Data STEP, finding SAS resources, and using basic Procedures, to Friday morning opportunities for guided hands-on PC instruction. You are welcome to stay for all the sessions, or to attend any number of sessions that might help you prepare for launch with SAS Software!


Volunteer at the Conference

WUSS conferences are run entirely by volunteers – energetic people like YOU who get involved. Volunteering is a great way to get to know people, is easy and fun, and contributes to the success of our conference. Volunteers who contribute 4 hours of time will be invited to a party on Thursday night as a token of our appreciation. 

Choose from a variety of tasks, according to your interests and available time. Most jobs give you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the conference:

  • Session Coordinators: attend a full morning or afternoon session in your favorite paper section. Assist the Section Chair with equipment, lighting, speaker introductions, and time keeping.

  • Registration and Information Desk Staff: help conference attendees before and during the conference. Answer questions, give directions, and hand out conference materials.

  • Operations Support: help with setup, tear-down, signs, and catering— wherever help is needed!

To volunteer - click here!

Student Scholarship Program

The WUSS Executive Committee and SAS are providing numerous scholarships to full-time college students. Scholarships include complimentary conference registration, discounted hotel room rates and up to two half-day pre/post-conference classes. Scholarship recipients will volunteer as session coordinators for classes they attend.

Who is Eligible?
Only full-time college undergraduate or graduate students will be considered.

What Documents Must Be Provided?
Proof of student enrollment must be submitted with your application. ‘Proof’ includes copies of current classes, enrollment confirmation, and current student identification card.

How Do I Apply?
Application forms and instructions are found at www.wuss.org/scholarships. Complete application form and submit accompanying documents by October 1, 2008.

If you have any questions, email scholarships@wuss.org