FAQs
Website FAQs
I already have an SCGIS account, but I can't log in to the new website. What do I do?
The new website uses improved encryption, which unfortunately means that all passwords have to be reset. To reset your password, click here.
I did not receive the password reset email. What do I do?
Check your spam folder. If you still cannot locate the email, contact support[AT]scgis.org.
How can I change the email address for my account?
You can request a change of email address through the Contact Us page by selecting Support from the drop-down.
How do I unenroll from the automatic renewal subscription payment option?
Option 1: Send an email with your information to support[AT]scgis.org letting us know that you no longer want to be enrolled in the automatic renewal payment option. Option 2: Cancel the recurring payment directly from your Paypal account.
I found a bug/error/issue with the website. How do I report this?
Report issues or make suggestions through the Contact Us page by selecting Support from the drop-down.
SCGIS Listserv FAQs
How do I post a message to the SCGIS listserv?
Send all messages (postings) to SCGISlist[AT]scgis.org. Your message will be automatically forwarded to everyone who is subscribed to the SCGIS listserv.
How do I get off the SCGIS listserv?
To unsubscribe from the SCGIS listserv, send an email to SCGISlist+unsubscribe[AT]scgis.org. You can send the request with no subject or body text.
My email address has changed and the listserv does not recognize me. What do I do?
Email the Listserv Admin and give them the information. They will update your account. Please use "listserv - email update" as your subject line.
Can I review past postings to the SCGIS listserv?
The original archive is currently in transition and more information on this will be shared soon. To view more recent postings since December 2021, you are able to view these only if you are a member of the SCGIS Listserv with a Google account. To view past postings, go to the dotted grid at the top of your Google account > Groups > SCGIS Listserv.
Is it possible to receive only a single, composite bundle of SCGIS postings each day instead of individual postings?
Yes, this is called digesting. In digest mode you will receive a single posting each night that has the day's postings combined into a single document. This is a nice way to keep up with SCGIS banter but minimize the flow of emails into your inbox.
To change your email subscription settings, you can login as a member of the Google Group using your Google account (see instructions below). OR if you do not have a Google account as a member of the SCGIS listserv, email the Listserv Admin and they can update these settings for you.
To change your own subscription settings:
Sign in to Google Groups
Click the name of a group.
On the left, click My membership settings.
For Subscription, choose an option:
- Each Email--Messages are sent individually as they're posted to the group.
- Digest--Up to 25 complete messages are combined into single emails and sent daily.
- Abridged--Summaries of up to 150 messages are combined into single emails and sent daily.
- No email--Messages from the group are not sent.
- Click Save changes.
Are there rules for using the SCGIS listserv?
Yes, we have a few guidelines for using the SCGIS listserv:
We encourage passionate debate and discussion but be polite.
Do not use the listserv for commercial advertising.
Limit listserv discussions to issues of conservation, biodiversity, and GIS.
The listserv is set so when you hit the "reply" button, the message goes to the sender, not the whole list. Please share the information you received after posting a question by summarizing responses in a single consolidated email back to the listserv. Everyone appreciates this courtesy.
We do not tolerate personal attacks on people, ideas, or institutions. It is okay to disagree, but it is essential to be civil.
Anyone who disrespects these rules of etiquette may be dropped from the SCGIS listserv.
Can I include attachments with my posting?
Attachments are not allowed on the SCGIS list. They sometimes contain viruses that can be spread to all the subscribers of the listserv. Copy and paste the information from the attachment into the body of your posting or put the attachment on a web site and provide readers the URL.
Can anyone join the SCGIS listserv?
No, this is a private list. Only active members of the Society for Conservation GIS may participate in the listserv. This is one of the great benefits of being a member of SCGIS. Instructions on joining SCGIS can be found here.
I am going away on extended travel and wish to suspend delivery of SCGIS postings. What do I do?
Email Listserv Admin and give them the information. They will suspend delivery to your account. Just let them know when you return, and they will reactivate your subscription.
How many subscribers are on the SCGIS listserv?
There are currently over 1,800 readers of the SCGIS listserv from all over the world. SCGIS listserv'ers have demonstrated themselves to be exceedingly wise, good-looking, witty, generous with their knowledge of geospatial data and methods, and passionate about conservation and GIS.
Conference FAQs
Please email ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org if you have any questions about the conference not covered in the FAQ below, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Help Navigating the Registration Page
Please note, there is a web link to detailed registration instructions and workshop descriptions toward the top of or the left side of the registration page. Look for the following options, depending upon the screen or device you are using. "View event description and summary order..." or "REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS and WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS ... see more ..."
How do I register as student if my SCGIS membership is not a student membership?
You may pay the student rate for the conference. Unfortunately, the web registration page is not set up for you to do this.
Follow the following steps:
- Please proceed to register—clicking through as much of the conference registration process on our website as possible, but do NOT pay.
- Email ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org to let us know you have done this.
We will adjust your payment to the student rate at our end. This will enable you to then complete your registration online at the student rate or to pay at the conference with a check or cash.
How do I register if I have a complimentary registration?
Follow the following steps:
- Proceed to register.
- Click through as much of the conference registration process on our website as possible, but do NOT pay.
- Email ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org to let us know you have done this.
We will adjust your status.
Are there certificates provide for completion of conference workshops?
SCGIS does not typically offer certificates for workshops. We do offer a certificate of participation, upon request, to those individuals who require such documentation for their sponsoring organization. The certificate acknowledges the individual by name, and if there was a paper presented, the title of that paper can be added to the certificate. For certificates, please send request to ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org.
Note: From time to time, SCGIS will offer pre-conference workshops with the option to receive a certificate. This option will be clearly noted when you register for the workshop and will usually entail a higher fee (e.g. 2019 pre-conference workshops). This certificate is not issued through SCGIS, rather through the instructor at the time of completion of the workshop.
How can I get assistance to attend the conference if I do not get the support of an employer and if my budget does not allow me to pay full price?
SCGIS has an “anyone can come, pay what you can” policy. If you show up at Asilomar to attend sessions, we do not charge you. However, Asilomar is relatively far from any affordable camping or lodging. We encourage people who can pay more to make donations in support of those who cannot afford to pay at all. That said, we do not have a budget to cover everyone in need. We do have the option to waive or reduce registration fees for anyone who asks and makes a compelling case.
Ideally, all of our board members, committee members, advisory board members, and general members are working to get new members to join and encourage the organizations we are part of to ‘SPONSOR’ SCGIS at various levels. The more sponsors we have, the more we are able to support this need. Sponsors get their names on our agenda, and on a poster at the conference.
If you want to come to the conference but can’t afford it, see if you can get sponsors! Contact us for further questions: ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org
International scholarship inquiries
The application process for scholarships is very long and involved. It closes several months prior to the conference registration announcement every year. To learn about the scholarship program and requirements,
Log in to www.scgis.org and find SCGIS Chapters in your country - chapters recommend scholars to our program.
If you live outside of the U.S. or Canada and are interested in our program, please get to know your local SCGIS Chapter and see if you are eligible for consideration in next year’s scholarship applications.
What is the acceptance rate of abstract submissions?
The success rate has been over 90% the last two years, but it all depends upon the number and type of submissions we receive. We cannot guarantee acceptance. If you need to know your acceptance status for a visa or some other reason, please email us at ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org to discuss options.
Can I submit an abstract after the deadline?
We encourage you to submit your abstract in time to meet the deadline. This makes our conference agenda preparation process much easier. We know there are legitimate reasons for late submissions, and in a few extreme cases, we may be able to make an exception. Please contact us at ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org if you find yourself in this situation. We will do our best to work with you.
Does SCGIS provide letters in support of Visa applications for participants traveling from overseas?
Yes, we do. Contact us at ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org and we will assign someone to work with you directly. PLEASE give us as much prior notice as possible, but at the very least two weeks' notice is essential. We are an all-volunteer run organization, so we are not able to ensure attention to your request during regular working hours.
Does SCGIS host a ride-share board for conferences?
No, but we are all-volunteer run, so if a member wants to create a ride-share page on the website, we would welcome the offer. Contact website[AT]scgis.org and cc ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org.
What if I want to come to a workshop but not the conference?
Workshops are space-limited, priced to be affordable to members and conference goers, and are supported by membership donations and conference registration fees. In addition, Asilomar conference grounds charges for day use fee for non-registered guests. Non-conference participants may attend workshops where space is available, but a registration fee and day-use fees will be added to the cost of the workshop.
If you are interested in this option send email to ConferenceQuestions[AT]scgis.org explaining your situation and we will make determinations on a case by case basis.
Can I get proceedings from the conference if I was not in attendance?
YES, but only if you are an SCGIS member.
Where is the SCGIS headquarters located?
SCGIS is 100% volunteer run and does not have an office. We do have a mailing address that is managed by a mail administrator for a small fee. Your physical mail will be forwarded to the proper volunteer member.
