ShelleySessoms Tracker

WUSS Virtual Class: SQL – The Grammar behind AI: AI depends on data – SQL makes that data usable

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:04:04 GMT

SQL – The Grammar behind AI: AI depends on data – SQL makes that data usable
Charu Shankar
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register now for only $99

This seminar shows how SQL supports every stage of the AI workflow, from data preparation and feature engineering to validation and deployment. Strong SQL leads to better models, clearer logic, and more reliable results.

Participants will work through examples to structure training data, build meaningful features, and identify data issues that affect model performance. The session also highlights how modern analytics platforms integrate machine learning within SQL environments.

Designed for analysts and programmers, this seminar focuses on practical skills that help teams move AI from concept to production.

WUSS Virtual Class: Introduction to R from a SAS Programmer’s Perspective

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:01:39 GMT

Introduction to R from a SAS Programmer’s Perspective
David Bosak
Friday, May 15, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register for only $99

This class will provide a hands-on introduction to the R language, but from the perspective of a SAS® Programmer. It is geared toward someone who has knowledge of SAS, but little to no knowledge of R. SAS and R differ in some fundamental ways. Reviewing these differences will speed up your understanding of R, and greatly reduce potential confusion. The course will start with a brief history of R, and then go into some elementary R topics like vectors, operators, and data frames. We will then perform some common tasks: loading data, performing basic data manipulation, and writing a report. Throughout the session, you will both review existing code and write some code yourself. If you are a SAS programmer who is looking to get a jump-start in R, then this course will be of interest to you.

WUSS Virtual Class: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence: Ready to Move Beyond AI Hype?

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:55:33 GMT

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence: Ready to Move Beyond AI Hype? Build Real Skills That Matter!
Lida Gharibvand
Friday, May 8, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register now for only $99

Artificial Intelligence isn’t a future trend — it’s today’s strategic differentiator. From scalable machine learning pipelines to autonomous generative agents and intelligent copilots, modern AI technologies are redefining how professionals extract insight, streamline operations, and engineer high-impact solutions at scale.

Join this high-impact training and master the modern AI stack

You’ll dive into:

Distinguish major AI paradigms and deep learning architectures
Apply prompt engineering and structured LLM comparison methods
Use AI tools for research, coding, and data exploration
Evaluate AI outputs critically, including hallucination risks
Integrate AI-assisted workflows into professional practice
Work with GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Kaggle, and leading LLM platforms

This is not theoretical. You’ll use real tools, test prompts, and evaluate model outputs in production-style workflows. Leave ready to build faster and use AI as a true analytical co-pilot — not just a chatbot.

Learn not just how AI works — but when to trust it, challenge it, and deploy it for measurable impact

WUSS Virtual Class: Advanced SAS® DATA Step Programming Techniques

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:52:24 GMT

Advanced SAS^® DATA Step Programming Techniques
Josh Horstman
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register now for only $99

To solve complex coding problems with the SAS^® DATA step, one must go beyond a basic understanding of the individual statements. You need to understand how the various statements interact with each other and how their options can be leveraged to build DATA step code that provides innovative solutions to the toughest of problems. Based on Art Carpenter’s book, Carpenter’s Guide to Innovative SAS^® Techniques, this class is a must for the DATA step programmer who wants to take his or her programs to the ‘next’ level.

Topics include:

Working across multiple observations using look-ahead and look-back techniques
Employing the DOW loop
Taking advantage of double SET statements
Working with hash objects
Performing table lookups
Using arrays to transpose data from columns to rows and back again
Evaluating complex expressions
Applying data set options
Adopting new DATA step functions (and old functions with new options)
And more!

This course is designed to be taken by a student who has a basic understanding of the DATA step and its primary statements. The material will focus on advanced topics that will give the student a deeper understanding of the operation of the DATA step. Through examples, students will be exposed to innovative techniques for solving difficult programming problems.

WUSS Virtual Class: From RECIST to Kaplan-Meier: Building Oncology Trials the Right Way

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:21:21 GMT

From RECIST to Kaplan-Meier: Building Oncology Trials the Right Way
Kevin Lee
Friday, May 1, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register today for just $99

Compared to other therapeutic studies, oncology clinical trial studies are generally complex and difficult for programmers, statisticians and data managers. There is more to understand and to know such as different clinical study types, specific data collection points and analysis. In this training, programmers and statisticians will learn oncology specific knowledge in clinical studies and will understand a holistic view of oncology studies.

Clinical Study Type
Response Criteria
Data Collection
Analysis

Programmers, statisticians and data managers will also find out what makes oncology studies unique and learn how to lead oncology study projects effectively.

The training will cover four different sub types and their response criteria guidelines.

The first sub type, Solid Tumor study, usually follows RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor).
The second sub type, Immunotherapy study, usually follows irRC (immune-related Response Criteria).
The third sub type, Lymphoma study, usually follows Cheson.
Lastly, Leukemia studies follow specific guidelines (e.g., IWCLL for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia).

The training will show how to use response criteria guidelines for data collections and response evaluation.

Programmers, statisticians and data maangers will learn how to create SDTM tumor specific datasets (RS, TU, TR), what SDTM domains are used for certain data collection, and what Controlled Terminology (e.g., CR, PR, SD, PD, NE) will be applied. They will also learn how to create Time-to-Event ADaM datasets from SDTM domains and how to use ADaM datasets to derive efficacy analysis (e.g., OS, PFS, TTP, ORR, DFS) and Kaplan Meier Curves using SAS Procedures such as PROC LIFETEST and PHREG.

Finally, programmers and statistician will understand how to build end-to-end standards driven oncology studies from protocol, study sub-types, response criteria, data collection, SDTM, ADaM to analysis.

Free Half-Day Michigan SAS User Group Conference

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:39:15 GMT

Join us for our NEXT MEETING- a FREE Half-Day Conference!

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Place: VisTaTech Center
Schoolcraft College
18600 Haggerty Rd
Livonia, MI 48152
Cost: FREE! However, please register by Wednesday, May 13 so that we can plan accordingly.

Agenda

SAS Coding with Copilot: From Raw Data to Analysis-Ready Tables - Melodie Rush, SAS
What's Your Favorite Color? Controlling the Appearance of a Graph - Richann Watson, DataRich Consulting
Identifying Synthetically Generated Documents and Receipts for Fraud Detection - Robert Blanchard, SAS
Working with Damaged Datasets in SAS - David Corliss, Grafham Analytics
Transforming Auto Captive Finance Lending: The Power of AI in Next Best Actions - Gene Grabowski, SAS
Day of the Week and Time of Day: Does Scheduling Impact Surgical Outcomes? - Wenjing Weng and Yuxuan Chen, University of Michigan
Getting Started with SAS/IML - Gary Allen

Register Now!

PhilaSUG presents “A Game Changer for Efficient SAS Programming Using ChatGPT”

ShelleySessoms — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:35:56 GMT

Please join Jyoti Agarwal as she presents, “A Game Changer for Efficient SAS Programming Using ChatGPT” on May 6, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.

This presentation explores the potential of integrating ChatGPT, a natural language processing model developed by OpenAI, into SAS programming within the pharmaceutical industry. Leveraging ChatGPT’s capabilities can enhance productivity by assisting with code generation, debugging, and workflow optimization. By demonstrating practical applications and techniques, this presentation illustrates how ChatGPT can streamline statistical programming, reduce errors, and empower programmers with innovative tools to tackle common challenges.

Register today.

About the presenter:

Jyoti Agarwal is a Certified Advanced SAS Programmer with over 15 years of experience in statistical programming within the pharmaceutical and CRO industries. She has contributed across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, inflammation, and virology. Jyoti is recognized for delivering high-quality SDTM, ADaM, and TFL outputs for regulatory submissions, ensuring compliance with industry standards while meeting the complex needs of clinical trials. Her leadership in managing cross-functional teams, vendor oversight, and process optimization continues to enhance efficiency and data quality across projects.

As the founder of G.CREW, a global initiative that unites and empowers Gilead’s clinical data sciences community, Jyoti has driven an 89% improvement in engagement and retention. Through her inclusive leadership and commitment to collaboration, she continues to foster a culture of openness, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jyoti is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She enjoys mentoring and volunteering, inspiring children to explore creativity through art and outdoor activities. A passionate nature enthusiast, she finds balance and inspiration in the mountains, fueling her approach to leadership and connection.

Jyoti holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and remains dedicated to advancing technological innovation in statistical programming. She leads by example, inspiring others to think boldly, embrace diversity, and work toward meaningful impact.

Iowa SAS® Users Group’s 2026 One Day Conference

ShelleySessoms — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:01:00 GMT

The Iowa SAS® Users Group’s 2026 One Day Conference will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026. This full-day conference provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to engage in professional development, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow SAS users. Hear from SAS employees Shelby Taylor, Cat Truxillo and Melodie Rush.

The event requires pre-registration, so please head to the pre-registration site at your earliest convenience to reserve your place and assist with event planning: https://iowasasuser.org/event/iowa-sas-users-group-the-16th-one-day-conference/

NJSUG Webinar: The Future of Statistical Programming

ShelleySessoms — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:46:53 GMT

NJSUG 2026 webinar: The Future of Statistical Programming

Date: May 8, 2026. 10:00am-11:40am

Agenda:

Opening remarks: 5 minutes
Danny Modlin (PROC PPF - Past, Present, Future): 30 minutes (20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A)
Bart Jablonski (La petite SAS package - a workshop about the "Hello World" SAS package.) : 60 minutes
Closing remarks: 5 minutes

Register today.

Re: SAS Users Day at SAS Innovate

ShelleySessoms — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:13:34 GMT

Thanks so much for participating, @yabwon! It's going to be an awesome time.

SAS Users Day at SAS Innovate

ShelleySessoms — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:11:56 GMT

Get ready to kick off SAS Innovate with an afternoon packed full of excitement and camaraderie! On Monday, April 27, from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, we're bringing together your favorite SAS user group leaders and presenters for a series of engaging sessions that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a longtime user or brand new to SAS, this event promises lively discussions, fresh ideas, and plenty of opportunities to connect.

Best of all, attendance is absolutely free! If you’re arriving before 1:30 PM on April 27, make sure you join us for this unique experience. It's your chance to learn, share, and be inspired by some of the best minds in the SAS community.

And that's not all, wrap up your afternoon with a special reception from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, exclusively for SAS Users Day attendees. Enjoy refreshments, mingle with fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate a fantastic start to the conference.

Don’t miss out on this fun, engaging kickoff to SAS Innovate. Mark your calendar and join us — let’s make this a day to remember! I can't wait to see you there!

Re: SAS Users Day at SAS Innovate

ShelleySessoms — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:14:53 GMT

Thanks for presenting, Nancy! It's going to be a great event.

SAS Users Day at SAS Innovate

ShelleySessoms — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:08:38 GMT

As part of the pre-conference activities for SAS Innovate, I am hosting an afternoon with our user groups. From 1:30-5:30pm on Monday, April 27, you will hear from some of your favorite user group leaders and presenters. There is no extra cost to attend, so if you are arriving before 1:30pm on April 27, please be sure to come see these incredible presentations. There will also be a reception from 5:00-5:30pm just for attendees of the SAS Users Day event. I hope to see you there!

SAS Users Day agenda

Free Webinar from MSUG: Exploring Human Bias in AI

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:53:12 GMT

Join us for our NEXT MEETING- a FREE Webinar!

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: Noon - 1:00 PM ET
Place: Online
Cost: Free! However, please register by Tuesday, March 17 in order to receive the webinar link. Webinar information will be sent out by Wednesday, March 18.

Register Now!

Agenda

Exploring Human Bias in AI - Jim Box, SAS

As AI and Machine Learning become more utilized in all aspects of our lives, it’s important to take a step back and understand how human biases can affect the results of these systems. In this talk we will look at the three main sources of biases and explore how to identify and address them, both from a systemic approach and a mathematical perspective.

Jim Box is a Data Scientist at SAS, where he has been supporting Life Sciences organizations for the past 12 years. Prior to that, he spent 20 years in the industry as a Statistician, SAS Programmer, and Clinical Data Manager.

Register Now!

New for 2026!

Save the date! MSUG is planning a 1/2-day SAS Conference on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Schoolcraft College in Livonia! The conference will run from approximately 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, and will include breakfast and lunch. Post-conference training seminars will be offered on Wednesday afternoon. Watch the MSUG website for details!

WUSS Virtual Class: Utilizing National Healthcare Survey Data in Research and Analysis Using SAS

ShelleySessoms — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:29:34 GMT

Just $99! Register now.

Utilizing National Healthcare Survey Data in Research and Analysis Using SAS
Jay Iygengar
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

This course is intended for programmer\analysts and researchers in the public health domain who need to learn how to access and analyze healthcare survey data. Attendees will learn about the different types of national healthcare surveys, such as the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey), the NHIS (National Health Interview Survey), MCBS (Medicare Current Beneficiaries Survey) and the MEPS (Medical Expenditure Panel Survey). They’ll receive a background and explanation of the surveys and survey data sets. Attendees will also learn how to access, extract and analyze healthcare survey data sets. The course will include demonstrations using SAS to perform a series of tasks with the survey data.

WUSS Virtual Class: Next Gen AI for Biometrics: From Gen AI to Agentic Workflows and Vibe-Coding

ShelleySessoms — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:26:32 GMT

Just $99! Register now.

Next Generation AI for Biometrics: From Gen AI to Agentic Workflows and Vibe-Coding
Kevin Lee
Friday, April 17, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly evolving beyond simple chatbots into a new era of AI Agents, Agentic Workflows, and Vibe-Coding – where machines can reason, act, and collaborate like digital teammates.

In this hands-on training, we’ll explore how Generative AI (Gen AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Claude are transforming the Biometrics field – from automating data analysis and code generation to driving intelligent workflows and decision support.

You’ll learn how to harness these technologies to:

Build powerful prompt using Prompt Engineering (e.g. Zero Shot, Few Shot, Chain of Thought)
Enhance data exploration, visualization, and interpretation
Develop SAS, R, and Python programming using Gen AI
Translate legacy code across languages effortlessly
Build data-aware AI assistants that can query and explain datasets
Develop applications powered by Gen AI APIs, LangChain, and RAG
Design AI Agents that think and act autonomously within your workflow
Implement Agentic Workflows that connect tools, data, and reasoning chains
Explore Vibe-Coding, the next evolution of collaborative human-AI coding

We’ll also discuss risk management, data privacy, and ethical AI practices, ensuring your implementation is both powerful and compliant. By the end of this training, you’ll not only understand how Gen AI works — you’ll be ready to build, deploy, and scale AI-driven solutions in real-world Biometrics environments.

WUSS Virtual Class: SAS® Macro Magic for Beginners

ShelleySessoms — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:22:50 GMT

Just $99! Register now.

SAS® Macro Magic for Beginners
Kirk Paul Lafler
Thursday, April 9, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Learn to Write SAS Code That Works Smarter, Not Harder
This course introduces macro programming as a productivity tool, not a mystery language by stripping away the confusion and focusing on practical patterns beginners can use immediately. With guided examples and incremental exercises, you’ll learn how to construct macros that automate common tasks such as dataset creation, reporting, and repetitive analyses – perfect for business and analytics environments, and how macros can help you write code once and run it many times – saving effort, reducing errors, and improving consistency across projects.

Key Topics

Macro basics explained in plain language
The role of macros in scalable SAS programming
Creating reusable macro templates
Conditional macro logic for workflow control
Using macro parameters effectively
Macro loops for repetitive tasks
Debugging and testing macros

Learning Outcomes

Confidently read and write basic SAS macros
Design reusable SAS programs using macros
Apply looping and parameterization techniques
Improve code efficiency and consistency
Understand when macros add value – and when they don’t.

WUSS Virtual Class: ODS Workshop: The Output Delivery System from Beginning to End

ShelleySessoms — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:22:32 GMT

ODS Workshop: The Output Delivery System from Beginning to End

Instructor: Jay Iyengar
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pacific

Price $99.00

Register

This course will give attendees an introduction to the Output Delivery System (ODS) as a component of Base SAS, as well as covering intermediate and advanced ODS topics. Basic topics include ODS Destinations, ODS Statements, and ODS Styles. Intermediate and Advanced Topics include ODS Output Objects, Proc Template, ODS Graphics, and ODS SG Procedures. Examples will be presented using various SAS reporting procedures, such as Proc Report and Proc Tabulate. Demonstrations will be conducted using SAS On-Demand for Academics and SASHELP data sets. Attendees will receive a solid grasp and working knowledge of the output delivery system.

WUSS Virtual Class: R for SAS Programmers: SQL Processing

ShelleySessoms — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:20:08 GMT

R for SAS Programmers: SQL Processing

Instructor: Sunil Gupta
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pacific

Price $99.00

Register

In this workshop, you will learn about the Tidyverse package since it is a very powerful and a common R package for data management. You will learn about the DPLYR package since it simulates SQL type operations. We will focus on how to query data with select, drop and filter variables and records. In addition, you will learn how to derive new variables as well as how to stream R commands with piping.

While SAS programmers have the data step and Proc SQL, R programmers can leverage piping and DPLYR packages to streamline R functions for multiple SQL tasks. Once intermediate data frames are finalized, data frames can then be sorted, joined and appended together. Finally, summary variables and records can be created by overall or by group variables.

This workshop is hands-on and designed to increase your confidence to write error-free R syntax as well as review and confirm your results. This workshop is appropriate for beginner R programmers and for experienced R programmers who want structured R SQL learning.

WUSS Virtual Class: Asking Better Questions: The Art and Science of Survey Design

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:55:54 GMT

Asking Better Questions: The Art and Science of Survey Design

Instructor: Tasha Chapman
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pacific

Price $99.00

Register

Surveys are one of the most powerful tools for understanding customers, clients, and stakeholders, but only when they re designed well. In this class we'll take a break from coding and lean into the softer sciences, focusing on the human side of data: how people think, interpret, and respond to questions.

Drawing on human-centered design, behavioral insights, and proven survey methodology, you ll learn how to write clear, engaging questionnaires that produce reliable, meaningful insights. The concepts learned will apply in any context where your data comes directly from people, whether you re running a customer survey, gathering user stories, or facilitating lessons learned at the end of a project.

You'll explore how small wording and design choices can dramatically affect response rates, data quality, and trust in your results. By the end of the class, you ll be able to design surveys and other data-collection tools that produce insight-driven, decision-ready data.

This class is designed for anyone who uses data to gather feedback, measure perceptions, or inform decisions, including analysts and researchers, business and program staff, and product, policy, or customer experience teams.