Linking water leaders of today,
developing water leaders of tomorrow
The Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) was founded in 1964 as an expansion of the Universities Council on Hydrology. UCOWR is a consortium of academic institutions and affiliates invested in water resources research, education, and outreach. Our inclusive organization values membership from research universities, undergraduate institutions, tribal colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and Hispanic-serving institutions.
UCOWR News & Announcements
AIH Fundamental Exam Opportunity for Students & Early-Career Professionals
September 7, 2026 – General
Are you a student or early‑career professional in hydrology or a related field? Read on to learn more about an opportunity regarding the AIH Fundamental Exam and the Hydrologist‑in‑Training (HIT) certification. From September through December 2026, qualified applicants can take the AIH Fundamental Exam with no upfront exam or application fees. If they pass the […]
UCOWR National Water Webinar: An Overview of PFAS Transport in the Environment, Challenges, and Management Strategies By Dr. Faith Kibuye
September 1, 2026 – Events
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY and UNIVERSITIES COUNCIL ON WATER RESOURCES present: An Overview of PFAS Transport in the Environment, Challenges, and Management Strategies by Dr. Faith Kibuye Extension Program Specialist Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management The Pennsylvania State University Date: Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 Time: 12pm – 1pm central time Location: […]
West Texas A&M invites applications for faculty and department head appointments.
March 19, 2026 – Jobs
Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences West Texas A&M University, a Member of The Texas A&M University System, invites applications for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences. The position is a twelve-month, tenured position that reports to the Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture […]
UCOWR President 2026-2027
Ginger Paige – UCOWR 2026-2027 Board President
A warm welcome to our 2026–2027 UCOWR Board President, Dr. Ginger Paige! Ginger, a watershed hydrologist, is a Professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and Water Resources Specialist for Extension at the University of Wyoming. She has served on the UCOWR Board of Directors since 2020 and was Conference Chair for our 2023 conference in Fort Collins, Colorado. We’re excited to welcome Ginger into this leadership role and look forward to all she will contribute to UCOWR in the coming year!
In the Spotlight
Dr. Marcelo Garcia—University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Marcelo Garcia received our 2026 Warren A. Hall Medal, UCOWR's prestigious lifetime achievement award at the 2026 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference in San Antonio, TX.
UCOWR Membership
Membership Benefits Include:
- Reduced publication fees and access to the Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, the only peer-reviewed water resource journal focused on applied research, policy, education, and extension.
- Discounts for our dynamic UCOWR/NIWR Annual Conference featuring career development, skill building, and research exposure.
- Connection to a growing network of over 65 institutions nationwide who are leading the way in water research, education, and policy.
- Opportunity to serve as a UCOWR delegate and have a voice in the governance of UCOWR (1 lead delegate and up to 9 additional voting delegates).
- Eligibility to make nominations for UCOWR Board of Directors.
- Eligibility to make nominations for annual UCOWR Awards.
- Opportunity to be recognized for outstanding career achievements through our prestigious annual awards and scholarships.
- Advertisement of graduate assistantships and other student opportunities via our website.
Membership can be purchased in four levels:
- Annual: $600
- Two years: $1150
- Three Years: $1650
- Permanent: $12,000
Membership is based on the fiscal year: July 1 – June 30.
For additional information, call UCOWR at (618) 536-7571 or email ucowr@siu.edu.
Academic Institution Membership
Membership Benefits Include:
- Reduced publication fees and access to the Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, the only peer-reviewed water resource journal focused on applied research, policy, education, and extension.
- Discount on registration fee for our dynamic UCOWR/NIWR Annual Conference featuring career development, skill building, and research exposure for all your organization’s staff.
- Connection to a growing network of over 65 institutions nationwide who are leading the way in water research, education, and policy.
- Opportunity to be recognized for outstanding career achievements through our prestigious annual awards and scholarships.
Membership rates:
Small Organizations (1–99 employees):
- Annual: $600
- 2-years: $1150
- 3-years: $1650
Medium Organizations (100–999 employees):
- Annual: $1350
- 2-years: $2600
- 3-years: $3750
Large Organizations (1000–9999 employees):
- Annual: $2700
- 2-years: $5200
- 3-years: $7500
Very Large Organizations (10000+ employees):
- Annual: $5400
- 2-years: $10400
- 3-years: $15000
Membership is based on the July 1 – June 30 fiscal year.
For additional information call UCOWR at 618-536-7571 or email ucowr@siu.edu.
Membership Benefits Include:
- Reduced publication fees and access to the Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, the only peer-reviewed water resource journal focused on applied research, policy, education, and extension.
- Discount on registration fee for our dynamic UCOWR/NIWR Annual Conference featuring career development, skill building, and research exposure.
- Connection to a growing network of over 65 institutions nationwide who are leading the way in water research, education, and policy.
- Opportunity to be recognized for outstanding career achievements through our prestigious annual awards and scholarships.
Individual Membership Dues
- Domestic: $135
- Foreign: $165
Membership Benefits Include:
- Establishing a connection to a growing network of over 65 institutions nationwide who are leading the way in water research, education, and policy.
- The opportunity to be recognized for achievements through our annual PhD Dissertation, student poster competition, and oral presentation awards.
- A subscription to the electronic UCOWR Student Digest, created by students for students, to provide information on events, awards competitions, new research, and position postings.
- Student focused activities at our yearly UCOWR conference including:
– Mentor/mentee pairings and meet ups
– Student mixers
– Career panel for students and young professionals
Membership is free to all current undergraduate and graduate students. Yearly student membership runs from August 1 – September 30, but you can join at any time.
Click here to learn more and submit your student membership application form today!
For additional information call UCOWR at 618-536-7571 or email ucowr@siu.edu.
