(Group Photo:  AY2012-2013)

 

(Left to Right)  Colin Kikuchi, President; Timothy Bayley, Vice President; Jenna Shelton, Treasurer; Bobby Chrisman, Social Chair; ...., Undergrduate Respresentative; Dr. Tom Meixner, Professor and Faculty Advisor.

 

The Hydrology and Water Resources Student Association (HWRSA) is the primary student-run organization of the HWR department.  HWRSA strives to bring together students, faculty, and water resource professionals.  By planning and promoting events, we work to encourage the professional and social development of students within the department and prepare students for successful careers in the field of hydrology.  Student officers serve for one year, and new officers are elected every year.  Refer to the History of Officers webpage for current and past office holders.

SUDS are informal gatherings organized by HWRSA to encourage students and faculty to socialize in a more relaxed seting.  These events are usually held monthly throughout the semester.  Typically, we meet at one of the local restaurants or pubs along University Boulevard, just off campus, but be sure to check the Calendar for the location each month.  SUDS are a great time to network with the faculty, other students, and during sponsored events, with professionals in the industry.  As an added bonus, when funding will allow, HWRSA will pick up the tab for the first round--but you have to come early.

Weekly throughout the semester, the HWR department hosts guest lecturers who provide insight into a variety of interesting topics related to the growing field of hydrology and water resources.  The speakers range from professionals in the industry, professors from schools around the country to hydrology faculty, UA department heads, and even the president of the University of Arizona.  Lectures are at 4:00 pm on Wednesdays most weeks (check the Wednesday Weekly Colloquium Schedule for details).  HWRSA provides munchies and drinks at about 3:45 pm just before the lecture begins.

To make sure our students take a break from studying every once in a while, HWRSA plans events throughout the semester.  Some of the activities for this year will include picnics with softball or kickball, hiking, and laser tag.  Because faculty are invited to most events, this also helps foster relationships between students and faculty outside the classroom.  Check the Calendar for the next activity!

HWRSA works with the department to organize the annual student research symposium, El Dia del Agua.  This day of water showcases our graduate and undergraduate student research projects with oral and poster presentations.  All current and prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend this event to learn about innovative and exciting research.  This is a great event for students to interact with faculty and professionals in the hydrology community.  The best presenters of the day are rewarded for best student oral and poster presentations with monetary awards!

Annually, HWRSA collects photos from students, faculty, and staff within the department to produce a 12-month calendar.  The spectacular images are showcased in two versions:  a desktop calendar and a wall calendar.  The proceeds from the sale of calendars benefit HWRSA and help fund SUDS events.

 

We also do fundraising through the sale of specially designed T-shirts, water bottles, and pub glasses.  Contact one of our officers--Colin, Tim, Jenna, or Bobby--to learn how to purchase these items.

HWRSA officers attend departmental meetings with faculty and are able to voice student concerns to the department administration.  By bridging the gap between the students and staff, HWRSA is able to help ensure that the student experience is the best that it can be in the Department of Hydrology and Water Resources.  If you have any comments or suggestions that you think we should hear, please let us know at uahwrsa@gmail.com.

HWRSA organizes philanthropy events each semester that are open to all hydrology students to provide a way for students to give back to the community.  Some events planned for this year include Carry 5, Math Science Technology Fun Fest, Water for People, and Habitat for Humanity.

HWRSA welcomes any questions that prospective students have about the University of Arizona and the Department of Hydrology and Water Resources.  We can share insights about the classes, faculty, and the campus environment.  Just email uahwrsa@gmail.com if you plan to visit campus.  We are available to show you around the department and the campus while you are meeting potential advisors.  The best time to visit campus is in March during El Dia del Agua so that you can get a full view of the research and projects students and faculty are working on.

HWRSA sponsors the student-selected Aqua Person Awards every spring.  These awards honor the best junior and senior faculty instructors in the department.  HWRSA announces the voting competition to all eligible students in February and is responsible for processing all e-ballots and determining the winners.  The awards statues of Aqua Man or Aqua Woman are presented to the winners during the closing ceremony of El Dia del Agua in March. 

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