2.0 THE EWRI STRUCTURE
2.1 MembershipMembership in EWRI is open to any individual or organization interested in advancing the objective of EWRI. Specific categories of membership and other criteria are presented below. One may enroll by calling ASCE Central at 1-800-548-ASCE (2723) or by electronic submission of the membership form available on the EWRI Website. ASCE members whose professional interests are aligned with those of EWRI are strongly encouraged to join by checking the EWRI Institute box on the ASCE annual dues forms.
Individual Membership
EWRI membership is not limited to civil engineers and includes hydrologists, biologists, academicians, researchers, attorneys, and other individuals involved in "wet and environmental" projects and research. Membership makes it possible to advance personal career goals as well as EWRI's vision and mission.Student Membership
Student membership is open to full-time students with an expressed interest in the environmental or water resources field of practice.Organizational Membership
Organizational membership is available for associations, government agencies, educational institutions, or corporations whose activities impact the environment and water resources fields of practice.ASCE/EWRI Membership
New and renewing ASCE members can opt to name EWRI as their primary institute during their ASCE membership enrollment period and will receive membership at no added cost. An additional annual fee of $20.00 will be charged if EWRI membership is selected at a level other than first choice.The dues structure for all membership categories are as listed in the ASCE Official Register and on the EWRI Website.
The EWRI structure, reflecting its management concepts and range of activities, is shown on the Organizational Chart in Appendix A. The chart also reflects the network of coordination between the EWRI GB, institutional and technical arms, and EWRI Staff. Only the EWRI GB can alter the structure of the organization
In addition to the Governing Board (GB), Executive Committees (ExCom) and councils, there are three kinds of committees. There are standing committees, task committees, and subcommittees (Shown in the chart below). The term standing committees is used throughout this document to refer to long-term technical and operations committees that report to a council.Most of the volunteer work within EWRI is accomplished through councils and committees. Standing committees normally report to councils, while task committees generally report to standing committees. However the GB, ExComs, and councils may setup task committees and/or Subcommittees for a special purpose. Details of these organizational entities are covered in Section 4.0.
The purpose of the Governing Board (GB) is to set policy and to provide strategic direction for EWRI. The GB, as described in the EWRI bylaws, consists of the following eight members:
Officers
- President (previous President-elect)
- President-elect (previous Vice President)
- Vice President (elected by EWRI Membership)
- Past President
- Treasurer (recommended by the EWRI President and approved by the EWRI GB)
Members
- Chair of Institute Operations Executive Committee (ExCom) (recommended by the Institute Operations ExCom and approved by the EWRI GB)
- Chair of Technical Coordination Executive Committee (ExCom) (recommended by the Technical Coordination ExCom and approved by the EWRI GB)
- ASCE Presidential Appointee
The duties, terms of office and procedures for electing and appointing the various members of the GB are explained in the EWRI Bylaws. The EWRI GB meets periodically and its meetings are open to all EWRI Members.
The EWRI Director serves as the GB Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.
The GB Committees are:
- Finance Committee
- Nominating Committee
- Past Presidents Committee
- Congress Committee
- Congress Committee
- Governing Documents Committee
The duties of these committees are described on the EWRI Website and in the ASCE Official Register.
2.5 Executive Committees (ExComs)
The ExComs are responsible for the coordination of EWRI activities through their respective councils and standing committees. Each ExCom Chair serves on the EWRI GB and is the liaison between the GB and the ExCom’s respective councils and standing committees.They are also responsible for advising the GB of technical or operations issues affecting EWRI. ExComs are responsible for establishing procedures to provide liaison and communication between the GB and the EWRI councils.
2.6 Councils and Standing Committees
There are two factors that distinguish EWRI councils from EWRI committees. Councils report directly to an ExCom. Standing committees generally do not report directly to an EXCOM, although an EXCOM is not precluded from establishing committees for limited, specific purposes, primarily of short duration. Councils deal with broad areas of activity and are constituted by the chairs of standing committees that report to them; standing committees are formed to deal with focused issues or a specific task.
2.6.1 Task Committees or Subcommittees
Councils/standing committees may appoint task committees and/or subcommittees (refer to Sections 4.1.4 and 4.1.5) to perform or carry out specific or focused activities or assignments. The appropriate ExCom should be informed whenever a task committee or subcommittee is formed or dissolved (refer to Section 4.6). Task committees or subcommittees should be dissolved by the council or standing committee that formed them when they have completed their assigned task. The travel of task committees can be funded whereas subcommittees travel is not funded.
Leadership of councils and standing committees is composed of core group members. The core group has continuing council/standing committee administrative responsibility. Core groups are defined in Section 4.3.
2.7 Relationship with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
For the Institutes, including EWRI, to grow and thrive, ASCE has ceded a measure of control to the Institute Boards of Governors, and this empowerment has enabled Institutes to focus on member needs and member value in their civil engineering specialty areas. For their part, the Institutes recognize and appreciate that they are a key part of ASCE’s financial health and stability. Institute activities, programs, products, and services generate a significant revenue stream. For this revenue stream to continue and to grow, ASCE and the Institutes act as partners to find the resources necessary to invest in both ongoing and new activities, programs, products, and services.
2.7.1 Institute Operating Procedures
The “ASCE - Institute Operating Procedures” document lays out implementing parameters that guide this relationship. The contents of this document are revisited at least every 5 years by a task committee appointed by the ASCE President.
2.7.2 Technical Region Directors
Collectively, the Institutes comprise the “Technical Region”. The Technical Region is represented on the ASCE BOD by two “Technical Region Directors”. The Technical Region Directors are members of the ASCE Board of Direction, thus ensuring that the Institutes have a voice and a vote in matters that affect the Institutes.
2.7.3 Technical Region Directors
Two members of each Institute’s Governing Board serve on the TRBG. EWRI is represented by the President and President-elect. If either or both cannot attend, alternate EWRI GB members attend in their place.
The TRBG normally meets face to face two or three times each year and holds conference calls as needed. It is chaired by the more senior of the two Technical Region Directors.
The TRBG does not have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the individual Institutes. It meets primarily to discuss matters of common interest; to share information; to interact with the ASCE leadership; to hear reports from and to share their thoughts with the Technical Region Directors; and to discharge responsibilities specifically assigned by the ASCE Leadership. More information about the TRBG can be found in the TRBG Bylaws.
2.7.4 Technical Region Nominating Committee
The primary duty of the Technical Region Nominating Committee is to nominate the ASCE/Institute members who stand for election to the ASCE Board as the Technical Region Directors. The Technical Region Nominating Committee also has the opportunity to nominate candidates to stand for election to the ASCE presidency and to provide input with respect to the candidates for ASCE At-large Directors.
Additional information about this process can be found in ASCE’s Rules of Policy and Procedure in the most recent version of the ASCE Official Register.
2.8 Relationship with the Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE)
The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE) is a subsidiary of ASCE. Members of EWRI founded the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE) in October 2004. The Academy was created primarily to offer a voluntary, post-license credential that provides professional engineers an opportunity to gain further recognition in the broad field of water resources engineering.
AAWRE's goal is dedicated to improving the practice, elevating the standards, and advancing the profession of water resources engineering by:
a. Identifying and certifying engineers with specialized knowledge in water resources for the benefit of the public; b. Recognizing the ethical practice of water resources engineering at the expert level; c. Enhancing the practice of water resources engineering; d. Supporting and promoting positions on water resources issues important to the public health, safety and welfare; and e. Encouraging life-long learning and continued professional development. The Academy has begun its challenge to try and meet these goals with the oversight of our voluntary, post-licensure, specialty certification program for water resources engineers.
Additional information can be found at http://www.aawre.org/index.cfm.
