Webb Institute
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{{Infobox_University |name = Webb Institute |image = Image:Webb Institute3.jpg |established = 1889 |type = Private |endowment = US $49,844,319 million |president = Rear Adm. Robert C. Olsen Jr. |undergrad = 76 |staff= 10 |city = Glen Cove |state = New York |country = USA |campus = Suburban, 25 acres/10 ha |free_label = Athletics |free = 12 varsity teams |nickname = Webbies |website= www.webb-institute.edu }} The Webb Institute is a specialized private college in Glen Cove, New York that has only one program, which is undergraduate. Each graduate of Webb Institute earns a Bachelor of Science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering.
History
The Webb Institute of Naval Architecture was founded in 1889 by industrialist William Henry Webb, who had established his career as a preeminent shipbuilder in the 19th century. He recognized the increasing role of science and engineering in the field of ship design, which had long been seen as more of an art form. Webb felt that the ship designers of tomorrow would need to be skilled in structural and mechanical engineering, and other scientific disciplines.
The school opened its original location in the Bronx, New York, in a building that Webb historians refer to as 'the Castle'. Under the direction of Webb himself, it served as an academy for budding naval architects, and as a retirement home for aged industry members, who frequently served as professors.
In 1947, the school relocated to its current location on Long Island. The site was a mansion formerly belonging to the Pratt family. The main building (circa 1912) was renovated, and the testing tank and gymnasium were constructed. The ground floor of Stevenson-Taylor Hall still features much of the original 1915-era decor. A library was added in the 1960s.
In 1978, Webb first allowed females to attend as students.
Webb Institute was used for the exterior shots of Wayne Manor in the 1995 film Batman Forever.
Webb Institute today
Webb is located in Glen Cove, New York in Nassau County. The school is in the suburbs of New York City, on a 26 acre (105,000 m²) beach front on the Long Island Sound.
An almost unique feature of Webb is that students are not charged tuition, thanks to an endowment from its founder. Students must pay for other costs, such as room and board, books, and various fees. The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded after four years of "total immersion" study, which includes internship periods in the maritime industry, including time in shipyards and aboard merchant vessels.
Requirements for student admission include having US citizenship or permanent residence, and being unmarried. The admissions process requires strong scores on the SAT I and II tests (ACT is accepted). An early decision admission process is available.
The student body typically numbers around 80, with 20% being female. As with many engineering programs, the student population is not particularly diverse; however, ethnicity is neither a reason nor a barrier from attendance at Webb. The school is atypical in that due to its small size, the professors rotate to each classroom. The main building houses both dorms and classrooms (one per 4 year position). All students are required to live on campus for all four years.
Webb currently has 10 full-time faculty members, and no teaching assistants (TA's). Student access to professors is superb; students are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from faculty, who routinely make themselves available at most hours. Adjunct faculty from local colleges teach some humanities courses at Webb.
The student body adheres to an Honor Code, which prohibits lying, cheating, and stealing. The Student Organization administers the Honor Code, operates the student treasury, oversees social activities, and serves as liaison between students and the school administration.
Students have many options for recreation during their studies, if time permits. The school has its own yacht club, automotive workshop, and English pub. Intercollegiate sports include sailing, tennis, soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and basketball. New York City is only an hour away on the Long Island Rail Road. There are many student-led activity clubs on campus as well, both sporting and intellectual.
The centerpiece of Webb's academic facilities is the 90-foot-long model towing basin, which is frequently used by students and faculty alike for experiments and research. Webb Institute has its own physics and chemistry laboratories, an extensive library, an engineering lab for mechanical and electrical experiments, a carpentry shop, and a machine shop. Students have round-the-clock access to these facilities.
Academically, the course is intense. Students spend 5 hours a day in lecture, and can spend 10 hours a day studying. There is a mandatory internship period from January through February each year, where students seek positions in the maritime industry, including shipyards, design offices, and aboard merchant vessels. All seniors are required to complete a senior thesis on a topic of their choice. Seniors are strongly encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, in which they usually perform exceptionally well.
About 75% of incoming students make it to graduation. Many graduates establish careers in the maritime industry, with nearly 100% job placement. It is not unusual for graduates to forge careers in other engineering fields, or to find success in finance or law. About a third of each graduating class goes on to pursue an advanced degree. Webb has a very active alumni association which supports graduates, fosters a thriving social network, and maintains an alumni fund. The alumni giving rate is over 70%, one of the highest rates in the United States.
Webb Institute has been highly rated by Princeton Review in the category of specialty engineering colleges.