Editing UP College of Engineering (section)

=== New Degree Programs ===

The need for more engineers and the paucity of students taking up engineering despite the free tuition, made it advisable to offer further inducement by shortening the course. The President of the University recommended this step in his annual reports. Accordingly, in 1914-1915, the preparatory engineering course was made optional but it was recommended in the announcements that those who could afford its inclusion should take it. From that year on, high school graduates accredited in solid geometry could enter the College without the two years of college preparatory formerly required, and at the end of four years these students could graduate with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. The completion of a one-year prescribed post graduate course led to the degree of Master of Civil Engineering.

As a result of this curriculum innovation, 46 students registered in the first year (1914-1915) regular course and 13 in the first year preparatory engineering course. On the commencement day of 1915, two students graduated with the degree of Civil Engineer. Dean Wrentmore recommended the institution of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering courses in keeping with the industrial development of the country; it would not appreciably increase the operating expenses of the college.

Accordingly, the Board of Regents approved on January 10, 1916, the curricula leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mining Engineering. Additional one year of study led to the degree of Master of Science in the respective fields. Announcements were made for opening these courses at the start of the academic year 1916-1917. Professor H.W. Reynolds was made head of the departments of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.

Mr. Mariano Salas was appointed instructor in the same department. Substantial appropriations were earmarked for laboratory equipment to augment the engines and motors that were installed in 1915. A one-story reinforced concrete building was constructed facing Calle Florida. It was designed similarly with the building that housed the chemistry laboratory along the same street. In this new building were the offices of the mechanical and electrical engineering departments. It also contained the laboratory facilities: a steam boiler, two steam engines, a gasoline engine, a crude oil engine, direct current and alternating current motors, generators, transformers and testing apparatuses. In the hydraulics laboratory, there were equipment for testing the flow of water and other fluids in pipes and open channels, through orifices and wires; also for testing of water meters, pumps and hydraulic motors. However, classes in wood working and machine shop were held at the School of Arts and Trades along Ayala Blvd.

In 1916, Professor Driggs was authorized to retire, while Professor Magsaysay transferred to the Bureau of Public Works. However, Professor Driggs was prevailed to stay until July 15, 1918. Mr. Fernando dela Cantera replaced Prof. Magsaysay with the appointment of Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering. Additions to the faculty in 1918 were Hermenegildo B. Reyes, a Cornell University graduate in electrical engineering, who was appointed Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Messrs. Justo Arrastia and Prudencio Esquivel were appointed instructors in drawing.

In April 1919, Dean Clarence Wrentmore retired which left vacant the deanship and head of the Department of Civil Engineering. Wrentmore was connected with the College during the formative years (1912-1919) and accomplished much for the College. He was succeeded to the deanship by a member of the faculty who proved equal to the task of continuing the work so far accomplished - Professor Herman W. Reynolds was appointed Dean beginning the academic year 1919-1920.

Dean Wrentmore's retirement, and the increase in enrollment called for faculty reinforcement and Professors E.L. Driggs and Ambrosio Magsaysay were reappointed. Also, Mr. Ramon Mariano was appointed Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mr. Jose Dans instructor in surveying. Also, practicing, engineers were engaged as professional lecturers: G.G. Strobe, Jose Paez, Marcial Kasilag and Abraham Gideon. In 1920, the Departments of Mathematics and Physics ceased to be under the College.

The enrollment in 1920-1921 totaled one hundred and ninety five. This necessitated the construction of additional classrooms, the purchase of equipment and the hiring of new faculty members. Appointed were Messrs. Mariano F. Manguerra, Edward R. Hyde and Alex R. Webb who was named acting head of the department of civil engineering. E.R. Hyde later in 1921 assumed the headship of the department.

Additions to the faculty at the start of the academic year 1921-1922 were: Messrs. Felipe Roman, Leo S. Eaton and Lloyd Miller, all of Mechanical Engineering; and Mr. Teofilo Reyes for Civil Engineering.