Job Discussion Forums

Grendel · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Middle East

Because nothing at HCT is very transparent, people gossip more. Figuring out what will happen next is a lot like old style Kremlinology: what does it mean that one big man is now not standing next to the small man? It�s sad, of course.

The gossip about the cuts has stayed pretty consistent, though; speculation about why gets wilder. Abrupt change has been the rule since management was completely taken over by nationals, so people worry more.

As for housing cuts, the story (for those of you who might care) is there will be a new package next year: teachers will get one lump sum to pay for everything, including housing; but if you do the math, I�m told, what people used to get for housing will be 20% less.

HCT is increasingly becoming a Wal-Mart for education. It won�t collapse the way MLI did. But it�s less likely (if it ever has been) to be a worthwhile place to work.

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

Management has been taken over by locals? You mean at the VC level? Howard Reed is still director at Dubai Women's, and westerners there are still among the supervisors. I don't know about the other colleges.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Yes... how many Directors are locals? How many Deans are locals? How many supervisors are locals? How about the Chancellor? Are there Vice-Chancellors now?

HCT is merely following the rest of the employers cutting benefits...

VS
(amazing ole Howie is still there after all these years...)

Tuttifruitti · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 75

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

So, only the 2 very top positions are local? It sounds to me then that it is still run by the expats...

VS

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

I do know that the second in command at Dubai Women's is an Arab woman. A glance at the DWC web site faculty link will confirm that.

Shakhbut · Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 167

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Based on the history... I'd bet that the job is HRs for as long as he wants it... Laughing

VS

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

No doubt! He is a personal close friend of Sheikh Nayan, the higher-ed minister. Not that he is a mere crony. Howard knows how to kick *** and take names!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

But he has mellowed through the years and no longer axes numerous people annually for trivialities as he did during the early 90's. Cool

It has been a few years since there have been major complaints about his branch here.

VS

ckhl · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 214 Location: SE Asia

Grendel is scaremongering. Even if the housing policy changes, I have been informed by the local HR that HCT will have to find suitable accomodation for those who choose not find it themselves. And it's a fait accompli that they will have to raise the budget for housing allowances. It seems to me that those who are smarting are those who think a sumptuous villa is an entitlement.