Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

So what is the story about this place ? I mean UGRU. Is it cool ?

Gnocchiman · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 68 Location: Limbo

Yes, it's still a good place to work as far as Gulf institutions are concerned. It has its ups and downs but currently it's in an up phase. Some of the coordinators are wacky but that serves to give the program more flavor for me. The recent 25% pay rise has boosted most people's spirits as has the exodus of almost all the Canadians (the ones who remain are very cool though. I respect them for making an intelligent life choice). I am optimistic about UGRU's future. Good people, solid programs, very "cool" indeed.

smedini · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 178

Gnocchiman · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 68 Location: Limbo

Canadians aren't hated in Al Ain. The story is that a large number of Canadians left UGRU 2 years ago for sandier pastures in Qatar. They were a pretty sour group of people and things lightened up considerably after their departure. The Canadians who remain are awesome and I call many of them friends. To get back to the original topic: UGRU is a cool place to work again. It's in an up phase. The pay is up and the Canadian population down. Gotta wear me sunnies 'cause the future is so bright! Cool

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

Hey gnocchi... long time, no see... glad to hear that things are going OK at UAEU. So the rumors of the demise of English teaching at the university have proven wrong?

Of course, here on Dave's we figure no news is good news. If we don't have a bunch here complaining, things must be OK.

VS

Iamherebecause · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:58 am Post subject: Is UGRU cool?

There are cool people but I'm not sure it makes the place cool. Arcane testing system, students' achievements wildly overestimated, highly procedural. 25% payrise was a nice fillip but as everyone got 25% it served to increase differentials between recent hires (on a higher wage) and those who've been there a long time (some of whom are the worst paid).

To be recommended? Well, UGRU teachers don't complain nearly as much on this forum as HCT teachers do. So either they are too scared to let out a peep, or things are definitely better. I suspect the latter. Holidays tend to be longer, hours on campus shorter than for HCT. It gets harder to work out which pays more - used to be HCT but am no longer sure.

And UGRU/UAEU is in Al Ain, unless you get told at zero notice to teach the police in Abu Dhabi (unlikely but it has happened) then you know you will be in Al Ain - unlike HCT which can send you where it wants. Al Ain is OK: the schools are not great, true, but the town's a manageable size, traffic is not a big problem,and it's easy to get away - Dubai or Au Dhabi if that's your idea of fun, but also the mountains and coast of Oman.

ardiles81 · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 71

One of the fine things about UGRU is the way that you are treated as an adult and left to get on with your job. Basic management really. Something which HCT could learn from. No interference from the coordinators at any of the levels I have worked at over the years and none of the over officious nonsense of HCT.

The people are friendly and if you do not take the job too seriously (the students are generally not what in the west would be considered University material) you will have a good time.

Accommodation is a general complaint but if you are childless or only have one then it will be fine. As for the Canadians, they are a fine bunch to me ... far more going for them than say the lovers of feral cats which infest the place.

arabantics · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

Management do interfere all the time. Mediocrity is UGRU's watchword. If you take pride in your work and want a positive work environment then do not sign on. Also HR is under temporary management and is a train wreck right now. Things have gone downhill very swiftly in the last few years at UGRU. Probably something to do with those at the top spending more time talking to each other in the hallways and plotting than contributing to the running of the place. If you enjoy nice facilities don't sign on either. Most of the classrooms on both campuses are falling down around our ears.

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

I completely agree with ardiles 81.

Instructors are really left alone, they are treated as adults and management won't interfere unless something is terribly wrong!

I find the co-ordiators to be wonderful at UGRU. They are organized, professional, and highly competent. It is very pleasant working with them.

Amongst my group of friends at UGRU, I often hear people say how this is the nicest job they have ever had. Many instructors also talk a lot about how lucky they are to live in Al Ain and to work for who we work for. I have to agree. The more I learn and the more teachers / instructors I meet who are working for various employers, I feel more and more relieved that I am working at UGRU and living in Al Ain.

Naturally, noplace is perfect and there are some folks who are less than happy with working at UGRU. But overall, I have to say that UGRU has got to be one of the best teaching gigs in the Gulf, and I feel fortunate to work there. Very Happy

Iamherebecause · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:38 am Post subject: UGRU

At least they don't make you go to as many meetings as they do at HCT (see any thread about HCT passim). But Arabantics makes some interesting comments.

Gnocchiman · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 68 Location: Limbo

lall · Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Posts: 358

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

Gnocchiman is totally right. UGRU has a very positive work environment and it is a very happy place to work at indeed!

I do have to say that I would love more technology in the classrooms, and I am looking forward to the new campus for that. Hopefully the new classrooms will be ready by the Fall as originally planned!

arabantics · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

Most of the pro UGRU comments above are not the general sentiment of the staff. Just spend some time in any staffroom here and the negativity will blow you away. Unfortunately, most teachers are so afraid of losing their jobs that they do not post here. Its a shame as the ridiculous comments above are most certainly not a true reflection of what goes on here. As for all the disgruntled employees leaving I am wondering if they are referring to the 60 or so in 2006 or the 45 odd in 2007. If 1/3 of your faculty leaves I think that says something about the place. Those who remain do so because of financial committments or the so called lifestyle....but that does not mean that they are happy. By all means come to UGRU if you want to but for God's sake never, ever voice your opinion or give constructive criticism or you will be tossed out. Oh and its Ok to do the minimum of prep and read novels in your classroom as I know teachers who routinely do this but are still savvy enough to get good evaluations (these must be the dedicated professionals described above).

arabantics · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

And Scot47 if you think I am too negative and bitter and jaded (and God yes I am!) then perhaps have a look at Iamherebecause's posts. I think this particular poster has a more balanced view and is correct in stating that whatever the problems are at UGRU it seems to be a better place than HCT.