Job Discussion Forums

[NASA]

I'd like to get some things straight. If I have finished my contract and fulfilled all my obligations, can I get a NOC to move to another school?
What exactly is required to do this? I have asked around and have been given conflicting information. I've heard that some teachers where I work have been prevented from moving to another school because it is 'the competition'. I don't get this because our students don't have to pay fees. One teacher who applied to a 'rival' institution last year was given a very bad reference after a job offer had been made. The 'rival' institution made an offer and they were in the middle of negotiating terms when a call was made to our boss. The boss didn't like the teacher and having the power to do so, gave the 'rival' a false report. So the teacher was blackballed and left in a state of shock. This was definitely a personal act of revenge because everyone knew how good the teacher was. However, there were conflicts. My question is, can a boss be allowed to use personal conflicts to avoid giving a NOC? I have been told that this is not legal but I can't find any information on this.

[wilberforce]

Theoretically schools are not supposed to block teachers from moving to another school. Unfortunately, there are some people out there who like to play the power game and mastermind people's careers and futures. The mentality of these people is beneath contempt. So far most of the people at the Gulag who have asked for a NOC have been given it as far as I know. The one guy who didn't get one (in recent memory) was violent so that explains that. The person who used to run the Gulag, good old Malachy could hate your guts but he never refused you a NOC. In fact, he quite cheerfully handed out the NOCs and wished people luck. He didn't bear a grudge which seems to be the problem with most of these people who try to prevent you from transferring somewhere else. What a guy. Never a dull day with Malachy at the helm.

[mesquite]

A similar scenario was enacted at ABP last spring. An instructor from a 'rival' institution whose contract was about to end was being considered for a position which involved an important project we were about to embark on. (still on hold). The negotiations were underway and things looked good. One of the staff knew this teacher in another place and mentioned that the person was an extraordinary teacher. Our boss and the instructor had got to the point of discussing salaries and conditions.

At some point one boss contacted the other - who contacted whom? Nobody knows. Anyhow, apparently the prospective instructor's boss deliberately misinformed our boss about the teacher which lead to the job offer being withdrawn. The candidate had been the head of an important project at the other university (the same project we are supposed to be doing) but the boss was not too happy about the instructor coming to ABP and maybe sharing information about the project. A shame because the project might be properly underway by now. At least at QF you can freely move from one university to another. So far I've never heard of anyone being prevented from getting a NOC to another QF institution. So we lost out because the other boss played the NOC power game. Small minds need to do things like this in order to feel big.

[veiledsentiments]

That story didn't appear to have anything to do with an NOC. The current employer gave a bad reference and the new job offer was withdrawn, so an NOC had become moot.

Bad references from current employers are always a risk in every job everywhere... which is the reason to try to avoid burning bridges. I have one friend whose boss in Egypt didn't want her to resign, so he told the people doing the security clearance in the Gulf that she was a spy for the Mossad. She was savvy enough to use what wasta she had to get it fixed and still got the new job.

VS

[millie18]

The basic challenge for those finishing contracts and leaving the country is that they are "automatically" banned from returning for 2 years (although there is a rumor this is being upped to 5 years) so even if you want to return to Doha for a visit you need an NOC in order to do so. That's what the HR dept at CNA-Q says anyways.

So even if you don't have the problem getting a good reference, the NOC can be used as a club if someone in the administration chooses to wield it.

[veiledsentiments]

[NASA]

You're right. Employers are using the NOC as a club. I will wait and see. My contract renewal is in April but I won't be renewing. If I get the NOC to go to another school (there are 2 new schools opening in September) that will be fine. If not, I have an offer in another country.

[wilberforce]

Too bad you didn't get your NOC NASA. Your principal is probably jealous of all the nubile young things she employs so she has to punish you guys for your good looks and intelligence. That's the way I hear it from some of my gal pals at the Indie schools.