Job Discussion Forums

[Justice_Seeker]

Some readers (and even some moderators) may be tired of this "ADU" repetition. For the more seasoned readers of this forum, this thread may come across as another case of sour grapes.

Further could be from the truth. ADU (Abu Dhabi University) is by far the most dispicable place to work for in the Gulf. I applaud Dave's cafe in providing this medum of expression. In the Middle East it is the only effective forum to expose the truth. It is my sincere wish that others will reply to this thread - in a manner that adds value to the discussion.

[Saffron]

I think that more than "justice" (too late for many now), more than "rage" (or rather, the insulting outrage that ADU is), this space of the job discussion forum allows teachers to inform other colleageus of certain realities which are dangerous.

ADU is not only an insane, non-existent institution (exsiting in virtual reality and in highly-paid for brochures but NOT in the dimensions we mortals inhabibt - i.e., the 3 dimensional world), ADU is also vicious, insulting and dangerous.

The levels of incompetency and insult have already been referred to in other threads.

The degree of viciousness is not easy to describe - it is not a question of pettiness - NO. A great deal more than that. And readers need to be alerted that I am referring to the group of gangsters known as the "management". As for the squabbles among the younger teachers.....well.....what can be said? Some teachers, needing to put food on their family tables, do let the students walk around in classes, use their mobiles, cheat, smoke and eat in class and anything else that these students wish to do; the teachers need to receive their salaries and the management wants these students' fees. Anything resembling education is a mere fiction at ADU.

Now, all this is well known. What is not so well known, is that ADU is now sending out its hoodlums to threaten teachers. Again, this is nothing to be scocked at - ADU has lied consistently to bring highly qualified staff to bu Dhabi; ADU has lied consistently about their blunders and incompetency during these months that it has been in operation; the lies and incompetency affect both the staff in Al Ain and in Abu Dhabi.

However, going from ransacking teacher's cubicles and computers to sending gangsters to teachers' personal living quarters, is quite a step. Even in the Gulf.

As for Human Resources, the man in charge is no more than a brainless buffoon. Edited by Mr. Kalgukshi 04-13-04 now sees no other way to interact with teachers other than furthering insults with threats. And the continuation of ADU's total lack of accountability.

Dave's ESL cafe was set up for teachers and is a main reference for professionals around the world. I am not interested in petty "revenge" or anything similar - I am busy enough in life. However, knowing the utter, absimal realities of ADU, knowing that this is NOT standard behaviour in the Gulf, I think that teachers need to be aware and understand what they may get themselves into. Teachers will be abused by ADU at all levels and be left in heavy debt as ADU neither pays for work carried out nor will pay what it owes.

Yes, there are laws and legal rights in the UAE. However, the take time - a lot of time. And time is not a luxury for teachers who have been stung by ADU can afford. There are other more pressing matters. Besides, in the lands of shifting sands, there are few guarantees other than mounting bills.

Yes, ADU has broken many local laws at several levels. And NO. New comers can do little.

Hence it is only logical that what ADU is, should be public knowledge. It is already public local knowledge.

Edited by Mr. Kalgukshi 04-13-04

My apologies to this forum and colleagues. What has happened, is happening at ADU is beyond expressions of disgust and dignity. Teachers need to be aware of this.

[veiledsentiments]

Well,

I don't know what Dave's policy would be in this situation, but I do think that 3 threads saying the same thing is going --- a bit over the top?

If we really want to warn teachers away from this place, I feel that it is better to have all the information in one thread. Then, those of you who may be there can keep posting regularly to keep the thread up to date as to what is happening and near the top so that no one missed it.

Remember this is the 'United Arab Emirates' section, not just the 'AUD' section. There are many educational institutions in the Emirates that people are interested in. ADU probably holds the position as the worst of the lot at the moment with MLI pulling closer by the moment --- but ---

Don't you think that would be more informative and helpful for everyone?

VS

[Saffron]

VS is absolutely right! And yes, there IS a whole lot more going on in many interesting ways in the UAE than the sordidness of ADU.

As a contributor to the ADU threads, I can only hope that professionals have a look at the place, read these threads and then ... well, turn away and find a decent institution to work at.

VS? Thanks for your insights!

Saffron

[Justice_Seeker]

I also agree. One thread - regularly updated - is sufficient.

Lets make this thread the place to post experiences.

As for ADU - the owner's of this institution still have small window of opportunity to "fix things". It really is very simple - get rid of the current administration (President et al) or risk becoming a national embarrassment.

[veiledsentiments]

Hi all,

Good idea to keep this thread for the updates. But, there is a lot of good detail in the two other threads.

So, anyone who is new to the board and Emirates job searching - if you are still considering a job at ADU, don't send off your CV until you have gone back and read the two other ADU threads.

And, I await updates from those of you there with any news of changes to the current unacceptable status quo.

VS

[Justice_Seeker]

It is rumoured that infamous (evil) VP of ADU has been relieved of his role at the University. If true, this will go a long way to restoring some sanity to the university. Lets hope its not "too little too late".

[Cleopatra]

As usual, I agree with VS - enough already!

One post on ADU was both neccessary and appreciated - however, 3 is a bit much, however appalling the institution.

[Justice_Seeker]

Thank you Cleopatra - that is precisely what we intend to do (maintain one thread - not three).

The current status quo at ADU is:

* Faculty ranks diminished (people with other options and / or had enough have departed en mass)

* Student ranks even more diminished

* Managed Ogres still AROUND!

It just goes to show that neither common sense nor a profit motive prevail at this "private" institution. But then - this is an oil rich Emirate.

[scot47]

"Justice" ? In the Middle East ?

What about asking all these Indian, Pakistani, and Philipino labourers about justice ? After seeing how they are treated do you expect the rules will be different for you ?

If you are upset by the way you are treated then just leave.

This is not California or New England.

[veiledsentiments]

Now Scot --- don't beat up on the poor fellow.

Since this place is hiring or rather trying to hire people, we do want to have regular updates on what is happening there.

If nothing else, to keep the information up so that any applicants see it and avoid falling into the trap.

VS

[Justice_Seeker]

Thank you for the support Veiled Sentiments.

I am not discouraged by posts such as SCOT47's. In fact I am a veteran of the Gulf and have worked in several institutions both in the UAE and elsewhere. As for California or New England, I have been to neither place so I cannot make comparisons. Certainly - I will not "leave" because I find it intolerable. That would be the easy way out. I agree that there are many nationalities that suffer in the UAE but that does not make it "right".

ADU is bad by UAE and gulf standards. My efforts (and those of other insiders) in posting on this forum is to provide up to date information on the running of the university that may be useful to other professionals considering a job offer here. In a small way this may even encourage the owners of ADU to take a good hard look at the people they have installed as "managers". I will continue to post regular updates of interest (good and bad) as they occur.

[Check out the job information journal (UAE). There is a new posting there that succinctly summarizes the discussions on ADU in this forum.]

[Albulbul]

Rather than play the role of Arthur Scargill would it not be better to find a job with an institution where you are better trreated ?

Reasonable employers do exist in the Gulf.

[Bindair Dundat]

[Albulbul]

Reasonable
employers ? ---------------------------------------------------

In KSA, kfupm and IPA. and according to many, JIC.

IN UAE, UGRU

There are probably others. Personally I would not consider any of the employers who work with the military.