Job Discussion Forums

[Abunice]

I'm considering to apply for a job at UGRU, but have heard bizarre stories about the turnover rate in some sections, the work environment and the housing. I realize that no job is perfect, but can anybody provide a clearer picture of the morale and conditions currently?

[nowasta]

Rumour has it that a bunch of people were recently let go (30-40??). I am also curious about this as I haven't heard from anyone there specifically.

[Abunice]

A friend who works there told me that a lot of Maths teachers were let go. One Maths teacher apparently was told to sign his renewal letter on a Tuesday. When he went to sign, he was told his letter had been misplaced and that he should check back later. When he checked back on early Wednesday afternoon, the next day, he was told he was too late. So, instead he had a termination letter.

[tefllifer]

Rumours really get out of hand over here in the Middle East.
Last year at UAE the Arabic section was more or less dissolved with no warning for teachers. This year, some Math teachers were terminated - not sure what the rationale was - was it nationality or non-cooperation or what - not sure. In the Eng (and I use this as an umbrella term) dept a few, less than one hand's worth were not renewed - but when you consider that there are now probably 160 or more teachers there, this is not a great percentage.
Housing varies at UAEU - but usually singles/couples w/out kids would get a 2 bed, 2 bath appt., and a family would get a larger place - standard generally good - maintenanace problems, maybe, but hey, what's new.
Work environment - what do you mean - lots of great people work at UAEU - admin is often beyond the control of the UGRU-based coordinators - long hols, good money - good benefits - some BS - but hey what's new again!
Job satisfaction - well that depends on you and how you work things out - students can be sweet or difficult - changes from term to term - curriculum is under constant scrutiny - some very sincere people are working to make things better for all - sometimes they suceed, sometimes they don't.
Morale - well, it depends which section you are in and who you mix with and on your own attitude.
No, it's not the perfect job and it has drawbacks - but the deal is good - lifestyle is good - and if you want to be in the UAE, then UGRU is a good place to be.

[scot47]

I visited friends who were working at UGRU a while back. Looked good to me !

[Abunice]

It's refreshing to read about experiences that are so very different from the ones I've heard. For example, an intimidating / bullying work atmosphere, the kind of place where a teacher needs to keep a very low profile to survive. But from your descriptions, UGRU sounds like a place that teachers don't like to resign from. Maybe I should give it a shot.

[cornishmaid]

Tefllifer says 'in the Eng (and I use this as an umbrella term) dept a few - less than one hand's worth were not renewed'. I assume that the umbrella refers to the fact that there are teachers working on different programs and in different departments within UGRU, but all teaching English. In some parts of UGRU where people are teaching English, nobody was terminated. In others there were more than the usual number of non renewals, including teachers who were asked to leave in mid-contract, and who were told that the reasons were nothing to do with their teaching or behavior in the classroom. The number of non renewals and terminations was higher in UGRU this year than in any year in the recent past (excluding last year when most of the Arabic teachers were not renewed), and you would need certainly need a lot more than 5 fingers to count them, if you include all UGRU departments.

Abunice says 'UGRU sounds like the kind of place that teachers don't like to resign from'. Some teachers have resigned this year because they no longer feel comfortable there, and other teachers who are not happy will be reluctant to post on this forum because in fact it is the kind of place where 'a teacher needs to keep a very low profile to survive', to quote Abunice once more.

There will always be teachers in UGRU, as anywhere, who are happy to stay and not rock the boat. They have their reasons for doing so. Others have very good reasons for being unhappy with the current situation in some parts of UGRU, but who may have decided to stay on for a variety of practical reasons, perhaps hopefully waiting for things to get better. Some of the UGRU English programs are constantly in a state of change. The philosophy seems to be if we change it, and if it's new, then it must be better. If something is considered to be better for administrative reasons, for example, that doesn't always mean it's better for the students.

I agree that some very sincere people are working in UGRU to try to improve things. However, many of these sincere people are also anxious to keep a low profile in order to survive. There are worse jobs in the UAE, from what I've heard. As long as you're prepared to refrain from expressing any strong opinions, some programs where UGRU teachers work are not bad places to be. Others are not so great at the moment. The holidays are long, and the salary is OK.

[well-travelled]

Sounds like most other places in the UAE (& the rest of the Middle East?) to me.

[Gnocchiman]

When you talk to teachers who have been at UGRU for more than 5 years, most will tell you that the changes have been for the best in the long run. They now have a curriculum that not only links all 4 English levels in a sensible way, but also links the program with the other programs represented at UGRU (Arabic, IT, Maths).
The changes to entrance requirements has slowy raised the quality of students that UGRU is now getting (translation: having an Emirati passport no longer entitles one to a university degree).
I don't know any teacher/human being who likes too much change-but when it benefits the students and teachers (like at UGRU) in the long run, I think it's worth it.
All in all, you'll find that most teachers in the English progam at UGRU are fairly content with their jobs.