Job Discussion Forums

[crocus]

VS, there's a great deal of truth in what you say. I suspect, however, that the 'juicy' information is going to be passed via PMs due to complete lack of confidence in what's going on. It's sad; a place that was really good to work in has just gone downhill so far and so fast.

[veiledsentiments]

[Kefi_in_Cairo]

Thank you so much VS. AUC is a brilliant school. I sometimes wish I could aford to be a student again.

Unfortunately, there is not much well paying teaching positions in Cairo.

I have received several private messages from teachers at the University of Sharjah. Some teachers suspect the objective is to clear away the old staff and hire new teachers to free up better housing. Maybe this is why I cannot get a clear answer about housing and locations.

One teacher said the new director quoted Hitler in a motivational presentation. I find that hard to believe.

[veiledsentiments]

Two more unhappy UoS teacher have PMed me with some interesting details about the new Director. She sent out to everyone a collection of inspirational sayings, one of which was

"If you win, you need not explain, but if you lose you should not be there to explain."

Which comes from that wonderful world leader... a Mr A Hitler. So, yes she did.

While good for a chuckle about her lack of cultural awareness, more crucial to new teachers is the news that because they had fewer students this semester, they sent a lot of people to the Community Colleges. They got them to mostly volunteer because they were told that they would only teach 15 instead of the normal 20 hours a week. What they weren't told was that they would get split shifts - 10-11 and then 4.30 - 6, then 6.30 to 8 which is - of course - 20 hours!! They even put a single parent on the evening shift, but were finally shamed into changing that.

No, I don't really think that their main objective is to get rid of the current teachers. It is just the arrogance of a Dean who thinks it is appropriate to overwork the teachers and can change the rules whenever he wants - but always to the disadvantage of the teachers. Of course, if people get angry and leave, his attitude is so what... I can replace them for cheaper so it is win/win for him. He may have lots of applicants, but he will end up with mainly the bottom of the education barrel as word gets around. That is what happened with the Dean that was fired... the Sheikh was aware of how bad their reputation became... and I see it happening again.

VS

[BrownSauce]

I can certainly back up what VS has put above. Many of my friends and colleagues from that place have told me very similar stories.

In short, AVOID UoS over the next year or two - at least until the present Director and Dean is/are removed. There are plenty of other places to consider in the Gulf, and you do not have to accept a third-rate ragbag of an institute, which is what UoS has become.

Good luck in your search!

[helenl]

Should you get an offer from HCT you can always stress that you are very concerned (as you really are) about the quality of education that you want for your children.

The only locations that offer a variety of quality options are Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. In some of the other emirates, the quality is good/satisfactory for say k-9 but are not good for older children looking to go on to university in their home countries.

That may help in getting you a place in one of those 3 (but I see Abu Dhabi is not really one you would choose - so while the odds are with you, you still might not get placed where you want to be).

All of the HCT campuses have classes in the afternoons and evenings - especially at the men's colleges where a lot of the students are working full time for the police/army/government. Usually, chairs/deans/supervisors try to make sure you are either on the afternoon shift or on the morning shift (usually 8 hours on campus straight - at least that's the "party line" ) - again, you won't have a choice in the matter.

[Kefi_in_Cairo]

I thank you all again who have posted on the forum and sent me many PMs warning me of the school's downfall.

I've been told that the director spends more time mass forwarding inspirational PowerPoint presentations than helping to deal with teacher's issue.

I can't say I agree with the majority of people I've heard from who claim that that Emiratis in positions of management are infamously known for incompetance and treating the staff like maids.

People is Cairo as some of you are aware also "buy" credentials.

I wonder if the Chancellor or the emir is aware that Hitler has been sited as a role model. Maybe they would agree withthe director.

HCT sounds like it has its problems but nothing like what I am hearing about the University Sharjah.

Is the HCT women's campus am easy request?

[helenl]

You can ask but HCT decides where you will go. On the upside, there are more teachers needed on the women's campuses so the odds are in your favour. However, the men are OK to work with too and sometimes the men's campuses are a little easier to work on.

If you're concerned about the afternoon shift, they have them on the women's campuses as well - getting assigned to a women's college is no guarantee you'll work regular 8-4 hours.

[kiefer]

Hi Kefi,
I'd say with your quals, you should reconsider your interview at U o S. You'll wind up on the Men or Womens campus of the U o S for sure.

Actually I hear that the director wanted veterans to volunteer for a reason.

The IEP director has been given marching orders to revise the curricula and enforce standard tertiary non-classroom requirements like committees and holding them accountable for things like making IT learning possible, making a Blackboard learning management system available to those who wish to use it, like that. These things have already, quickly come to past.

The CC staff for the most part seem eager to be brought into the IEP fold and do not like being considered exiled to what some perceived as a gulag.

Once the newly formed committees do the spade work of helping to rewrite curricula, the Community college might in the near future deserve a better rep than it's been getting on this forum.

[veiledsentiments]

[Ms EP]

Hello,

I work at the University of Sharjah. I am happy to be working here and would very much like to continue doing so, which is why I feel compelled to make my first posting on this website.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been asked if I have posted on Dave's. I replied that I have never posted and thought no more of it. After the most recent enquiry, I became concerned and accessed this thread to see how the misunderstanding occurred. As I read the thread, I became more and more worried that I should be erroneously implicated in it which prompted me to join and, hence, able to post to clear up any misconceptions.


My own name differs in two letters from the avatar 'helenl' and it is this which has caused the misunderstanding. However, if you look a little more closely at this thread you will note that:

'Helenl' refers to his/her own experience at HCT, AUS and ZU. I am new to the Gulf and have only ever worked at UOS.

'Helenl' is not able to answer questions about the segregation of faculty at UOS, health insurance or child care.

'Helenl' joined the website in January 2006 - I came to the Gulf in August 2006

'Helenl' is an avatar because nobody uses their own names on this forum!

I am sure you can all understand my concern and my wish to clear up this misunderstanding.

Thanks.

[johnslat]

Dear Ms EP,

"Helenl' is an avatar because nobody uses their own names on this forum!
Well, actually, Stephen Jones does, and I mostly do - i.e. johnslat = John Slattery.

Regards,
John

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Don't forget "Dave Sperling"!

NCTBA

[johnslat]

Dear NCTBA,

"Don't forget 'Dave Sperling'!"

You mean - you actually think that's his/her real name? Wow - woeful lack of critical thinking there.

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

Not to mention that an avatar is a picture... mine is a kitty. VS is my screen name. There are a few people that use their real names.

But, the good news is that the FACTS getting out to the public is being recognized and they know that their reputation is on the line. If they continue to punish the EFL teachers and treat them like second class citizens in relation to the rest of the faculty, they will find that not only will their best teachers decamp (CVs from UoS teachers are showing up all around the Gulf universities), but they will no longer be able to recruit some of the best.

Rather than running around trying to find out who is passing on the information, perhaps they should change their actions.

VS