Job Discussion Forums

[danshengou]

But in theory you could scan in at 8am and be off-campus as you need and just return to scan at 5pm, right? Or do you have to scan out every time you want to leave?

[veiledsentiments]

[peripatetic_soul]

To add to VS' post on clocking in and out--As reported from current instructors:

It is standard procedure at all HCT campuses to clock in and out each time one enters or leaves and is strictly enforced, "not just for expats but also locals. Failure to do so will result in pay adjustments. Staff are on a fairly rigid 8-4 schedule, but instructors are accorded some 'flexibility,' i.e., one may arrive early or late [for appointments] as long as one complies with a minimum of 40 hours of work weekly."

PS

[bigdurian]

[danshengou]

Based on that then, the only real restraint on movement is just clocking in and clocking out at the agreed upon time - and showing up for your classes of course. I wouldn't say that's a deal killer. If one wanted to go somewhere for an occasional long lunch or afternoon walk, I don't suspect there would be an issue. So there seems to be room to maneuver within the system.

[veiledsentiments]

I suspect that you might be wrong based on their current draconian control oriented management. There is only room to follow the rules... whether there is any logic or necessity... or not.

Classroom teaching at tertiary level is NOT a 40 hour a week in the office job. (nor are you building widgets)

One could suggest that one could do preps or whatever in that extra 20 non-contact hours... but that, of course, is completely impossible in their large cubicle filled offices. Unless one can work in the complete chaos of ringing phones, giggling students, and twenty conversations going on around you...

VS

[bigdurian]

[2buckets]

In the good old days, I usually went from my car to the classroom, and from the classroom to my car. Did my prep in the peace and quiet of my home. As VS said, it's difficult to work in the bedlam of the open plan area.

Did attend the meetings, but at the time the director hated meetings and limited them to 10 minutes and as few as possible.

That being said, nowadays I'm sure you can find a backdoor somewhere. Just remember to disconnect the door alarm.

Personally, I could not work in that current "STASI" like environment, especially for the reduced salary and benefits.

Go East young TEFLers.

"Endeavor to persevere".

[danshengou]

[bigdurian]

[veiledsentiments]

That's you. I spent most of my evenings correcting essays and prepping lessons because it was completely impossible to get anything done in the HCT offices.

And this was back in the day when it was "only" a 33 or so hour butts on seats rule. The men's colleges were always more lax about hours - then and likely now too. Because we had to keep the women on campus, it was more strict. But we did used to sneak out the back gate to a coffee shop around the corner. In fact, if the English Supervisor couldn't find one of us, he would call over there or come over and join us for coffee. But the new college moved away from the Corniche area in Abu Dhabi.

VS
(and the other 4 college/universities that I taught at in 3 other countries only required 20-25 hours in the office or less...

Otherwise known as "The Good Old Days")

[danshengou]

I wonder if this thumb scan in and out rule applies to phd faculty (e.g., professors) within the various departments as well.

[Odin39]

[veiledsentiments]

A new report has landed in my inbox:

[The_shadow72]

Interesting times.
I have heard from a reliable source that HCT is in the process of redesigning roles and duties across the board.
Programme chairs might be disappearing altogether with duties reassigned to existing staff.
Anyone heard anything about this?
Any comments?