November 18, 2010: The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has gained accreditation for its Civil Engineering Technology Higher Diploma and Bachelor of Applied Science programs from an international body.
The US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology - Technology Accreditation Commission (ABET-TAC) has accredited the Civil Engineering Technology programs for a period of six years, the maximum period for newly accredited programs.
HCT Vice Chancellor Dr Tayeb Kamali welcomed the accreditation. "This is a major accomplishment for HCT as the accreditation for these programs proves that HCT demonstrates world class standards for education and training in civil engineering technology. The Civil Engineering Technology graduates from HCT make a major contribution to the construction projects in the UAE."
"HCT continues to focus on meeting the needs of the local economy and community, and at the same time meeting international benchmarks and accreditation standards for its programs."
The Civil Engineering Technology programs prepare students for positions as engineers in engineering consultancy and contracting offices, the military, oil industry and local and federal government departments. The students graduate with expertise in applied analysis, design and construction of civil systems, and the supervision of related technical activities and projects.
During its assessment the ABET-TAC team visited the two HCT campuses offering the programs - Abu Dhabi Men's College and Dubai Men's College. The accreditation report stated: "The relationships between faculty and students at both Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses are outstanding and contribute to academic success and professional success of students".
The ABET-TAC team noted that the Civil Engineering Technology programs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are in the midst of a regional environment of unique construction projects that can be utilized to enhance instructional experiences. It also stated that the programs made effective use of the regional construction projects to enhance the learning experience and used them as a resource to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the programs. ABET-TAC Team Leader, Dr Frank Young said: "The team was very impressed with the facilities at both HCT campuses and the dedication and professionalism of faculty members that contribute to a rich learning environment."
Dr. Marshall Drummond, HCT Provost said he was "very pleased with the outcome of the accreditation process".
"I am grateful for the professionalism of the accreditation team, their thoroughness and attention to detail and quality and I am particularly pleased that the programs received accreditation for the full period of six years with no caveats or recommendations," he said.
HCT Dean of the Engineering Technology Division Dr. Shakib Farhat said: "The international accreditation means that HCT degrees are recognized when our students apply for postgraduate studies overseas. HCT will be seeking accreditation from ABET-TAC for the other engineering technology programs this year."
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About ABET
ABET was established in 1932 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007 as a quality assurance body of engineering and technical education. ABET accredits some 2,900 programs at more than 600 colleges and universities in the USA and internationally, and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). ABET accreditation is assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. For more information, visit: www.abet.org
About Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, The Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning.
More than 18,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais. About 2000 people, from about 60 countries, are employed in the HCT community.
HCT offers more than 90 different, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Health Sciences and Education. These programs are offered at the Diploma, Advanced and Higher Diplomas, Bachelor and Master levels, which are, all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors. All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and to high standards. They are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change.
HCT is a leader in professional and applied education and training. HCT staff, at the forefront of their subject areas, work closely with students to deliver innovative curriculum in technologically advanced facilities. HCT graduates are actively sought after by the UAE industry.
HCT is committed to maintaining the highest quality in all its programs, and has a rigorous program quality assurance system (PQAS) in place for this purpose. As part of the PQAS, the HCT Learning Model defines seven graduate outcomes which are to be achieved through each program, and these are evaluated annually. In addition the PQAS incorporates an annual review of colleges' program quality assurance work, using seven Key Criteria and three key questions.
Most students, who come from Arabic-medium high school systems, complete a Foundation program, prior to entering their chosen program major as all instruction is in English at HCT. New skills and teaching techniques are regularly incorporated into the colleges' programs and courses. All students learn in a technologically sophisticated educational environment that encourages development of the independent and life-long learning skills necessary to success in a fast changing world.
HCT graduates have developed a reputation throughout the UAE for their technical and communications skills and for their adaptability to actual workplace conditions. Because of this, HCT graduates are eagerly sought by organizations looking to build their workforce with young Emiratis who are capable of operating effectively in today's global business environment.
The Higher Colleges of Technology have awarded over 48,000 academic credentials to its graduates. These graduates have gone into the UAE employment market, making a significant impact on sustainable economic and social development of the country.
It is the HCT's commitment to quality and its strong student focus which places HCT graduates in particular demand. Combined with the fundamental principle of educating the UAE's future leaders in business, technologies, industry and the community is a desire to make the region a nexus point for innovative and cutting edge ideas and in-practice applications.
Since its inception, HCT has focused on meeting the needs of the local economy and community while at the same time meeting international benchmarks and accreditation standards. In this process, HCT has established active and dynamic links, collaborations and relationships with major companies and organizations in the UAE and with many of the world's leading universities and organizations, such as the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Waterloo, Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, University College London, IBM, Boeing, Siemens, TERI, University of Melbourne and the Asia Pacific University-Japan.
For more information, visit: www.hct.ac.ae
For more information contact:
Dr Abdallah Hasan, Head of HCT Community Relations and Media. Mobile: 050 623 9456. Email: ahasan@hct.ac.ae
Paul Lancaster, HCT Corporate Communications, Office of the Vice Chancellor. Phone: 02 404 8543. Mobile: 050 616 0964
Email: paul.lancaster@hct.ac.ae
© Press Release 2010
