HCT Announces New Academic Scale at Annual Spring Conference

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Emphasizes Year of Faculty & Academic Excellence to Start 2017

ABU DHABI, January 5, 2017

The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) named 2017 as the ‘Year of Faculty’ at its annual Spring Conference, attended by over 1300 faculty, where it announced a new faculty academic scale to enhance the role of university educators and reward their performance.

Inaugurating the conference, Dr. Abdullatif Al Shamsi, HCT Vice Chancellor, said the slogan ‘2017: Year of Faculty’ arose from HCT’s enduring belief in the vital role faculty play in the teaching and learning process. He praised HCT faculty and staff for the successes and academic achievements made in 2016, affirming that 2017 represents a new beginning for HCT to make remarkable progress in line with the nation’s vision.

Dr Al Shamsi added that HCT will implement a number of key initiatives, including its faculty academic scale which was approved for the first time in HCT’s history. The new faculty system, established in line with international academic criteria, will see HCT faculty being graded from lecturer level, to first lecturer or assistant professor, then to associate professor level and finally reaching professor grade.

The academic scale system will contribute to HCT’s key mission of ensuring its teaching levels are to the highest standards, which in turn will enhance the quality of its future graduates. It will also nurture a sense of pride, belonging and commitment in HCT’s faculty, as well as encouraging faculty self-development and active involvement in research and community service.

Dr. Al Shamsi pointed out the initiative will also support the recruitment of qualified Emiratis to take up teaching roles at HCT, particularly with its HADEF programme, which aims to develop the skills and competencies of Emirati faculty for the purpose of increasing the number of Emirati teachers at HCT.

The Vice Chancellor reiterated HCT’s commitment to developing UAE National graduates with the specialized skills needed for the post-oil period. “This plan necessitates team work and it lies on the shoulders of highly skilled and competent faculty members to empower students to reach their desired academic and professional levels,” he said.

The conference also featured a number of sessions relating to HCT’s focus on providing state-of-the-art education using the latest techniques and technologies, as well as the implementation of a “hybrid” education model which aims to award graduates with academic and professional certificates to ensure their work readiness. This is aligned to HCT’s goal to reach a 100% rate of employment for HCT graduates by 2021.

The one-day conference included discussions relating to the implementation of HCT innovation spaces, which will enhance the professional learning environment and link closely to industry requirements. Another feature was HCT’s plans and initiatives for enhancing positivity and happiness in its working environments.

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About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, the Higher Colleges of Technology have grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. Over 23,000 students attend 17 modern, technology-oriented men's and women's campuses throughout the UAE. HCT offers a wide range of English-taught programmes in the fields of Applied Communications, Business, Computer Information Science, Education & General Studies, Engineering Technology & Science, Foundations, Health Sciences and Arabic & Emirati Studies. These programmes are all relevant to the UAE’s fast growing economy and are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that HCT students’ skills are job-relevant and to the highest standards. The programmes are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change. Visit www.hct.ac.ae

For more information or to arrange interviews contact:
Paul Lancaster
HCT Communication Department
Mobile: 056 5011167
Email: plancaster@hct.ac.ae