Useful Information

Reading 1- HCT Student Handbook Summary

1.      Who established HCT? 
       The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) was established in 1988 by Federal Law No 2 issued by the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace.

2

Career advisor/ career counsellor	Career Centre and Career Adviser help students in making career- related decisions, writing a resume, learning and practicing job search techniques, working on interviewing skills, finding out about possible employment opportunities and identifying their own strengths.
HCT Student Handbook	Guides students about the rules, procedures and policies of HCT
Methaq	It’s the booklet on HCT Student Code of Conduct. It’s objective is to clarify the rights and responsibilities of the students, and the college expectations from them, in order to help students achieve success during their study
Academic information/ student Services	From Student Self Service, you can get the following information: Timetable, Academic progress report, Exam timetable, Attendance record, Student regulations and policies, Methaq - Student Code of Conduct, Programme information, course guide, and programme regulations, Programme compliance information for graduation,  Student suggestions and complaints
Personal counselling	Your Personal Counsellor can help you find solutions to your problems and facilitate academic and personal growth with self-awareness, self-confidence, self-management and interpersonal and life skills.
Library	At your library, you can watch a movie, learn to use new software and computer programmes, borrow books, magazines, DVDs, audio books and develop your learning, academic research and study skills. Your library is accessible online. Check out your library @ http://library.hct. ac.ae anywhere, anytime to access over 40,000 e-books, 36,000 online journals, and over 30 full text databases. As an HCT student, you can also request materials from other HCT campuses and through LIWA. LIWA is the unified catalogue for the libraries of the HCT, UAEU, and ZU
Student council	The College Student Council is a student leadership group at each college which adhere to the Methaq Student Code of Conduct. The President of the College Student Council is elected by the student body in the college. The College Student Council acts as a link between the students and college management to improve student life. They plan and organise various activities and events throughout the year. All enrolled students are eligible to vote in the election of the President and other officials.
Financial aid	The HCT recognizes that some students may need assistance with laptop purchase, meals and transportation costs. Students who require assistance are encouraged to contact the college Student Services Department or College Counsellor for details regarding financial aid. In addition, Student Services can help in various ways, such as organising temporary employment and providing equipment.
Scholarship	Awards, bursaries and company scholarships are available to students who have achieved exceptional academic standards, and meet the specific application criteria required by sponsoring organisations. E.g. Graduation aards, Abu Dhabi industry awards.
Health, wellness and safety	The HCT provides all students with a safe and healthy educational environment for their studies. A wide range of health and wellness services are available, including physical fitness and sports education programmes and food services.
Internet , wi-fi, email	You will have access to the Internet and email while at the HCT. Before you are given a password to access the Internet and your email account, you are required to sign the HCT Internet Access and Electronic Mail Policy form
Academic standing	·         You must have a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate from your programme. At the end of each semester, an academic standing notation (Good Standing, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Academic Dismissal) will be placed on your academic record. These notions are permanent records and will not be removed. ·         Note: It is important to understand that the minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation may mean that you could pass all courses with D grades but not meet the graduation GPA requirement. If you receive a D grade in one or more courses in a semester, you may not have a high enough GPA for graduation. ·         You should discuss the situation with your Programme Chair, who may arrange for you to repeat the course(s) where you received a D, to improve your programme GPA. If you are permitted to repeat, you may do so once on
Duration of study	If you do not complete your programme within the allowed duration, in extenuating circumstances you may apply to your College Director for an extension. This must be done immediately following the end of the duration of study period. If you get an extension, it will be limited to no more than two consecutive semesters. No further extension is permitted.
Withdrawal	·         you must apply for withdrawal at the Academic or Student Services offices and follow the procedure. ·          If you wish to return to the college, you must apply for re-enrolment which is subject to a place being available. ·         The time when you withdraw from your course will affect your academic transcript. ·         In exceptional cases, where the withdrawal is for medical or other special personal reasons, your College Director may allow you to withdraw without penalty, and allow you to receive a W grade

3.       What is GPA(Grade Point Average)?

The Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated at the end of every semester based on the grading system explained on the following pages. You will receive a final grade for a course only at the end of the semester. GPA Calculation The Grade Point Average (GPA) is given on a scale from 0.00 to 4.00. Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total credits attempted.

4.       How many program choices does HCT offer?

HCT offered up to 100 programs in 2016

Reading 2- Summary ofThe HCT Volunteering Programme

1.       What is the HCT Volunteering Programme?

The program involves non-academic voluntary initiatives by students with government and private organizations.  The aim is to develop skills and commitment and qualify and empower youth in the area of voluntary work.  The program prepares UAE nationals to make positive contributions to society.

A student must do 100 voluntary work hours over the four years, 25 hours each year, in order to graduate.  The hours are registered in each student’s record.

2.       How can students find Volunteering opportunities?

Voluntary work opportunities include the following.

1.       Any work to help others and relieve their suffering

2.       Voluntary work in the community

3.       Environmental voluntary work

4.       Monetary donations for voluntary work

5.       Participation in HCT events, such as organizing conferences and other community activities aiming to raise awareness of social responsibility practices

6.       Helping needy families and strengthening family and social ties

7.       Working with special needs individuals

8.       Voluntary work in health and medical services

9.       Voluntary work in children’s projects

10.    Voluntary work outside the UAE and participation in relief campaigns

3.       How to Apply for HCT Volunteering program? 

There are three steps.

a.        Complete the HCT voluntary work application form.

b.       Visit Student Services and register the work.

c.        When you finish the voluntary work period, the student gets a stamp from the organization.

4.       Can a student do voluntary work that is not included in the HCT list of voluntary organizations? 

Yes, but the student needs to get approval first from Student Services.

Important Information

1.       Community service hours are included in HCT events throughout the year, after study hours or during holidays.

2.       Graduation certificates will not be given until the 100 hours are complete.

Reading 3- Summary of Methaq: Higher Colleges of Technology Student Code of Conduct (2016 -2017)

1.       What is the objective of Methaq? 

The objective of the HCT Student Code of Conduct booklet is to clarify the rights and responsibilities of the students, and the college expectations from them, in order to help students, achieve success during their study. In the case of any misunderstanding of the colleges’ systems or rules, please contact Student Services department.  The HCT requires all students to sign this document to acknowledge receipt and understanding of the Student Code of Conduct. This booklet is an official Higher Colleges of Technology document which has been approved and ratified by the colleges’ Board of Trustees.

2.       What does the student handbook contain?

HCT “METHAQ” STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT BOOKLET CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

·         Student Rights: Students’ rights during their study, including the use of learning resources and college facilities.

·         Student Responsibilities: Students’ relationships with each other, with faculty and staff members, and with the college.

·         Attendance Policy: The importance of attendance and the rules concerning absence and its consequences.

·         Student Conduct Procedures: The colleges’ expectations of student behavior.

·         Use of Information Technology and Social Media.

·         Academic Honesty: The need to maintain academic integrity and to avoid cheating and plagiarism.

·         Disciplinary Action: A list of disciplinary actions if the rules are violated.

·         Behavioral Violations: Types of violations with their penalties and measures to be taken.

·         Student Appeals: Students’ rights to appeal and reinvestigation.

·         Student Feedback, Suggestions and Complaints.

·         Student Pledge (a promise to follow all the rules and guidelines written in Methaq).

3.       What does Methaq say about students’ rights?

Whilst enrolled, students have the following rights:

·         To have opportunities for learning to pursue the educational goals of their courses

·         To have reasonable use of campus facilities as deemed appropriate by HCT

·         To join appropriate campus organizations and engage in recreational activities, subject to reasonable conditions

·         To have personal freedom and privacy in conformity with the colleges’ regulations and rules

·         To enjoy freedom from discrimination

·         To enjoy security of themselves whilst on HCT campuses

·         To receive clear notice of the nature and cause of any disciplinary charges, and the right to an impartial hearing

·         To have support and guidance in accordance with their needs

4.       What are responsibilities of the students as per Methaq?

a.       Relationship with other Students

·         You must respect other students and not engage in any behaviour that causes them physical or emotional harm. The penalty for any form of physical violence or threat of physical violence is immediate suspension/dismissal.

·         You must not use any verbal, written or electronic means to harass, threaten, or intimidate another student.

·         You must not spread rumors or falsely accuse any student of anything that brings harm to their reputation.

·         You must not engage in any behavior that endangers the health or safety of any person in the college.

·         You must not engage in any kind of inappropriate physical contact with another student or display inappropriate/excessive affection.

·         You must not steal the property of another student. Any form of stealing will result in immediate dismissal.

·         You must not use or take without permission the property of another student.

·         You must not take or circulate any image of another student without their permission

·         You must not use the college to sell anything to other students without the prior permission of the college management.

·         You must not sign any college documents that require your guardian’s signature. Doing so can result in immediate suspension or dismissal.

b.       Relationship with Teachers and Staff

·         You must show respect to all the college’s teachers and staff including cleaners and security staff.

·         You must obey instructions given to you by any member of the college’s teachers and staff.

·         You must produce appropriate identification documentation when asked to do so by any

member of the college’s staff, including security guards.

·         You must ensure that your personal and family contact information held by the college is

current and accurate. The provision of false information will result in disciplinary action.

·         You must not attempt to bribe or give gifts to any member of the college’s staff. This

excludes reasonable token gifts such as flowers or chocolates.

·         You must not communicate with the college’s staff in an inappropriate manner, including

sending inappropriate e-mails, letters, or anonymous notes.

·         You must not disrupt any activity being conducted by a staff member anywhere on campus, such as the college’s corridors, classrooms, and the ILC including the college’s corridors, classrooms, and the ILC

c.        Compliance with the college regulations

1.You must dress in UAE national attire, in conformity with the cultural and religious values of the

community.

2.You must not behave in a manner that may damage the reputation of the college or the HCT.

3.You must not leave the college during the time you are supposed to be in the college unless

you have permission to do so from the college’s Student Services department.

4.You must not smoke at HCT campuses.

5.You must not bring unauthorized individuals (e.g. children, sisters and friends) into the college.

6.You must not assist students to leave the college without permission.

7.You must not deface and/or damage college property. This includes equipment, physical structures such as walls and floors, bulletin boards, furniture, etc.

8.You must not remove any of the college’s property without appropriate permission.

9.You must not alter, change or forge in any manner official college documents, including transcripts, timetables, exit permits, IDs etc.

10.You must not allow any other student or person to use any of your personal college documents (e.g. green card).

11.You must not use the Internet to download, view, or show any inappropriate materials.

12.You must not use mobile phones in any prohibited area.

13. You must not post printed materials anywhere in the college without the approval of Student Services.

14.You must follow college rules and expectations when participating in activities outside the college e.g. field trips, travel, work placement, etc.

15.You must not bring to the college any unauthorized materials, such as animals.

16.You must not receive deliveries, including gifts and food.

17.You must not allow any other student to drive your car in the college.

18.You must not drive your car in any manner that threatens the safety and wellbeing of others.

19.You must park your car only in the authorized areas.

d.       Following the HCT Attendance Policy according to Methaq

You must participate fully in all learning activities; be on time and be ready for all class activities. There are more specific rules concerning attendance which you should be aware of, including:

·         Foundations Students who exceed 10% absences will be withdrawn from the course.

·         Students in undergraduate programmes who exceed 15% absences will be withdrawn from the course.

·         You will receive a first notification, via email or sms, if you are absent for more than 5% of the allotted course time. Your parents/guardians will also be notified via sms.

·         After this warning, for 1st cycle foundations students if absences from classes exceed 10% you will be suspended from the course and for 2nd cycle foundations students if your absences exceed 10% you will be dismissed from the course, you will receive a final written warning which will inform you that any further absences will result in withdrawal from that course. Withdrawal after the published deadline will result in a fail grade. Your parents/guardians will also be notified via sms.

·         If there are extenuating circumstances deemed to be acceptable, you have 5 days to submit documented evidence to the college’s Student Services department. If your submission is approved, you

·         may be entitled to an extra 10% absence allowance. Your parents/guardians will also be notified via sms.

5.       What are student conduct procedures?

You must conduct yourself in an appropriate manner. If you do not meet the personal and academic standards of conduct during assessments, disciplinary measures may be taken. There are six (6) basic disciplinary actions. However, additional penalties may be added based on the nature of the violation and as the college administration deems appropriate.

Types of disciplinary actions	Measures taken	Duration
A verbal notice or warning	·   Giving a verbal notice or warning and adding it to student’s file	NA
A written warning	·   Issuing warning message ·   Guardian notification ·   Student pledge ·   Head of Department notification ·   A signed copy kept in student’s file	One academic year
Temporary suspension	·   Issuing suspension message ·   Guardian meeting ·   Student acknowledgment ·   Program Executive Dean notification ·   A signed copy kept in student’s file	Immediate suspension, not exceeding one full semester Receiving a failing grade in all classes
Final termination	·   Issuing final termination message ·   Guardian meeting ·   Student and Guardian Notification ·   Deputy VC for Academic Affairs ·   Notification ·	Final termination
Suspension or termination of privileges and activities	·   Issuing warning message ·   Suspension of specified privileges ·   Guardian notification ·   Student signature ·   A signed copy kept in student’s file ·	One term or academic year
Decision to withdraw qualification	·   Qualification is withdrawn after ·   graduation in case of proven cheating, plagiarism or ethical violations during years of study	NA

6.       What are HCT rules about use of information technology and social media?

Students must also abide by the conditions set forth in the HCT Code of Conduct, which states the responsibilities of the user and conditions of use of the Internet and social media. Students will be held accountable for any abuse of use and this may ultimately lead to termination from the Higher Colleges of Technology.

7.       What are HCT guidelines about academic honesty?

The HCT requires you to be honest and ethical in your pursuit of learning. Academic dishonesty or cheating is the deliberate attempt to gain marks or academic credits dishonestly, or helping others to do this. Examples of cheating may include, but are not limited to, the following:

·         Sharing or showing answers during a test or other forms of assessment

·         Copying anything done by another student and submitting it as your own

·         Giving another student access to your electronic files, and allowing him/her to use your work as his/her own

·         Telling another student what is on a test he/she will take later

·         Bringing to an assessment, information or materials that are not allowed even if they are not used

·         Reading a test, examination or assessment before you are officially allowed to

·         Allowing another person to take a test, examination or assessment for you

·         Taking a test, examination or assessment for someone else

·         Using a computer, mobile phone, tablet or other devices improperly during an assessment,

such as by gaining access to unauthorized material, communicating with others during assessments; or using files of other users

Plagiarism is deliberately presenting another person’s work as your own without

acknowledging the original source. Examples of plagiarism may include, but are not limited to, the following:

·         Using the work of someone else, or changing some words and keeping the same structure and

·         the same meaning without noting the source(s), and submitting it as your own work

·         Taking text from other sources and putting the pieces together as one document and submitting

·         it as your own work, without noting the source(s)

·         Downloading information, pictures or charts from the Internet and inserting that material into

·         your own document and submitting it as your own work without noting the source/s

8.       What are HCT procedures in the investigation of disciplinary violations?

 In cases involving behavioural disciplinary action, the student has the right to appeal in writing to the concerned official within ten working days of the date of notification of the decision to the student or guardian by following the process as-

1.Notification of violation to the Student Services office (fill in form)

2.Attach supporting documents, if any

3.Student Services Supervisor to collect initial evidence and write summary of the incident

4.Student Services Supervisor to send initial report to the College Director

5.College Director to decide whether to form a committee to investigate the case

6.Committee to investigate the incident and make recommendations to the College Director

7.Student notified of the outcome of the investigation and the decision made

8.Student reminded of his/her right to appeal

. In cases where the student makes an appeal, a neutral committee will be formed to conduct the necessary review and submit its report and recommendations in this regard within three working days.

Types of disciplinary actions	Appeal message to be sent to
A verbal notice or warning	NA
Written warning	College Director
Suspension or termination of privileges and activities	Executive Dean of Student Services
Temporary suspension	Deputy CV for Academic Affairs
Final termination	VC of the Higher Colleges of Technology
Decision to withdraw qualification	Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology

9.       How can students file complaints?

Your college has a Student Services staff member who is trained to respond to your complaint within three working days. If you wish to make a complaint, contact your Student Services department. You can make your complaint face-to-face, by telephone or by email. Your complaint details are recorded immediately and you will receive an email from Student Services within three working days.

The message will include:

·         A copy of the student complaints procedure

·         A summary of your complaint

·         A request for further information, if needed, and the date that you must provide it, and

·         Details on when you will be contacted next.