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. Match the college facilities, resources, rules and policies with their function/description.

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 Its the booklet on HCT Student Code of Conduct. Its 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 From Student Self Service, you can get the following information:
Services 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

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 1

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?

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 2

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 students 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 childrens 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

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 3

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

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 4

 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 guardians signature. Doing so can result in
immediate suspension or dismissal.

b. Relationship with Teachers and Staff

You must show respect to all the colleges teachers and staff including cleaners and security staff.
You must obey instructions given to you by any member of the colleges teachers and staff.
You must produce appropriate identification documentation when asked to do so by any
member of the colleges 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 colleges staff. This
excludes reasonable token gifts such as flowers or chocolates.
You must not communicate with the colleges 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
colleges corridors, classrooms, and the ILC including the colleges 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 colleges 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 colleges 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.

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 5

 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 colleges 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 Measures taken Duration

actions

A verbal notice or Giving a verbal notice or warning and adding it NA

warning to students file
A written warning Issuing warning message One academic year
Guardian notification
Student pledge
Head of Department notification
A signed copy kept in students file

Temporary suspension Issuing suspension message Immediate suspension,

Guardian meeting not exceeding one full
Student acknowledgment semester
Program Executive Dean notification
A signed copy kept in students file Receiving a failing
grade in all classes

Final termination Issuing final termination message Final termination

Guardian meeting
Student and Guardian Notification
Deputy VC for Academic Affairs
Notification

Suspension or Issuing warning message One term or academic
termination of Suspension of specified privileges year
privileges and activities Guardian notification
Student signature
A signed copy kept in students file

Decision to withdraw Qualification is withdrawn after NA
qualification graduation in case of proven cheating,
plagiarism or ethical violations during years of
study

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 6

 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 persons 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

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 7

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.

ALL HCT STUDENTS PLEDGE TO UPHOLD THE HCT METHAQ STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Reading 4- Summary of LSS1003: An Introduction to College Research Skills

1. Why do students need to learn about academic research?

At college, you need to be able to research other peoples ideas and gather information to support the points you
make in discussions, presentations, and written assignments. Research provides you with facts and ideas to develop
your understanding further, background information on your topic, and will help you support the points and
arguments you make in your assignments with supporting evidence in order to give a fuller explanation of your
subject. The research process begins with background reading.

2. What are two main types of research?

There are two main types of research are

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 8

 a. primary research- involves collecting information and data directly from the world around you and can
include interviews, observations, surveys and questionnaires
b. secondary research- involves researching different types of traditional resources and publications like
books, textbooks, newspapers and scholarly journals, and internet sources such as websites, weblogs
(blogs) and wikis

3. How can you search for the information?

a. The HCT Library website (http://libraries.hct.ac.ae/)/ HCT database : includes a library catalogue that
you can use to find publications, books, e-books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and databases. This is
considered a good sources of information.
b. Internet search engines (e.g. Google, Bing or Ask) to find information online. However, they also have
limitations when used for academic research. Once you get search results, it is essential to critically
evaluate any website before you use it as a source. The address of the web page, the URL (uniform
resource locator), gives you a lot of information about a website, such as the type of author/ organization
who created it, or the country where the website is located. The following table lists some common domain
extensions and what they mean:

Non-profit organization, or public interest .org

Company or commercial supplier .com

Government agency .gov

Educational institution .edu

Academic institution (university, college) .ac

US Military .mil

Network of computers .net

Country of registration .ae / .fr / .uk

Weblog .blog

Wiki .wiki

Information service .info

c. Google Scholar- Excellent source of academic information

d. When searching for sources online it is important to carefully select your search terms, using keywords
and synonyms, to make your research faster and more efficient.

Boolean operators are used for advanced searches and include the following words and punctuation:

AND Only finds a record if it contains both the keywords Narrows down the search

OR Finds either of the keywords (or both) Widens the search

NOT Excludes any results that have the keyword in them Eliminates a keyword

x Finds the exact phrase Focuses the search

4. What makes a good source of information?

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 9

Each source of information has its own strengths and weaknesses. You will need to evaluate
how good each resource is before you use it.
Criteria Questions to ask:

Authority Who is the author? Is the author/ organization an expert on the subject?

Time Is the information up-to-date? When was it published?

Relevance Are the information and data relevant to your topic?

Ease of Access How easy is it to access the data/ information? Is it paid access or free?

Trustworthiness Can I trust the information/ data? Is it credible?

Neutrality or Bias Is the author neutral or biased about the topic? Does it show both sides of an argument,
or only one

5. What will you do with the data?

a. Once you are satisfied that you have found a good source of information, you will need to collect your data
by reading and engaging with your source and taking notes to help you answer your research questions.
b. Principle of 1/3- you will spend roughly a third of your time on research (searching and collecting data),
a third of your time on reading, thinking and evaluating your data and a third of your time on writing up
your research.

6. How can you learn more about the research skills?

The HCT Student Research website (http://blogs.hct.ac.ae/student-research/) provides students with video tutorials
and advice on how to develop their college research skills and strategies

7. How to acknowledge the source of information?

You acknowledge and use your sources of information well by using in-text citations and a bibliography. A
bibliography shows your reader or audience (professors, teachers, and other students) the amount of reading you
have done on the subject and adds authority to your writing or presentation.

8. How to avoid Plagiarism (cheating/copying)?

It is important that you act ethically when using and presenting information from other sources. Not
acknowledging your sources is a type of academic dishonesty called plagiarism which has serious
consequences (see the HCT Methaq). Therefore, you will need to acknowledge your sources of information
in a bibliography by giving a list of sources, or readings you have done for a project and in-text citations if
you include quotations.
9. How to present the information?
You will also select the best way of presenting your research in a report, presentation or essay.

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 10

 Reading 5 Summary of LSS 1003 Time Management

1. What is Time Management?

Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific
activities. Good time management enables you to work smarter not harder so that you get more done in
less time. It also reduces the stress and helps in maintaining study-life balance.
2. How to manage our time?
a. Goal Setting Know how much time you have, plan what you need to do, set priorities and put in
your best effort.
b. Prioritization- Prioritizing means choosing whats most important and urgent (has a close deadline)
amongst the things you need to do and starting with them first. Make a to do list and then sieve the
most important & urgent tasks, then allocate your time according to importance and length of the tasks
to be most efficient.
c. Managing Interruptions- The next issue is knowing what to do to minimize the interruptions,
distractions and procrastination which will disable you from seeking your goals. Minimize all the
unproductive tasks such as taking selfies, browsing social media and day dreaming.
d. Procrastination (also known as The Thief of Time!)- This means Ill get to it later" attitude. You
keep thinking about all the tasks you need to complete but dont start working on it. The best way to
beat it is to recognize that you are procrastinating and start working on your priority list. Reward
yourself for getting jobs done, and remind yourself regularly of the horrible consequences of not doing
those boring tasks!
e. Scheduling- Much of time management comes down to effective scheduling (planning) of your time.
Once you have set your goals and priorities, then you need to know how to go about creating a
schedule that keeps you on track, and protects you from stress. This means understanding the factors
that affect the time you have available for studying and being ready for unexpected interruptions which
might upset your schedule. This will allow you to control your time and keep your life in balance.

HCT Policy, Rules & Regulation documents- Summary pg. 11