New academic year kicks off with impressive number of new faculty staff

Some 30 new faculty members, who came from 12 countries including US, Canada, Australia... attended the orientation program which was held from Aug.16-27 and attended by DWC senior management team.

For over 20 years, DWC has been an HCT flagship institution providing world-class education for women in the UAE. With a mission supported by the ELITE principles: Excellence, Leadership, Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, DWC has been recognized as being at the pinnacle of higher education in UAE.

"This year DWC has strengthened its faculty staff with a number of important appointments from all around the world," said Nina Tamayo, Human Resources Senior officer. "They are bringing with them lots of new nice blend of fresh ideas to help improve students' skills," she added.

Members of the orientation committee from various faculties and departments designed a series of meetings, recreational activities, presentations, lectures, and case studies during the orientation week which started on Aug. 16, 2009.

Elisa Hunt, who joins the English Faculty from Southern Illinois University in United States, said she wanted an opportunity to work overseas. "I chose HCT-DWC for its reputation and also I heard that it's a very positive working environment," she added.

Elisa has expertise and experience in teaching English as a second language over the last 12 years. She has also come from having positions in overseas countries as well as working in educational administration. Other faculty members concurred, saying they are looking forward to help inspire Emirati students and be a source of encouragement in their chosen field."

Dr. Howard Reed, Director of DWC, told new faculty members during their orientation sessions to think of DWC as a place to create the future of Emiratis and actively "practice the future."
He shared his 18 years recollections of DWC, noting his deep roots with the College, and encouraging new faculty members to understand the new context they are experiencing and try to connect with the culture, students and College.

"I do hope you will take advantage of both the intellectual stimulation and the social and cultural stimulation that DWC offers. I also hope that you will be close to your students as well as faculty members in other departments."

he said.

Preparations for the new semester included the maintenance of labs and classrooms, the maintenance of the college facilities, renovation of different departments and the improvement of student facilities.