GRADING POLICIES: Your grade will be based on the following:

Basis for Grading:

COMPONENTS OF YOUR GRADE

Tests:

The 3 tests will be given through Blackboard by using a proctoring tool called Proctorio Plus located within Connect. You will need a webcam and microphone to take a test. Most laptops have a built-in webcam and microphone. If you are using a desktop, you can get an external webcam and microphone that connects using a USB cable. Additional instructions about how to take the test will be provided at least 1 week before the test window opens.

Students will have 5 to 6-day test window during which the test must be taken. Given the length of the test windows, requests for rescheduling or “make-up” arrangements will not be accepted.

Tests will consist of multiple-choice questions and workout problems. Details about each test will be posted about a week before the test dates.

Quizzes: There will be timed, proctored quizzes, given through Connect over a 4-day period, beginning Fridays and are due on Mondays at 11:55 p.m. Like the tests, Proctorio Plus will be used as the proctoring mechanism. A chapter quiz may not cover all of the chapter’s learning objectives. Coverage will depend on the pace of the class. The quiz schedule is available on the last page of this syllabus. “Make-up” quizzes should not be necessary, except in unusual circumstances.

Pre-Class Smart Book Assignments and Homework Assignments: Homework is a critical part of any accounting course.  Important accounting concepts cannot be fully understood until you work the problems, especially so in this course.  However, “getting the correct answer” to a problem is not enough to master the concepts. A student must understand the conceptual basis for the mathematical process involved in “getting the correct answer.”  A student should re-work a problem until one understands why the steps involved fit the solution.

Both types of assignments are in Connect.

• Pre-Class Assignments: There are Smart Book assignments worth between 3-5 points each. They will take about 20-50 minutes and generally focus on the first 2 to 4 learning objectives in the chapter. These assignments are due before the start of class at 6:30 on its due date.
• Required Homework: The second type is problems, available in Connect, worth 2-3 points each. These assignments are due at 11:59 PM on the due date.

Note: Extensions for homework due dates will be considered only in unusual circumstances, at a maximum of two times per semester. Furthermore, the way Connect works, I cannot give a student an extension if the student has clicked on the chapter’s “Study Practice”.

Lab Activities: Lab consists of the graded assignments that will be more analytical. They may include data analysis, FASB Codification research, 10-K research, or comprehensive problems. While I will be available for assistance during the scheduled lab time from 9:10 to 10 p.m., you will not be required to complete the lab during the scheduled lab time. The labs are due on the same day and time as the homework assignments.

 Course Schedule: This schedule is subject to change due to the pace of the class.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

First Day Access ‐ You will automatically have access to the required e‐text and CONNECT platform, just by registering for this course and being able to access Blackboard. Blackboard will be set‐up by the first day of class. Austin Community College has included the discounted price as a part of a course charge for this course.

We will use the text and Connect extensively in the class. You must use Connect for a variety of assignments including tests, homework and labs. Connnect is an integrated, online learning system that provides you 24/7 access to your study tools and assignments. If you acquire the eBook as part of your registration, you will have the option to also buy a loose‐leaf paper version of the book  through the publisher.  

Textbook: Advanced Accounting, 15th Edition, by Joe Ben Hoyle, Thomas Schaefer, and Timothy Doupnik. If you do not wish to participate in the program, you may "Opt Out". If you "Opt Out" of receiving and paying for your materials via this program, you will be responsible for obtaining those class materials on your own. Instructions for “opting out” will be available on my Blackboard site.

To recap, there are three options:

1. All Digital Access at the time of registration: E‐book and CONNECT.

2. Digital Access with a Physical Textbook: Students who participate in the program will be eligible to purchase a low‐ cost print upgrade from the publisher.

3. Independent purchase of textbook with CONNECT: If you have purchased a used textbook or have "Opted Out" of the program, you must still purchase an access code for CONNECT.

For more information see austincc.edu/firstday.

Also, you will need:

• Non programmable calculator
• Laptop or desktop with webcam or use of external webcam, no Chrome books.

DISTANCE EDUCATION:

ACC distance education courses are every bit as academically challenging as on-campus courses. While there is the advantage of avoiding traffic, an online student must be able to manage their time. If this is your first on-line class, it is recommended that you review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

Blackboard:  Everything about the course will be available only through Blackboard http://acconline.austincc.edu. Additional information about the Blackboard site for this class is found below under Course Policies.

Computer hardware and software requirements: This course requires a laptop or desktop with a microphone and webcam or use of external webcam. Chrome books will not work. For testing, you need access to Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari. You must have access to word processing. Students may access a free version of Microsoft Office: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/benefits/employee-support-programs. Scroll down until you see “Office 365- Free”.

Student Technology Support:

ACC now provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm.  Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

The objective of this course is to gain a sound understanding of recognition, measurement and reporting issues for business combinations and foreign operations.  Topics include the equity method of accounting for investments; consolidation of subsidiaries; foreign currency transactions and translations; hedging foreign exchange risk; financial instruments ‐ including derivatives; and segment reporting.   

CLASS POLICIES:

Blackboard:  Everything about the course will be available only through Blackboard http://acconline.austincc.edu.

Your user name for Blackboard is your ACC eID. This is your 7 digit ACC student ID, preceded by the first initial of your official first name. During the activation of your ACC eID, you will select your password. If you do not know your ACC eID, you may retrieve it via the Blackboard home page.

In Blackboard, you will find:

• Course announcements
• Course information, including the syllabus
• Office Hours
• Zoom Lectures
• Testing Information
• Chapter Resources, containing the authors’ power points, and, for some chapters, optional worksheets used in class.
• The official gradebook

Attendance/Class participation:  Because this is a synchronous class, I expect regular and punctual class attendance of all students, as I would for an on-campus class. Nonetheless, there are no points for attending, nor penalties for not attending class. However, when you miss class, it is up to you to catch up with the missed material.

Per ACC policy, in the event of area-wide unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor about making up class time and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Withdrawal Policy:  It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. ACC defines withdrawal as occurring after the official reporting date of the semester which is typically the 12th class date from the beginning of the semester.

If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the final withdrawal date.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

The instructor does, however, reserve the right to withdraw a student when a student misses a test, without having previously contacted the instructor to make alternative arrangements.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Incomplete: An incomplete (grade of “I”) will only be given due to extenuating circumstances.  Per ACC policy, what constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. It is the Accounting department’s policy that incomplete grades are given only on rare occasions and generally only when a student has completed all examinations and assignments to date, with a satisfactory grade of C or better, and has personal circumstances that prevent course completion that occur after the deadline to withdraw.

If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date agreed to by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester. 

The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.
2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   
3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  
4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  
5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.” 

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is taken very seriously in this class. Plagiarism is considered to be the copying of another’s work including another student’s work, internet sources, solution manuals, 10-Ks or other research sources. Any phrase, sentence, paragraph, etc. that is taken from another’s work must be cited appropriately.  This means any copying and pasting (even when a few words are altered) from any source, without appropriate citation, is considered plagiarism and is unacceptable. All written assignments submitted in this course may be run through a plagiarism checker. The first instance of plagiarism will result in a grade of zero on that assignment. A second incident may mean a grade of F for the course and referral to the College for further disciplinary actions.

Chat GPT: This is the new elephant in the room.   ACC is aware of the recent emergence of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) and is evaluating the pros and cons of its appropriate use in higher education. The software deployed in ACC’s courses to assess the use of published material (SafeAssign) is now monitoring AI-generated content. Generally, students in this class are advised that the use of generative AI tools is not permitted, unless an assignment specifically identifies Chat GPT as an approved tool. Unapproved use of generative AI in your course assignments, whether it is identified by Safe Assign or not, is considered a violation of ACC’s Academic Integrity (plagiarism) policy.

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC mail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACC mail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Getting in touch with me: Email is the best way to contact me. Additionally, I will be available during on-line office hours and I will check the general discussion board available in Blackboard. I check email twice a day, Monday through Thursday. Emails received on Friday, Saturday and Sunday may not be answered until the following Monday. It is OK to send me a reminder email if you haven’t heard from me in a business day and you consider your message to be important.

ACC POLICIES: See  appendix posted in Blackboard. The appendix includes important information on the following topics:

• Health and Safety Protocols
• Statement on Academic Integrity
• Student Rights & Responsibilities
• Senate Bill 212 & Title IX Reporting Requirements
• Student Complaints
• Statement on Privacy
• Recording Policy
• Safety Statement
• Campus Carry
• Discrimination Prohibited
• Use of ACC Email
• Use of Testing Centers
• Student Support Services, including Student Accessibility Services, Academic Support, Library Services, Student organizations, personal support (food pantries, assistance with childcare and utility bills, the Student Emergency Fund, the CARES Act Student Aid), list of free Crisis Hot Lines, and Reporting Covid-19 Illness.

The above information on ACC policies is available also by clicking on the tab in Blackboard called “College Policies & Student Support Services".

COURSE RATIONALE

This course qualifies as one of the required upper-level accounting courses by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA).

CPA CANDIDATES

 Austin Community College has received the designation of Qualifying Educational Credit for CPA Examination by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board).  This course qualifies as one of the required upper-level accounting courses. However, for this course to be counted, the student MUST have completed a bachelor's degree PRIOR to taking this course. If this course is completed before a bachelor's degree is awarded, the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy will not accept it.  Please review the information on our web site. http://www.austincc.edu/accounting.  It is the responsibility of the student to understand and comply with the requirements of the Board. Generally, the course credits are not transferrable to other colleges.

The Texas Legislature recently passed legislation (SB 159) approved by the Governor that reduces the number of educational credits to sit for the CPA exam in Texas to 120 semester credit hours with additional requirements for completing a certain number of upper division accounting hours as well as upper division business hours. Due to the statutory timeline, the TSBPA is currently operating under emergency rule provisions in order to start accepting applications effective September 1, 2023 under the proposed rules. However, rule changes are still possible before the rulemaking process concludes resulting in the permanent rule changes later this year. If you have questions about your eligibility for taking the CPA exam after September 1, 2023, please consult the Department Chair of Accounting, or the TSBPA.

SCANS COMPETENCIES: SCANS is the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. Please go to http://irt.austincc.edu/ids/curriculum/scans.php for complete definitions and explanation of SCANS.  This list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course.

• Exhibit responsibility:
  • Students meet established deadlines as specified by the instructor.
  • Students regularly attend classes prepared and on time.
  • Students exhibit reliability and dependability in the performance of group related tasks.
• Acquire Information:
  • Students identify the need for data, obtain it from existing sources, or create it as necessary.
  • Students use computers to process information.
  • Students understand financial accounting.
• Use Information Skills:  
  • Students evaluate the relevance and accuracy of information and its appropriateness for a given academic activity.
  • Students effectively communicate the results of information retrieval and analysis using oral, written, graphical, pictorial, or other methods as appropriate.
  • Students apply technology to problem solving activities.
• Demonstrate Writing Proficiency:
  • Students display the proper use of grammar and appropriate writing skills in all assignments.
  • Students seek writing assistance from tutors or others when necessary.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to gain a sound understanding of generally accepted accounting principles governing the measurement and reporting issues for business combinations and foreign operations. Outcomes include: 

• Demonstrate understanding of concepts underlying the accounting for course topics.
• Analyze accounting problems and apply appropriate accounting procedures for course topics.
• Use the FASB Codification to answer basic research questions.
• Communicate accounting information clearly, concisely and accurately.
• Use Excel spreadsheets to organize and present information

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

The objectives of this 3-hour lecture course will be met by incorporating a variety of on-line instructional methods.  These may include online lectures, author-created video lectures, exams and quizzes, problem-solving, written analysis, and research. All class lectures and activities, labs, homework, quizzes, and tests will be provided through Blackboard.

Students who are new to on-line education may want to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/