Faculty Syllabus

Technical Writing Accountants – Spring 2026

ACNT 2345 – Online Distance Learning (Synchronous Zoom Course)

Instructor: Prof. Stacey Peterson
Email: Stacey.peterson@austincc.edu
Office Hours: After class and by appointment

Sections:

• Section 001 (Tues 6:20–9:00 PM) - Synonym 29952 - 01/20/26 - 5/17/26

• Section 002 (Wed 6–9:15 PM) - Synonym 29955 – 02/16/26 – 5/17/26

• Section 003 (Mon 6–9:15 PM) - Synonym 29953 – 02/16/26 – 5/17/26

Zoom Link:

https://austincc.zoom.us/j/9727925144?pwd=MmpZazM1TG5aNWhBWXdmbjArWlZDdz09

Meeting ID: 972 792 5144 | Passcode: 055075

Course Format

This is a DLS (Distance Learning Synchronous) course. You are expected to attend all scheduled Zoom sessions. To be counted present, you must be visible, audible, and actively participating—with proper lighting and camera setup.

Course Overview

We’ll explore written, oral, and electronic communication skills used in modern business—especially in accounting contexts. This course satisfies the Texas CPA writing instruction requirement.

Course Objectives:

• Use appropriate tone, format, and strategies for business communication
• Write with clarity, accuracy, and professionalism
• Design visually effective business documents and presentations
• Apply interpersonal and collaborative communication skills
• Use communication technology effectively

Required Materials

• Tech Setup: Reliable computer (not tablet/phone), webcam, mic, strong internet. You must be clearly visible, well-lit, and centered on camera during class.
• Internet: Readings may be assigned at various websites
• Recommended Textbook: Effective Writing : A Handbook for Accountants by Claire B. May and Gordon S. May (Optional, not required.)

Communication Policy

• Use your ACCmail only. I do not check Blackboard internal messages.
• Email me directly at Stacey.peterson@austincc.edu for the quickest response.
• Do not send me messages through Blackboard’s internal Messages. And I do not use Blackboard Calendar feature.
• All due dates are posted under the Weekly Assignments folder on Blackboard.

First Week Email (Required for Attendance)

In order for me to certify your attendance with the Registrar you must do two things:

1. Be officially present for Week 1 and/or Week 2.  
2. Send me a direct email from your ACCmail account (do not send from within Blackboard Ultra). 

To: stacey.peterson@austincc.edu

Subject line: First Week Email – Section [001, 002, or 003] - [Your Full Name]

Include your preferred name and a short greeting (1–2 sentences).

Your email will confirm:

• You can access and use your ACCmail account.
• You have read the syllabus.

Grading & Course Requirements

Grading Philosophy:

If you engage with the work to the best of your ability and submit it on time, you will receive full credit. I grade for effort, meaning, and growth—not perfection. You will not  lose points for minor grammar, mechanics, or style issues as long as your meaning is clear.

Letter Grade Scale:
A = 90–100 | B = 80–89 | C = 70–79 | D = 60–69 | F = below 60

AI Use Policy

Generative AI (GAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, Perplexity, etc., may be used for some assignments when specified. If you use AI, you must:

1. Remain the author of your own meaning — your thinking and perspective must come through.
2. Follow the assignment’s instructions on AI use (if none are given, ask).
3. Credit AI assistance in a simple note at the bottom of your document.

I’m smart enough to tell whether you followed instructions — and this is a business communication class, so honesty and clarity are part of the lesson.

Attendance and Participation
 

This is a Distance Learning Synchronous (DLS) course, conducted live on Zoom. Attendance is required.

• Absences: Each absence = 2 points off your final grade. Being tardy or leaving early counts as a partial absence.
• To be present: You must be visible, audible, and actively participating — with proper lighting and camera setup.
• May be counted absent if: you arrive late, leave early, keep your camera off without approval, or fail to participate in chat, polls, or discussion.
• Recordings: Some sessions may be recorded, but watching a recording does not replace live attendance.
• Participation: Being “on camera” isn’t enough. Look alert, face forward, minimize distractions. Dress appropriately, maintain eye contact, and avoid multitasking.

Writing Format

• 12-pt Times New Roman or Arial
• Will vary per assignment. If not specified, make your work professional and readable
• When possible, paste your work directly into Blackboard. Additionally, you may upload a .docx format (never PDF). Always keep a copy of your work.

Conduct & Academic Integrity

Your work must be your own and created for this class. AI use is allowed when permitted, but copying from other sources without attribution is not.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Policy

Introduction – My Position
In this course, Generative AI (GAI) tools—such as ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Gemini, DALL·E, and others—are treated as potential collaborators in the learning process, not shortcuts. Used thoughtfully, GAI can help you brainstorm, outline, revise, and polish your work. Used carelessly, it can weaken your skills and undermine your credibility.

Rationale – Why AI Is Permitted
As future professionals in business and accounting, you will encounter AI tools in the workplace. Knowing how to use them responsibly and transparently will be as important as knowing how to send a clear email. This course gives you a safe place to practice doing exactly that.

Definition – What “GAI” Means Here
For our purposes, GAI refers to tools that can generate original-sounding text, images, or other media based on prompts (e.g., “Write a professional email requesting an audit report” or “Create a chart showing market trends”). It does not include standard spelling/grammar checkers, calculators, or simple search engines.

Resources – How to Use It Well
If you choose to use AI for an assignment where it’s permitted, you must:

• Keep your own thinking at the center.
• Give proper credit (Example: “ChatGPT was used to generate a first draft outline for this presentation, which I then revised”).
• Review and fact-check all AI-generated material—you are responsible for its accuracy.
• Be prepared to explain your process if asked.

Assessment – What I’m Looking For
Your grade is based on your ability to meet the assignment’s goals, communicate clearly, and demonstrate effort and understanding. If you use AI, it should enhance—not replace—your original work.

Penalties – If the Policy Is Violated

• Using AI when it is explicitly prohibited = treated as scholastic dishonesty under ACC policy.
• Submitting AI work without disclosure = same as above.
  Penalties may include a zero on the assignment, course failure, and/or a report to Student Conduct.

Exceptions – When AI Use Will Be Limited or Prohibited
Some assignments in this class are “AI-Free Zones” to ensure you can demonstrate independent skills. These will be clearly marked in the instructions.

Usage Permissions – Summary Table

Final Word on AI in This Class:
I welcome innovation—but in business communication, as in life, your name is your word. AI can be your helper, but it can’t be your integrity.

Required Materials

• Tech Setup: Reliable computer (not tablet/phone), webcam, mic, strong internet. You must be clearly visible, well-lit, and centered on camera during class.
• Internet: Readings may be assigned at various websites
• Recommended Textbook: Effective Writing : A Handbook for Accountants by Claire B. May and Gordon S. May (Optional, not required.)

Course Overview

We’ll explore written, oral, and electronic communication skills used in modern business—especially in accounting contexts. This course satisfies the Texas CPA writing instruction requirement.

Course Objectives:

• Use appropriate tone, format, and strategies for business communication
• Write with clarity, accuracy, and professionalism
• Design visually effective business documents and presentations
• Apply interpersonal and collaborative communication skills
• Use communication technology effectively