ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY ACCOUNTING PROGRAM REVIEW PART 1 ACADEMIC PROGRAM/PRIORITIZING REVIEW. CRITERION Number 1

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1 ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY ACCOUNTING PROGRAM REVIEW PART 1 ACADEMIC PROGRAM/PRIORITIZING REVIEW CRITERION Number 1 History, Development, and Expectation of the Program (Maximum of 2 pages) What is the mission of the program? The mission of the accounting program is consistent with the mission of the College of Business (COB) at Albany State University. The mission of the COB, through the scholarship of teaching and learning, is to prepare business professionals. Graduates will be ethical, effective communicators, problem solvers, technologically proficient and globally and environmentally conscious. The accounting program is designed to prepare accountants for the 21 st century. Students are given the opportunity to gain a wide variety of needed skills. Courses in the program built a rich knowledge of accounting theory and practice on both public and private levels. Students are also introduced and taught to use and interact with contemporary technology. Developing critical thinking and communications skills is also emphasized in the program. Additionally, students are encouraged to sit for certification examinations at the completion of the program. How has the program evolved over time? The number of students majoring in accounting as of the fall semester for the pass ten years is listed below

2 Over time, the number of accounting majors has been relatively stable. The 2002 number (109) represents 3.1% of the total ASU enrollment and the 2011 number (133) represents 2.9% of the total ASU enrollment. The number of bachelor s degree awarded in accounting for the past eleven academic years is listed below

3 Again, over time, the number of degrees awarded has been relatively stable. For the academic year , 19 bachelor s degrees were awarded, which represented 3.9% of the total number of degrees awarded by ASU. For the academic year , 23 bachelor s degrees were awarded, which represented 3.3% of the total degrees awarded by ASU. What were the historical expectations? Accounting has always been considered a significant program within the COB. Accounting is the language of business. Accounting serves has the foundation for all other majors within COB. Thus the more students know about accounting, the more students know about the business. How does the program fit in the ASU Strategic Plan? Accounting is consistent in its focus with ASU Strategic Plan. ASU provides a largely African-American student population with a opportunity to receive a high quality functional education. It does his within an environment that challenges their intellects and respects their ethnicity. Accounting is the language of business, thus accounting graduates have greater mobility in the marketplace. Graduates can pursue careers in accounting firms, financial institutions, manufacturing companies, federal, state and local governments, and various nonprofits institutions. In addition, these careers are available locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 3

4 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 2 External Demand for the Program ( Maximum of 1/2 Page) What is the demand for the program using local, regional, state and national data? The 2013 Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance by Robert Half gives data on the demand for accountants. It states that there are two job markets. While general unemployment remains high, unemployment rates in areas such as accounting and auditing and financial analysis are well below national average. Employers are shifting their hiring focus toward core accounting roles and positions that support businesses growth. In addition, employers want employees with professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CMA, CGMA, etc. Positions in demand include but not limited to: - -Cost accountants - -Tax accountants - -Forensic accountants - -Governmental/Not-for-Profit accountants - -Auditors The demand for accountants is high on a local, regional, state and national basis. The Salary Guide give data for more that 135 U.S. cities using local variances. More specifically, it includes Georgia data for Atlanta, Macon and Savannah. Other sources confirm that the median pay for bachelor s degree is $61,690 or $29.66 per hour. For the projected period between the years , 190,700 new accounting positions are projected. This is the highest for any major in COB. This converts into a national growth rate of 16%, a Georgia growth rate of.57% and a southwest Georgia growth rate of.48%. The projected demand of accounting majors will continue to be strong. Is the demand being met by other institutions of higher education in the state? The region? Yes, the demand is being met by other institutions in the state and nationally. Accounting is a significant major on many campuses. Accounting attracts some of the best and brightness students. How does the program meet the special mission of a HBCU institution? While opportunities for students with degrees in accounting are numerous, this is particularly a fertile ground for minority graduates. As societal needs continue to be more diverse, the demand for Black/African-American accounting professionals will continue in future years. 4

5 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 3 Internal Demand for the Program ( Maximum of ½ Page) Does the program provide services for other programs at the university? Yes, many other programs require their majors to take the introductory accounting courses (ACCT Accounting Principles I and ACCT Accounting Principles II). Is there an anticipated further internal demand for the program? Yes, other programs are beginning to realize that their majors would be more marketable if they had a greater understanding of the business environment. Accounting is the language of business. Thus it is recommended as a minimum that all ASU students be required to take the introductory accounting courses. 5

6 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 4 Quality of Program Inputs and Processes (Maximum of 2 Pages) In higher education, quality is traditionally measured by assessing inputs. This criterion addresses/ seeks to measure the quality of these inputs: faculty, students, facilities, equipment, etc. currently available to offer the program. Faculty and Staff: How available are qualified faculty and staff in this field? The availability of qualified faculty is limited. The demand for qualified accounting faculty is increasing, while the supply is decreasing. In response to this shortage, the profession has establish guidelines to attract professionally qualified faculty to the academy. How do current faculty and staff measure rate in terms of credentials, skills, and capacities? Currently, COB has two academically qualified faculty and one professionally qualified faculty. The AQ faculty has doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in accounting and the PQ has a MBA. Two faculty are CPA and one faculty hold additional certifications such as CIA, CMA, CFM, CGFM, CGMA. There is a need for additional full-time faculty. Are part-time faculty members readily available? Part-time faculty is hired to meet specific needs. Hiring part-time faculty with the appropriate skill set is a problem. Students: What is the interest level of current ASU students, what is the probability of attracting new students, and what has been the success of recent graduates of the program? 6

7 The interest level of current ASU students is good. Accounting attracts a significant portion of the high academic students within COB. Recent graduates have been able to secure employment in accounting. What can be done to attract new students to the program? Raise the academic standard of ASU. Accounting attracts highly motivated students. High academic standard is a competitive advantage. Curriculum: How dynamic is the curriculum? The curriculum is consistent with other academic programs. Upon graduation, students are qualified to sit for various professional examination certifications such as the CPA, etc. To meet the need of governmental agencies, a course in governmental/not-for-profit should be added. How international/global is the curriculum content? International/global accounting issues are incorporated into the various accounting courses in the curriculum. How adaptable is the curriculum to nontraditional students (online, weekend and evening formats)? The online classes are limited to the introductory courses. Accounting is too difficult for online presentation. The program has offered weekend classes due to faculty availability and offer evening classes on a regular basis. Adaptability to Technology: Has the program used new, emerging technology to offer the program? No, the accounting program is not technological driven. However, to encourage students to complete their homework assignment, the accounting program is exploring options of on-line homework management program from textbook publishers. Are there unique characteristics of the program that make it more or less viable by the use of technology? Technology issues are covered in the Accounting Information Systems course. 7

8 Equipment, Facilities, and Other Resources: How up-to-date are equipment and materials? Equipment and materials are adequate. Are the laboratory and classroom facilities conducive to have quality learning experiences and outcomes? A document camera should be place in one classroom to improve the learning experience. What additional resources are necessary to improve the program and to maintain it at a high level of quality? The COB needs a new building. To attract faculty, students and financial support a modern attractive facility is essential. 8

9 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 5 Quality of Program Outcomes (Maximum of 2 Pages ) An outcomes approach places emphasis on assessing student learning outcomes. What is the demonstrable effectiveness of the program in preparing students for the future? Accounting graduate are sitting for the CPA examination. The performance of ASU students is on par or better on various aspects of the CPA when compared with comparable regional institutions. What evidence is available indicating the graduates of this program obtain gainful employment in this or related areas? Do the graduates attend graduate school? Accounting graduates have been able to obtain gainful employment with local, regional and national entities. Numerous students are attending graduate school. This is the result of students wanting to become a CPA. How well do program faculty achieve in measures of teaching effectiveness? All COB courses are evaluated by students each semester. In addition, faculty submit a portfolio for evaluation each year. What is the record of faculty in obtaining external research grants? No external research grants have been obtained. What is the publication record of the program faculty? The publication record is satisfactory. The full-time faculty has maintains their AQ and PQ status for accreditation purposes. 9

10 What evidence is available to indicate the quality of the program? Is the program accredited by the major accrediting body for the discipline/field? All programs offered by the COB are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Has the program brought positive recognition to ASU? How? The accounting program has brought positive recognition to ASU by making potential employer of the value of its graduates. 10

11 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 6 Scope and Productivity of the Program (Maximum of 1 Page) This criterion is easily quantifiable in that it considers hard numbers. How many students are being served? Enrollment History for Accounting Courses Course Number Fall 2005 Spring 2006 Fall 2006 Spring 2007 Fall 2007 Spring 2008 Fall 2008 Spring 2009 Fall 2009 Spring 2010 ACCT Missing 82 Missing ACCT Missing ACCT ACCT ACCT ACCT ACCT ACCT ACCT Data Source: Schedule of Classes of Banner Web What is the scope of the program its breadth and depth? The scope of the program is unlimited. Its breadth and depth is unlimited. Is the academic content of the discipline clearly represented with respect to breadth and depth as a graduate program or undergraduate program? The academic content focuses on the undergraduate program. As more students sit for the CPA exam, additional graduate courses will be offered. 11

12 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 7 Revenue and Other Resources Generated by the Program (Maximum 1 Page) Programs and departments are typically thought of as cost centers, not revenue generators, but resources may mean relationships as well as money. Enrollments: What is the enrollment based revenue? Unknown- -Not Available Is the Program a net resource user or a net resource generator? Unknown- -Not Available Research Grants: How much does the program generate from research grants? Unknown- -Not Available What is the potential for the generation of research grants? Unknown- -Not Available Equipment Grants: Has the program received equipment or other capital items for the University? Unknown- -Not Available Are other departments/programs able to benefit from such grants? Unknown- -Not Available 12

13 Other Resources: Are there community college relationships/articulations? - -Albany Tech - -Darton College Are there productive relationships with corporations, businesses, and city and county entities? Relationships are in their infancy. There existing relationships must be fully developed. Are there joint programs with other institutions of higher education? Unknown- -Not Available 13

14 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 8 Costs and Other Expenses Associated with the Program (Maximum of 1 Page) This criterion is concerned about all relevant costs, direct and indirect, that are associated with the delivery of the program. The analysis of program costs compared to program revenues is a major measure of efficiency. Is the program administered in a manner that is beneficial to the University? Unknown- -Not Available What is the estimated investment in additional resources will be necessary maintain the program at a high quality level? Hire three full-time accounting faculty. This will permit the offering of all core courses both fall and spring semesters. In addition, the faculty will be able to support the MBA program with an emphasis in accounting. 14

15 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 9 Impact, Justification and Essentiality of the Program (Maximum of 2 Pages) This criterion is a summative statement/measure of why the program should be continued or strengthened at the University. What impact has the program had does it promise to have in the future? The accounting program has unlimited potential. What are the benefits of offering the program for the university as a whole? The accounting program is an essential component of COB. Accounting is the language of business. How does this program support the mission of the University? The accounting program goals and objectives are consistent with the University mission. The program creates expanded opportunities for students to enter the job market. As business opportunities expand in Southwest Georgia, the accounting program will meet the needs of employers for accountants. How essential is the program to the University? The accounting program is critical to the University. The University is a business entity and its must produce graduates that have the business sophistication to take advantage of the educational, economic, social and cultural opportunities in Southwest Georgia. What is the relationship of the program to the success of other programs at the University? What are some specific examples? Accounting supports numerous other programs at the University be providing students with the essential fundamental knowledge of the business environment. 15

16 What are the unique characteristics of the program at ASU? In USG? The unique characteristic of the accounting program at ASU is that its meet a critical need by producing Black/African-American accountants for a more diverse market. Graduate of ASU have a consistent record of passing various components of the CPA exam. Overall how does the offering of the program relate to mission and values of ASU? The long- term strategic plan of ASU? The accounting offerings are consistent with the mission and values of ASU. It is also consistent with the long-term strategic plan of ASU. 16

17 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERION Number 10 Opportunity Analysis of the Program Maximum of 2 Pages) Criterion Number 10 provides the opportunity for programs to suggest ways in which opportunities may be taken advantage of to add value to the university. This most likely will mean suggesting new avenues to explore that may better address future needs by realizing that the educational strategies and practices of the past may not work in the future. What factors outside ASU may present new educational opportunities? Unknown- -Not Available Is there a need for the program to make significant changes in is offerings and format to take advantage of changes in the external environment? No Does the current economic situation dictate the need for more cooperative and collaborative relationships/measures, internally and externally? No Will cost savings be realized by combining courses, sections program units? No Is the program able to take advantage of the potential benefits of distance learning, on-line offerings or asynchronous learning formats? 17

18 No Any other creative ideas to help ASU realize its mission in the face of difficult economic times? No DRAFT: January 10,