Introduction to Accounting I Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Byrd Business Building 344</p>

Office Hours

Hi! I am looking forward to working with you this semester.

Please contact me by email (lkenney@actx.edu), through Messages in Blackboard, or via text (806.680.4348) if you would like to schedule a day and time to meet in person or Zoom online to get your questions answered or to receive additional guidance on course concepts. Flexibility in scheduling is available, so do not hesitate to ask for what works for you.

If you want to stop by, I will be in my office at these designated times:
      Mondays: 10:30am - 11:30am
      Thursdays 11:30am - 12:30pm

Know two things:

  1. I am here and ready to assist you and guide you at whatever level works for you. If you are at a level that permits you to work this course mostly independently, go for it. If you need assistance, a lot or a little, please communicate that. Many times what feels like a big thing holding you back is a small obstacle we can work on together to get past in a short period of time.
  2. There are many tasks to complete in the course. Every week, multiple tasks, for the entire 8 weeks. Block off time to get these assignments complete. This is how you will learn and how you will demonstrate competency with this material.

Good luck this semester!!

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ACNT-1303-001 Introduction to Accounting I

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of analyzing, classifying and recording business transactions in a manual and computerized environment. Emphasis on understanding the complete accounting cycle and preparing financial statements, bank reconciliations and payroll.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Although you have outside buying options available, speak with your instructor before buying from a source other than the AC Bookstore. We want to ensure you have the correct product.

 

Two options are available for ACNT-1303 learning materials. Choose the ONE option that works best for you.

(1) BUNDLE:  College Accounting, A Career Approach, 13th edition (by Cathy J. Scott)
includes loose leaf, 3-hole punched, textbook pages; electronic text (MindLinks); and online learning system access (CengageNowV2) for completing homework assignments


$177 @ AC Bookstore

ISBN: 9780357533574

 

(2) Cengage Unlimited, Cengage's subscription service for learning materials

If you elect to use Cengage Unlimited for this course, which is a viable option, you will have access to CengageNowV.2 for homework assignments and the e-text, but will not have the loose-leaf textbook pages.

Cengage Unlimited is available at the AC Bookstore for $120 or you can purchase directly from Cengage using a link within the Blackboard course.

With the purchase of Cengage Unlimited, you have the option of renting the printed textbook for $7.99 shipping and handling (textbook ISBN: 9781337280570). From the home page in your Cengage account, click Rental Options and complete the Support Form. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you rent the printed book--it is worth the $7.99!!

 

Supplies

 Binder to hold loose-leaf textbook pages (minimum 1.5" width)
 

 Notebook/paper and pencils/pens for notetaking and in-class assignments
 

 Calculator (simple, inexpensive, dollar-store type). You will not be able to use your cell phone or an online calculator during in-class quizzes/exams.
 

 Access to a computer with webcam and high-speed internet connection. This technology is used to complete online assignments in CengageNowV.2, to attend help sessions via Zoom, and to access and upload Blackboard assignments. Computer labs are available on the Amarillo College campuses if you need internet access, a webcam, or a computer.
 

 Access to a printer to print, or ability to come to campus to pick up, learning materials, assignments, and exam materials.
 

After Week 4, some assignments will be completed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets; thus, Excel software on your personal computer is highly recommended. If you do not have this software, computers labs are available on the Amarillo College campuses for this purpose.

Student Performance

 Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting the financial transactions of a business.

 The objective of the accounting process is to understand the impact of prior and existing business management decisions, as well as to make informed judgments and decisions regarding future activities.

 The purpose of our course is to introduce you to the fundamental principles of accounting. The skills and knowledge acquired in the course can be applied across many different industries and utilized at many different levels in an organization.

 The expected outcomes for the course include the ability to:

  • define accounting terminology.
  • analyze and record business transactions in a manual and computerized environment.
  • complete the accounting cycle.
  • prepare financial statements.
  • apply accounting concepts related to cash and payroll.
  • prepare bank reconciliations.
  • correct accounting errors

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work. Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may receive a 0 on an assignment; may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College.

The Faculty of the Business Technology Program reserve the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test or assignment by reproducing any specific section or the entire test/assignment in question.

Any action that compromises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of "F" in this course and possible further disciplinary action.

Grading Criteria

Course grades will be assigned based upon the following criteria:

Grades scored between
89.5% and 100% = A
79.5% and less than 89.5% = B
69.5% and less than 79.5% = C
59.5% and less than 69.5% = D
0% and less than 59.5% = F
 

Student evaluation is based upon the following assignments and weights:

Attendance (16)  - 5%
Chapter Notes (6) - 10%
Concepts Quizzes (6) - 10%
Chapter Quizzes (7) - 15%
Practice Assignments In-Class (6) - 10%
Homework Assignments (9) - 15%
Major Exams (2)  -  35%
 

An assignment checklist is posted in the Blackboard course identifying when each chapter is covered, when assignments are due, and when the midterm and final exams will be administered.

Please take a few minutes and record all due dates on your calendar.

A 10% penalty will be applied to all late work. For example, if a homework assigned would have earned a grade of 93, but is turned in late, the grade reported will be an 83.7 (93.0 – 9.3 = 83.7).
 

Attendance
Attendance will be taken at each class session. If you arrive after attendance has been taken, please ensure you have been counted as present before you leave for the day. Attendance will be taken for 16 class sessions, worth 100 points each, for 5% of your final course grade.

Chapter Notes
Chapter Notes will be prepared for each textbook chapter covered in the course. A template will be downloaded from Blackboard with important terminology, concepts, and processes. You will take notes from reading the chapter or covered in class lecture, using your own words, and upload the notes to a dropbox. Each of 6 submissions is worth 100 points, for 10% of your final course grade. Chapter Notes are completed in a Blackboard dropbox.

Concepts Quizzes
At the beginning of each class session you will complete a short concepts quiz. The quizzes are 5-10 fill-in-the-blank questions about important chapter concepts that were reviewed in the prior week. Six concepts quizzes, worth 100 points each, are worth 10% of your final course grade. Concepts Quizzes are completed in Blackboard.

Chapter Quizzes
At the end of each week, you will complete a 25 question multiple-choice quiz on chapter terminology and the processes for analyzing business transactions. A total of 7 quizzes, worth 100 points each, are worth 15% of your final course grade. Chapter Quizzes are completed in the Cengage Now V.2 learning system.

Practice Assignments In-Class
During each class session, after a new chapter has been introduced, the class will work practice problems in pairs or small groups. This is an opportunity to explore the material and utilize the accounting principles outlined in the chapter. Collaboration is encouraged, because it provides opportunity to work through your understanding and fill in gaps or errors in knowledge. A total of 6 in-class assignments will be completed, at 100 points each, worth 10% of your final course grade. If class is missed you may still download and complete the practice problems independently; however, this submission is only eligible for 70 points out of 100. Practice Assignments are preferably completed in class, because of the value of collaboration with others.

Homework Assignments
Homework assignments provide another opportunity to learn and practice basic accounting principles. Homework questions are problem-solving in nature and will be completed in the Cengage Now V.2 learning system. Cengage Now V.2 provides videos and examples, as well as a built-in calculator. There are 9 homework assignments, each worth 100 points, for 15% of your final course grade.

Major Exams
Two major exams will be administered in the course, a midterm exam over two days in Week 4 and a final exam over two days in Week 8. These exams are paper and pencil exams and will take place in a proctored environment on campus. Each exam is worth 100 points, for 35% of your final course grade.

Attendance

All Week 1 assignments must be completed by Monday, 1/23 @ 10pm, in order to be considered PRESENT in the course. Failure to complete all assignments by this date may lead to an administrative drop from the course.

Check your email daily.  The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email address issued to each AC student. Your instructor will communicate important course updates, guidance, and hints via email.

Establish the habit of reading/reviewing the textbook chapter(s) BEFORE you come to class on Tuesday afternoon. You don't have to know the material or fully understand what you have read, but you will be laying an important foundation. When we review the material in class, it will make more sense and both the in-class assignment and your homework will progress more efficiently. Promise!!

Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time. The more effort you put into keeping on top of the assignments, the more you will learn, the more you will enjoy the course, and the more likely the workload will not feel burdensome. A 10% penalty will be applied to all late work.

Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period. If you arrive late, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have been counted as present--before you leave class that afternoon. Excessive absence or lack of participation may result in failure of the course.

Students should plan on spending a minimum of 4-8 hours per week on this course--outside of the classroom. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments and topic complexity.

Your instructor, Lynne Kenney, may be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email lkenney@actx.edu.  In-person meetings or additional help are available if needed or desired. Please contact by email to set up a convenient day/time.

Emails are typically answered within 24 hours. If you do not receive a response within that timeframe, please resend your message as a reminder.

Calendar

The outline below represents a planned schedule for the course. Actual dates are subject to change. Please check your email daily for course updates from your instructor.
 
Week 1:  January 17 - January 23

Syllabus & Course Review
Chapter 1 - Asset, Liability, Owner's Equity, Revenue, and Expense Accounts

All Week 1 assignments must be completed by Monday, 1/24 @ 10pm), in order to be considered PRESENT in the course. Failure to complete all assignments by this date may lead to an administrative drop from the course.
Week 2:  January 24 - January 30

Chapter 2 - T Accounts, Debits and Credits, Trial Balance, and Financial Statements

Week 3:  January 31 - February 6

Chapter 3 - The General Journal and the General Ledger

Week 4:  February 7 - February 13

Chapter 6 - Bank Accounts, Cash Funds, and Internal Controls
Midterm Exam

Week 5:  February 14 - February 20

Chapter 4 - Adjusting Entries and the Work Sheet
Chapter 5 - Closing Entries and the Post-Closing Trial Balance

Week 6:  February 21 - February 27

Chapter 7 - Employee Earnings and Deductions
Chapter 8 - Employer Taxes, Payments, and Reports

Week 7:  February 28 - March 6

Chapter 12 - Financial Statements, Closing Entries, and Reversing Entries

Week 8:  March 7 - March 10

Cumulative Final Exam

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

January 17:           Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (AC Closed)
January 18:           Spring Classes Begin
January 25:           Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
March 1:                Last Day to Withdraw
March 10:              Last Day of Course
March 11-20:         Spring Break @ Amarillo College (limited services)

 

TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUES
  • Computer Services Center: Located within the AC Bookstore, trained staff will diagnose computer-related issues and repair problems on a fee-for-service basis. Laptop rentals are also available. Visit the Computer Services Center website for additional details: https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/computer-service-center.
  • Student & Faculty Help Center: Located in the basement of Ware Student Commons, the Help Center provides technical support to students and faculty. The Help Center offers assistance in logging into AC Connect, Blackboard, resetting passwords, and general computing and software questions. Visit the Student & Faculty Help Center website at https://www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter.
  • The Underground: Located in the basement of Ware Student Commons, The Underground contains more than 130 computers and features numerous individual work stations, production and collaboration rooms, some 85-inch screens, and high-quality printers. Hours of Operation are: Monday-Thursday (7am-8:30pm), Friday (7am-4pm), and Sunday (2pm-6pm).
COURSE ASSISTANCE
PERSONAL ISSUES
  • Advocacy & Resource Center: The Advocacy & Resource Center is located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons. A variety of resources are available in the areas of social services, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and adult student programs. Visit the Advocacy & Resource Center website at http://www.actx.edu/arc/advocacy-and-resource-center.
  • Counseling Center: At the Counseling Center, student and counselor work together to develop more personal awareness and the skills needed to overcome barriers to success. All services are free and confidential. Visit the Counseling Center website at: https://www.actx.edu/counseling/index.php.
  • Legal Clinic: The Legal Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic assisting enrolled AC students on various legal issues including family law, immigration, probate, landlord-tenant issues, and general legal matters. Visit the Legal Clinic website at https://www.actx.edu/legalstudies/legal-student-intership.

Syllabus Created on:

01/03/22 10:27 AM

Last Edited on:

01/05/22 2:23 PM