Mission and Goals

Mission

We provide an engaging learning environment that prepares our undergraduate and master’s accounting and management information systems (MIS) students to be successful professionals who exhibit high ethical standards. As a land grant university, we have a primary responsibility to serve the citizens of Idaho and the region through scholarly and outreach activities.

We accomplish this mission by:

• Delivering a high-quality program of studies that encompasses the relevant features of a dynamic accounting and business environment:

  • For undergraduate accounting students, deliver general preparation in accounting to provide a foundation for future study or an accounting position.

  • For undergraduate management information systems students, provide a foundation of knowledge on information systems for students to be hired appropriate jobs.

  • For graduate students, enhance knowledge and skills in preparation for a successful professional career.

• Providing experiential learning opportunities for our students (e.g., VITA, internal control review group, accounting professional development, entrepreneurship program, financial capability seminars and internships).

• Engaging in scholarly activities that make meaningful contributions to practice, education, and knowledge.

• Providing service to the community, the university, the profession, and academic organizations.
  
  

Strategic Planning Goals

Goal 1: Scholarly and creative activity. Achieve excellence in scholarship.

Objective A: 85% of the Scholarly Academic accounting faculty members meet the expectation of publishing one peer reviewed journal article per year.
Objective B: The accounting and MIS faculty will develop a set of agreed-upon impact measures which will be monitored and updated annually.
Objective C: All accounting and MIS faculty members satisfy the Scholarly Academic, Practice Academic, or Instructional Practitioner requirements (whichever is appropriate).
Objective D: Encourage Scholarly Academic faculty to engage in interdisciplinary research with a colleague or colleagues outside of the department of accounting.
Objective E: Maintain a balance of pedagogical and non-pedagogical research.

Goal 2: Outreach and engagement. Engage with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors and the rest of the university through mutually beneficial partnerships.

Objective A: All accounting and MIS faculty members will be involved in outreach and/or engagement activities annually. All professionally qualified (Practice Academic and Instructional Practitioner) faculty maintain qualification.
Objective B: Encourage accounting and MIS undergraduate students and accounting graduate students to participate in at least one college or accounting experiential learning activity by graduation.
Objective C: Continue to offer and support quality outreach programs.

Goal 3: Teaching and learning. Enable our students’ success in their chosen profession.

Objective A: Sustain current curricula relevant to the accounting and MIS profession.
Objective B: Encourage undergraduate accounting and MIS students and graduate accounting students to participate in at least one college or accounting experiential learning activity by graduation.
Objective C: Expand the development and recognition of high-quality teaching.
Objective D: Enhance student learning and professional skills.
Objective E: Continue to recruit and retain students into the undergraduate and graduate accounting programs.

Goal 4: Community and culture. Be a valued and diverse community.

Objective A: Build an inclusive community that welcomes diverse perspectives.
Objective B: Enhance the department's ability to compete for and retain outstanding scholars and skilled staff.
Objective C: Maintain excellent relationships with alumni and other external stakeholders.
 

Undergraduate Accounting Program Learning Goals

Learning goals for undergraduate accounting students incorporate and build upon college goals.
 
1. Business knowledge and environment. College of Business and Economics undergraduate students will acquire an integrated understanding of business, accounting, and economic principles and specialized knowledge in their chosen majors. Accounting majors will acquire specific knowledge in financial reporting, cost and managerial accounting, auditing, and income taxation. MIS majors will acquire specific knowledge of systems analysis and design, mobile app development, databases, security, and data communication and networking.
 
2. Critical thinking and ethical problem solving. Students will use appropriate tools to identify, analyze and address problems and opportunities.
 
3. Communication. Students will learn to effectively collect, organize, and communicate information.
 
4. Clarify purpose and perspective. Students will have transformational experiences that foster a better understanding of self, relationships, and global perspectives.
 
5. Teamwork and collaboration. Students will learn to interact effectively and professionally with people of varied backgrounds, abilities, and values.
 

Graduate Accounting Program Learning Goals

 
1. Professional accounting knowledge. Master’s students will acquire advanced knowledge of accounting and of professional codes of conduct to prepare them for the accounting profession or further graduate work.
 
2. Critical thinking, ethical problem solving, and research skills. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary for identifying and addressing complex situations in accounting-related areas, including ethical dilemmas. Students will be able to locate appropriate information, apply the rules or standards to a set of facts, and make appropriate recommendations regarding a course of action.
 
3. Communication. Students will enhance their ability to effectively communicate through oral presentations and professional writing assignments.
 
4. Clarify purpose and perspective. Students will have opportunities for experiential learning, relationship development, and appreciation of global perspectives.
 
5. Teamwork and collaboration. Students will improve their abilities to interact in teams, lead other students, and network with others.