Accounting 240 Intro Notes (Transcript Summary)

Instructor Introduction and Personal Context

• Speaker: Adam (also referred to as Boom) from Ghana with an accent; emphasizes clear communication and will ask for clarification if something is not understood.
• Provides personal background to build rapport: from Ghana, lived in Arizona, recently returned from an Ohio soccer tournament; experiences with the sun causing blisters around the mouth; humorous aside about weather differences between Ohio and Arizona.
• References to his professional and academic background: worked at Deloitte, American Express, A Site (typo likely), served in the U.S. Army; currently runs his own accounting business; pursuing a doctorate at GC; has five boys; values teaching as a calling.
• Encourages engagement and accountability: asks students to be present, participate, and read in advance; emphasizes honesty about reading and attendance.
• Sets tone: straightforward, direct communication; acknowledges diverse backgrounds and experiences in the class.

Course overview and structure

• Course title: Accounting 240 (fall 2025)
• Structure: three main accounting areas packed into one course; fast-paced with a lot of material.
• Three main accounting topics covered in the class: financial accounting, management accounting, and cross accounting (likely cost accounting; note the transcript says "cross accounting").
• No final exam; the course is organized into a sequence of three classes and a quiz for each topic, over a total of 15 weeks.
• Emphasis on preparation: reading in advance is essential; attendance alone does not earn points.
• The course is designed so that if students do what is required, it’s one of the easier classes.
• The class uses a mix of in-class instruction and individual/reading work; students should come prepared to engage.

Readings, platforms, and access

• Textbook and platform: book is accessed via Connect; course materials also accessible through the Halo integration.
• Log-in requirements and setup:
  • Use GCU login; password created during account setup.
  • Connect course resources are unlocked via introductory videos on the Start page; watch these videos to unlock all modules.
  • If modules remain locked, it indicates the connection setup was not completed correctly.
• Device requirements:
  • A computer is required (laptop, MacBook, or PC).
  • Tablets, iPads, or some Pro/Protero devices will not work with the system.
• Technical note: if there are issues with Proctorio or other software, the instructor will adapt with in-class questions instead.
• First-week action items: ensure Connect is connected, watch the start videos, and access to quizzes/assignments/books will unlock after completing the setup.

Topics, schedule, and coverage

• Seven topics across 15 weeks; each topic lasts two weeks, except topic six which is especially challenging due to extensive technical content.
• Topic sequence highlights:
  • Topic 1: Chapters 1 and 2 (two weeks); quizzes covering these chapters.
  • Topic 2: Chapters 3 and 4 (two weeks).
  • Topic 3–5: Chapters 11–15 (two weeks per topic) with a heavy emphasis on technical material for topic six.
  • Topic 6: Chapters 11–15 (heavy technical content); identified as particularly difficult.
  • Topic 7: Focus on Chapter 14 (end of the sequence).
• Assessment cadence: three classes and a quiz per topic, with no final exam or separate papers.
• Reading expectation: chapters 1–16 are assigned for reading; a few chapters are skipped because they will not appear on quizzes or assignments.
• Benchmark quiz: after Topic 2 there is a comprehensive benchmark quiz to test understanding from Chapters 1 through the current topic (likely through Chapter 3 as per transcript).
• Weekly rhythm: three classroom sessions plus a quiz per topic; no final exam; all work due in advance.

Readings, reading strategy, and engagement

• Reading load is substantial; students are encouraged to skim for main ideas and key concepts if time is limited.
• Reading is tied to in-class discussions; the instructor will expect you to reference material you’ve read when questions arise in class.
• If you do not understand something when the instructor mentions it in class, you should point it out and ask for clarification.
• Reading and being prepared are critical for earning participation and points; the instructor can identify who reads and who doesn’t.

Assessments, points, and grading framework

• Overall course points: the entire class is worth 1000 points.
• Breakdown highlights:
  • Assignments: 200 points; two attempts per assignment; can be completed outside class time (not in-class work).
  • Benchmark quiz: 185 points; a comprehensive test after Topic 2 covering Chapters 1–3 (as described).
  • Practice quizzes: each is worth 10 points; these are supplementary and meant to build familiarity with the material and earn easy points.
  • Other quizzes: quizzes occur in class; only in-class quizzes are permitted (no take-home quizzes for grading).
  • The text mentions a “state” of participation and reading as part of the points; attendance and active participation contribute to the grade.
• Late penalty:
  • Any late item incurs a deduction of 10\% per day.
  • If a quiz is missed and later made up, you must score at least 80\% to compensate for the 10% per day penalty.
• Absences and alerts:
  • Absences reduce participation points; if absences are excessive, an early alert may be triggered to monitor potential grade impact.
• Makeups and verification:
  • If you miss a quiz for medical or other reasons, you must provide a verified note to justify makeup; the note must be verified, not just claimed.
  • After verification, you will be allowed to retake without the penalty.
• Office hours and access to help:
  • No formal office hours; instructor teaches and leaves; but students can contact via text or Halo messaging.
  • Due to high student volume, Halo messages may take days; texting is recommended for urgent matters.
• Class participation is required for points; simply sitting in class without engagement does not earn points.
• Code of conduct:
  • The class uses a code of conduct; students should read and follow it to understand allowed/disallowed behavior.
  • If you are unsure about expectations, refer to the provided link for the conduct policy.

Communication, contact, and support

• Instructor contact:
  • Personal cell phone number provided for urgent matters.
  • Email address provided for outside-of-class requests.
  • Halo platform is used for messages, but response times may vary.
• Encouragement to reach out with legitimate concerns; honesty about personal circumstances is welcomed when communicated properly with verification where required.

Class resources and getting started

• Class resources path:
  • Log in to Halo, locate class resources, then access Connect through the Halo integration.
  • In Connect, locate your course in the library list and watch the start videos to unlock modules.
  • Ensure all modules are unlocked; if something remains locked, revisit the connection setup.
• Tech tips and pitfalls:
  • Ensure you are using a computer (not a tablet); some devices may not work and could block access to quizzes and books.
  • If you encounter access issues, complete the start videos and verify you can access chapters, quizzes, and assignments.
• Immediate next steps for students:
  • By Friday, ensure Connect is connected and read Chapter 1 (Chapter 2 will be covered next week).
  • Prepare for the Friday quiz that will cover Chapter 1 (and possibly 2 as the course progresses).
• Closing expectations for the first class session:
  • The instructor plans to guide you through class resources, videos, and access setup; be ready to engage and ask questions.

General expectations and classroom culture

• The course emphasizes accountability, preparation, and active participation over passive attendance.
• Students should be proactive in seeking help and utilizing available resources (book, tutoring, and in-class discussions).
• The instructor acknowledges diverse backgrounds and aims to provide a supportive but rigorous environment to learn three integrated aspects of accounting within one course.
• Practical reminder: accounting affects everyday life—every purchase, payment, or receipt involves accounting concepts; the course aims to illuminate these everyday connections and provide a foundation for graduate-level accounting work.

Quick reference: key numbers and terms

• Weeks and topics: 15 weeks, 7 topics (each two weeks, with topic 6 being especially challenging).
• Points and weights (summary):
  • Assignments: 200 points
  • Benchmark quiz: 185 points
  • Practice quizzes: 10 points each
  • Total course points: 1000 points
• Quizzes: only in-class; late penalties: 10\% per day; makeup score requirement: at least 80\% after late penalty.
• Tools and platforms: Connect (textbook access), Halo integration; device requirement: computer (not tablet or iPad).
• Topics sequence: Chapters 1–2 for Topic 1; 3–4 for Topic 2; later topics include Chapters 11–15 and a focus on Chapter 14 for Topic 7.

Ethical, philosophical, and practical implications discussed

• Emphasis on integrity and honesty regarding reading, attendance, and effort.
• Recognition that life experiences differ; course policies aim to be fair and transparent while maintaining high academic standards.
• The instructor frames accounting not merely as a set of numbers but as a lens on real-world business decisions, personal finances, and informed citizenship in a business environment.

Summary of immediate actions for students

• Ensure you have a computer; avoid tablets/iPads for Connect access.
• Log in to Halo and Connect; complete start videos to unlock modules.
• Read Chapter 1 (and plan to read Chapter 2); prepare for Friday's in-class quiz.
• Note late submission penalties and plan ahead to avoid them; communicate in advance if you will miss a class or assignment.
• Reach out to the instructor via text for urgent matters and via Halo/email for non-urgent needs.
• Review the code of conduct and class policies to avoid misunderstandings.