INFORMATION ABOUT

On-Line ACCT 4377 & ACCT 7378

Governmental & Non-Profit Accounting

 

On-line Site Requirements:

 

1.           You must use a Microsoft version 4.01 (or greater) or a Netscape version 4.x browser. For best results, use the latest version of the Microsoft browser.

 

2.           Your browser preferences should be set to enable JavaScript (or JScript), allow cookies, and provide a reasonably sized cache (several mb, or greater) set to "Check for newer versions of stored pages ... Every visit to the page." The location and exact wording of these preference selections vary by browser and version. These settings are required for the proper functioning of the course materials.

 

3.           Adobe's Acrobat Reader is needed to view PDF files. If it is not already installed on your computer, you should download it and install it on your computer (it is free). www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

 

4.           If you are using privacy software that modifies HTTP headers, filters content, or applies unreasonably strict limitations on JavaScript code you may need to turn the software off to avoid problems when accessing the courseware section.

 

5.           For audio, you will need Real Player.  If it is not already installed, you should download it and install it on your computer.  www.real.com

 

6.           You will need a WebCT ID.  If you do not have a WebCT ID, you should go to www.uh.edu/webct/help/id_lookup.html.  The earliest your WebCT ID will be available is three days prior to the first day of class (if you have pre-registered)  If you added the course during late registration, it takes three business days to obtain your WebCT ID.

 

7.           You will need Microsoft Office.  If you do not have the software, assuming you have a RICS account, you can use the Research & Instructional Computing Services (RICS) laboratory.

 

 

FAQ’s

 

1.   Why study Government & Non-Profit Accounting?

This area is becoming increasingly more important as most governments and nonprofit organizations actively seek to improve their ability to provide vital services more efficiently and effectively.  As a result, the governmental and nonprofit sectors provide a growing market for public accounting firms in providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services.  Opportunities for professional accounting and auditing careers in government continue to grow as well.  Most of you can expect to have some involvement with government and nonprofit entities during your professional careers, either as an auditor with a public accounting firm or state auditor, or as an accountant or financial manager with such an entity.  Accordingly, the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination has placed more emphasis on this area in recent years.  Thirty percent of one of the four parts of the CPA is now devoted to governmental and nonprofit entity accounting.  In addition, the Auditing part of the exam usually contains questions on the auditing requirements unique to governmental and nonprofit entities.  Finally, in June 1999, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board issued GASB Statement No. 34 ushered in profound changes in governmental accounting and financial reporting over the next three years as it is implemented.  Many governments have already implemented the new model and many others are in the process of implementing it.  The new GASB reporting model is now being covered on CPA Exam. 

 

 

2.     When will the Government & Non-Profit Accounting course be offered

on-line?

The first on-line section of this course (ACCT 4377 and ACCT 7378) will be offered in the Spring 2003 semester.

 

 

3.     How do I register for this course?

Register for this course just as you would for any other undergraduate/undergraduate course at the University of Houston. If you need additional information regarding admissions, transferring credit hours, remote registration, or other general student services you can contact the Office of Student Services in the College of Business.

 

 

4.     How will this course be conducted?

This course is offered completely on-line. As a result, you do not need to physically travel to the University of Houston for this course except for exams which are given on-campus on Saturdays during the semester and a final exam.  Classes are conducted online using WebCT.  On-line participation in class discussions will be mandatory.  More details are provided in the course syllabus, which is available on the web-site.

 

 

2.     What are the academic prerequisites for taking this course?

Follow the guidelines listed in the course catalog.

 

 

3.     What are the hardware and software requirements for this course?

HARDWARE:

You will need a relatively new computer, reliable internet access, and access to a printer.

SOFTWARE:
You will need a browser (preferably the latest version Microsoft Internet Explorer), Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or greater, and Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

 

 

4.     What materials are required for this course?

There will be a general course textbook. You should be able to purchase the text from the university bookstore.