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Getting the calculations right: An exploration of student support initiatives in the College of Accounting Sciences at Unisa

Presenter

Anton Jordaan is an academic at Unisa since 1990. He taught Cost Accounting and Control on a second year level. Towards the end of 2013, Anton was tasked to assist with the administrative requirements for the establishment of the College of Accounting. The College was established on 1 January 2014. Part of the mission of the College is to promote a quality student-centered teaching and learning experience. To support and achieve this, a dedicated student support unit was established in the College and Anton became the Manager of this unit. The student support Team has achieved a number of successes since the establishment of the unit. 

Abstract

A number of modules on offer in the College of Accounting Sciences are classified as high-risk modules due to the low throughput rates of these modules.  

For students to be successful in the field of accounting, a sound knowledge of mathematics is required. Since properly qualified mathematics teachers are not always available, students in accounting sciences might experience a challenge to understand basic accounting principles. In addition, English is not the first language of many students. The ability to read and write in English is also a key to their success at University.  

Accounting science is also identified as a scarce skill area in the National Development Plan and as a national priority can contribute to alleviate poverty and reduce inequalities in local communities. The main purpose in the College of Accounting Sciences is to address national priorities aligned to the National Development Plan, by producing students with a sound knowledge of accounting sciences and produce quality accounting graduates. A number of projects were introduced in the College of Accounting Sciences at the University of South Africa, with the purpose of supporting the students to master the accounting sciences academic syllabus. One of these student support projects are funded through a grant received from the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET).  

This workshop will share and discuss the successes achieved through the different support projects offered to students in the College of Accounting Sciences at Unisa. 

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