Student Academic And Professional Organizations: An Effective Vehicle For Enhancing The Educational Experience Of Accounting Students

Abstract

Accounting graduates entering the work environment are often criticized for the quality of their communication skills and leadership ability.  In response to these and other problems, members of the AICPA recently voted to restrict membership in the Institute after the year 2000 to those individuals who have obtained a minimum of 150 semester hours of higher education.  Moreover, several states (for example Florida, Utah, Hawaii, and Tennessee) have adopted a similar 150 semester hour requirement.  While these steps may enhance the communication skills of students this talent may also be developed through the effective use of student academic and professional organizations as an extension of the educational process.  This article presents a two-tiered organizational structure and activities which can be used to mitigate these deficiencies in the account student’s educational background.