Weaving DEI resources into classroom

As part of its commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment, the Department of Accountancy has built the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Repository into a robust resource that includes case studies and ideas reflecting the diversity of our students and future employers.

“This collection helps faculty build classroom community. We want every student to feel seen, heard, and valued in every accounting course they take,” said Josh Herbold, associate head of the Department of Accountancy.

The DEI Repository had a soft launch in November 2021 and is housed on Canvas, the university’s online course management system that professors use to post information, assignments, and grades. In addition to case studies, it hosts general resources, broken out by areas of focus, such as managerial accounting, data analytics, and audit. It also includes DEI work by professional accounting associations and leading accounting firms –work that focuses on gender, racial, wouldn’t instantly think the topic of a play would impact the accounting numbers, but we ask students to include predictions in their models about how this topic might impact ticket sales because the theme makes people uncomfortable. cultural, social class, and sexual identity inclusivity in the classroom.

Among the case studies is one taught by Herbold in ACCY 503: Managerial Accounting. It looks at a nonprofit community theater company in Boston whose charter is to perform works that bridge the understanding between India and US cultures. The assignment asks students to assess the cost-volume-profit analysis for a volunteer-led theater group’s play, called “Kamala,” that explores human trafficking in India.

“You wouldn’t instantly think the topic of a play would impact the accounting numbers, but we ask students to include predictions in their models about how this topic might impact ticket sales because the theme makes people uncomfortable,” said Herbold. “It has prompted some interesting conversations about culture and belonging and its impact on business.”

In addition, the DEI Repository serves as a directory of diversity-focused professional organizations such as the American Indigenous Business

Leaders, the Association of Latino Business Professionals, and the Chinese Accounting Professors Association of North America.

“We think this could become the model for how other departments approach incorporating DEI into the classroom – we just happened to do it first,” said Herbold, who added it is also designed to support new university guidelines that ask those seeking promotion or tenure to demonstrate what they’ve done to promote DEI, in addition to their research, teaching, and service accomplishments.

“We want every student to know that not only are they welcome here, but there is a place for them, and the profession needs all of the voices of the increasingly diverse accounting community,” said Herbold.

Added Denise Lewin Loyd, associate dean for equity, “Diversity is about all of us. Each person at Gies Business is a part of the diversity that makes up our community. When we work to increase the diversity that’s already here, and when we allow people to show up as their full selves, we all benefit.”