Members of the Accountancy Advisory Group (AAG) convened for their spring meeting on April 16–17 to discuss program updates and brainstorm improvements to the department’s strategic plan. The conversation also helped prepare for the upcoming AACSB accreditation, focusing on the program’s impact, engagement, and innovation. The group was joined by accountancy faculty and student representatives.
Central to the discussion were the dramatic increases in enrollments the accountancy program has seen over the past four years. To meet the increasing demand, the department has grown its faculty, with three new members this academic year and two more expected in the fall of 2027. A new position has also been approved for 2027.
Laura Hay, president and CEO of the Ohio Society of CPAs, provided an update on CPA pathways and the organization’s efforts in Ohio. Students shared their thoughts on possible reasons for the recent trend—CPA exam pass rates are declining, and the average age when all parts are passed is increasing. To address this issue, the department will be piloting a “CPA Jump Start” program with Master of Accountancy students in the fall.
Thanks to the following students who joined the discussion: Blaire Berg, William Gronau, Seth Kreisel, Nicolas Laser, Ryan Lenart, Mia Meinhardt, Blake Mesenburg, Ava Nagy, Alia Noor, Siena Pace, Ryan Pasko, Kyle Quint, and Ashley Sego.
The meeting concluded with an executive session of the AAG. The next meeting date was set for October 2, 2026.