Course Orientation
FES3753
Course Orientation
Welcome to the Course
FES3753 is an introductory course reviewing financial and accounting principles. While the topic and concepts may seem overwhelming, the principles discussed are relatable to general business but specifically geared toward emergency services. The principals are discussed to help you understand the importance of financial and accounting activities to better prepare yourself for high-level decision-making!
Key Course Elements
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in terminology, concepts, and methodologies used in the finance profession through writing submissions and discussions.
- Analyze financial statements and explain the meaning of financial concepts such as, but not limited to, balance sheets, income statements, depreciation, and inventory control.
- Describe the concepts of asset and liability management and their impact on an organization's ability to operate effectively.
- Carefully and logically analyze financial information from multiple perspectives and develop reasoned solutions to problems.
- Clearly and effectively communicate knowledge, ideas, and reasoning in written or oral forms in order to convey an understanding of financial concepts and applications.
- Construct a budget.
All discussions require an initial post based on the “What Would You Do” questions presented at the beginning of each textbook chapter.
You will post your initial response to the scenario and will then respond to a minimum of two of your peers. Each individual response must be substantive in content.
Grade points will be based on a detailed response to the scenario and an in-depth response to at least two of your peers.
The final assignment will consist of developing a proposal for a project that the municipal board of directors will evaluate. As the department chief, the student will create the proposal describing the history, need for, and circumstances around the project. The proposal will include, but not be limited to, the justification, funding sources, and impact on the department and community, as well as the financial statements that support the project and its impact.
Every semester, students complete two surveys to give feedback to the instructor regarding the elements of this course. These anonymous surveys are a way for you to provide honest feedback on the course. This feedback is essential to provide the best quality instruction and give you, the learner, the best learning experience. You are asked to give your honest opinion and to share any advice you have to make the course better. You will be asked questions regarding the instructor's presence, lectures, assignment quality, etc.
Mid-Semester Survey
This survey will act as a prerequisite for Module 6 and will require completion before moving forward in the course. You will receive credit for your participation in the quiz, not for your answers, as the survey is anonymous.
If you have any questions or concerns about the course surveys, please feel free to reach out.
About Your Instructor
My experience in firefighting, EMS, and education spans over 39 years. As a Lieutenant of an FD, an EMT and Paramedic, an EMS Operations Chief, and an educator, I gained invaluable lessons that are incorporated into all of my classes. I have earned a Master’s Degree in Management from Penn State University’s Smeal Business College, a nursing degree from Excelsior University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University. I earned the designation of Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM). I earned my Ph.D. in Leadership and Organizational Change from Walden University.
I have many years of higher educational experience guiding adult students through courses of study in topics such as Finance, Accreditation and Auditing, Technology Application, and Strategy Development. I've also taught courses at Pa College of Health Sciences and was a Faculty Advisor for EMS at Franklin & Marshall College; I taught as an Adjunct Professor for Lebanon Valley College’s master’s program at Immaculata College, where I taught Management, Strategic Planning, Human Resources, and Research, and Harrisburg Area Community College, where I taught in the Paramedic program. One of my goals this semester is to challenge you to think creatively about FES topics.
My professional affiliations include the American Society of Safety Engineers, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the National Association of EMS Educators, the National Association of EMTs, and the Institute for Behavioral and Applied Management.
Prepare for a Successful Semester
Take these steps:
Watch the Introduction Video.
Read the Syllabus.
Introduce yourself to the class.
Adjust Canvas Notification Preferences Links to an external site. to enable Canvas to send you an email directly.
Take the Course Orientation Quiz.
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