Page 272 - TaxAdviser_2022

CAMPUS TO CLIENTS

The exams consisted of multiple-choice last class session — students read these
questions and completion of a tax return out loud as part of a class debrief. An
by hand, using paper forms. Volunteers Student feedback was example of the final reflection is shown
extremely positive,
were also required to complete an exam in Exhibit 2.
on confidentiality and conduct. and many student On the last day of class, after the fil-
The first three course meetings were ing deadline, a volunteer celebration was
volunteers were
reserved for training for the resident and held to debrief and present some awards
nonresident exams, and the assistant emotional during the to volunteers. Each volunteer chosen for
coordinators held office hours for volun- an award — selected by the assistant site
teers to get help with their take-home sharing and reflection. coordinators — received a certificate and
certification exams. They also graded the a $10 gift card. All volunteers received
exams and provided feedback to volun- a certificate for volunteering. After
teers with the help of the instructor. child care specifically to come to the the certificates were awarded, students
Once tax preparation began, course center for tax preparation. shared their experiences and reflections
meetings on Wednesdays consisted In addition to the certification exams from the tax season. Student feedback
of preparing tax returns for scheduled and weekly tax preparation, other deliv- was extremely positive, and many stu-
clients, and student volunteers were erables included discussion board posts, dent volunteers were emotional during
also required to volunteer at least two a final reflection, and, for second-year the sharing and reflection.
Saturdays during the semester. Class at- volunteers, mentoring a fellow volunteer.
tendance was mandatory, and there were The discussion board in Blackboard was Observations and suggestions
very few absences, as the instructor and the hub for questions, concerns, tips, and for implementation
assistant site coordinators worked from observations, and, beginning in week 2, Breaking away from the IRS and creat-
the beginning to impress upon student students were required to post at least ing the University Free Tax Preparation
volunteers the importance of showing once per week or respond to a fellow Center was the right choice for this
up for the clients, many of whom would volunteer. The final reflection consisted center and these student volunteers. One
have taken time off from work or hired of four parts and was due during the major reason for the center’s success
was that its class times fit into the class
schedule for undergraduates and gradu-
ates. This helped attract a high quality
Exhibit 2: Option 2 final course reflection of volunteer, including sophomores and
juniors, and yielded repeat volunteers.
In-class training was more con-
Research has shown that self-reflection is an important part of being a good leader, venient and consistent than IRS-led
and it is also good for seeing how far you have come since starting a job, project, or certification training, and students were
class. Please think carefully about the questions below and answer thoughtfully and better prepared for certification exams
honestly. There are no wrong answers! and for tax preparation. In addition,
1. What were your thoughts about tax preparation before you started this course? volunteers flocked to the office hours for
Have those thoughts changed since taking this course? help with certification exams, adding to
2. Describe the different groups of people who came to the tax preparation center for the learning experience. The instructor
assistance. What did you observe about the people served by this organization? also created recordings with tips about
How did that differ from your expectations? completing tax returns that were popular
3. Describe a specific client you met during your time at the tax preparation center. with the students for their preparation
What perspectives, standpoints, and feelings about the community did that client and review for the certification exams.
have, and where might those come from? How are those perspectives different From a client service perspective, it
from or similar to your own? is good to have the center located on
4. What goals did you set for yourself for this course? How well did you accomplish the first floor in an easy-to-find room.
those? What was the most enjoyable part of tax preparation? What did you strug- Considering whether a class meets in
gle with the most over the course of this tax season? the room after the center closes is also
5. How will what you learned in this course help you with your future career? How important, as this was a constant source
can this experience make you a more effective, respectful, and inclusive leader?
of stress for the Wednesday afternoon
preparation days. Access to a printer

54 May 2022 The Tax Adviser