Using COSO to Mitigate Service Learning Project Risk

Abstract

Service learning helps students learn by applying accounting concepts and ethics principles to real accounting tasks in community service organizations. Despite the benefits of service learning, few instructors use it (Abes, 2002). We identify risks instructors face while facilitating service learning projects and present a model of the COSO Internal Control–Integrated Framework (2013) as a mechanism for risk mitigation. We also provide a handbook with guidance and document templates to help mitigate service learning project risk and to facilitate project implementation.