Understanding Plagiarism

If students are doing ANY type of presentation of research, whether it is in a paper or other media presentation, they need to be presented with a clear policy on plagiarism and be held to a code of ethics. Likewise, students need to learn how to incorporate research into their projects effectively. 

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism in its simplest definition is the use of someone's ideas or work without giving them credit. It includes:

• cheating on exams
• purchase of papers on paper mills
• turning in work written by someone else
• failure to quote or cite work, including patchworking Links to an external site.
• in some colleges, submitting the same paper for two different assignments

What are the Consequences?

While it varies from institution to institution, plagiarism can cost people their jobs and integrity. In college it can result in a failed grade on the assignment, a failed grade in the course, loss of credits/degrees, or expulsion. 

It Takes a Village

While it is true that the ELA department will almost always cover research etiquette. Every department assigning research needs a plagiarism policy and needs to uphold a high standard of academic honesty.