The Accidental Plagiarist
Notes from the Prevent Plagiarism Workshop
Be Specific When Defining Plagiarism
Make Expectations Regarding Plagiarism Assignment-Specific
• “You are not allowed to use essays written for a previous class.”
• “You are allowed editing assistance only from the writing center, and please acknowledge that assistance at the end of the essay.”
Create a Culture of Integrity
Be a Role Model
• Model correct citation for each assignment
• Cite YOUR sources on classroom materials
• Be careful with your terminology (say “notes” rather than “cheat sheet,” etc.)
• View inadvertent plagiarism as a “teaching moment”
Discuss Academic Integrity
Require an Academic Integrity Statement
“I affirm that I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid with this assignment”—The Student
Ask Students to Acknowledge Assistance
“I thank the following people for their feedback and assistance on this project:____________________.”
Design Assignments Not Easily Plagiarized
• Avoid easily googled topics
• Require that rough drafts be written in class
• Do not allow last minute changes in topics
• Give students class time to research in the library (can book the library classroom for up to two sessions per class)
Respond to Suspected Plagiarism with Due Process
Due Process
• Discuss the alleged misconduct with the student within 10 days
• Within the next 10 days, give the student written notification of any academic sanctions and the student’s right to appeal to the Academic Integrity Committee
Document Plagiarism Carefully
• Keep copies of the plagiarized paper
• Print out source material, if possible
• Keep copies of notifications to students, chair, and registrar’s office
• Make note of dates and times of meetings with students as well as the content of the meetings and suggested solutions such as a rewrites
Don’t Obsess Over Plagiarism
Questions?/Open Discussion