The Accidental Plagiarist Notes from the Prevent Plagiarism Workshop.

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