Plagiarism is often noticeable by the presence of unduly sophisticated or professional language, citations of works not used in the course, or jarring stylistic differences between a student's different assignments. Often a quick Internet search can locate the original source(s). Sometimes more elaborate searching is required. Instructors can prevent plagiarism by

• Informing students in writing of the ethical standards expected and the consequences of academic dishonesty.

• Clarifying in writing the distinctions between plagiarism, paraphrasing, and direct citation.

• Having a discussion early in the course about academic honesty—both to hear students' ideas about it and to explain to them how cheating harms students and undermines the integrity of the University.

• Giving assignments that encourage creative self-expression rather than repetition of facts and ideas, and changing assignments often rather than repeating them from previous semesters.

Currently, the university has no specific arrangements or licenses for plagiarism-detecting software. The website titled "Plagiarism Stoppers: A Teacher's Guide" lists several companies and agencies that market plagiarism detecting software. Please contact Student Judicial Affairs at 643-9069 for more information.

Three excellent campus resources to help you understand, prevent, and deal with academic dishonesty of all kinds are Student Judicial Affairs, the chapter "Preventing Academic Dishonesty" in the Teaching Guide for Graduate Student Instructors of the GSI Teaching and Resource Center, and the Academic Honesty section of the Office of Educational Development.

last updated on 6/7/07