Plagiarism is defined as “the wrongful appropriation or purloining, and publication as one's own, of the ideas, or the expression of the ideas (literary, artistic, musical, mechanical, etc.) of another (Oxford English Dictionary Online).” It is a serious offense at LSUE. The purpose of this session is to show you what actions are considered plagiarism and what you as a student can do to avoid them.

Examples of Plagiarism

n       Copying test answers or homework

n       Selling/giving work to another student to use for an assignment

n       Turning in work you didn’t write/create

n       Leaving out a source you used

n       Not using quotation marks for quotes

Sanctions

These are the minimum punishments as listed in the Code of Student Conduct. Circumstances may allow or require other penalties, as determined when each case is examined. Please note that both dropped and failed courses can negatively impact on financial aid availability.

Unpremeditated

     Not planned out ahead of time; spontaneous; spur of the moment.

     First offense: academic probation; dropped from course.

     Second offense: separation for 1 year.

     Third offense: expulsion.

Premeditated

     Preplanned; deliberately; usually take-home versus in-class work.

     First offense: separation for 1 semester.

     Second offense: expulsion.

Tips for Prevention

Start early. Practice.

Talk with your professor. Ask questions.

Learn the differences between quotations and paraphrases.

     Quotations: their words and their ideas; must use quotation marks.

     Paraphrases: your words and their ideas; must cite source.

Have a copy of all sources on hand when doing an assignment.

Write down or copy all needed citation information.

     Author, title, journal title, publication, source used, etc.

     This will vary depending on the style required.

Look over citation style before starting your search.

     What information will you need?

     Look at examples. Ask your professor if you have any questions.

Citation Guides

The two most used guides for citing information are APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association). MLA is used primarily for English classes, and APA is used for many subjects, including communication, psychology, and nursing. A copy of each is on the ready reference shelf and on reserve at the library. Always ask your professor which system to use for your assignments.

Ref        Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.

LB 2369         6th ed. New York: MLA, 2003.

G53

2003

Ref

BF 76.7    Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

P83             (5th ed.). (2001).Washington, DC: American Psychological

2001            Association.