So What?

Q. What's the big deal if I plagiarize? If you plagiarize, you steal. If stealing isn't a big deal to you, then no web site is going to help you. If you think stealing may be wrong, then there's hope.

Q. How can plagiarism be stealing? If you've been living in a cave, let me bring you up to date. Intellectual property is property. You wouldn't steal someone's truck. You wouldn't steal someone's shoes. So, don't steal someone's ideas. Intellectual property is property. And ideas are intellectual property.

Q. You're nuts. How can anyone own an idea? Ideas have physical shape. They exist as words on a page or words on the web. Everytime you write something, the law says it is your intellectual property. You own it. This is called "copyright." No one can steal your words, but if someone does, that person has violated copyright. And, conversely, if you use someone's words without due acknowledgment, you violate that person's copyright. Plagiarism is theft.

Q. Wait a minute. If I buy a paper and hand it in, that isn't stealing! No, that's fraud. Plagiarism is also fraud.


Defining Plagiarism

Q. Where do I find out about plagiarism? Get and read West Virginia University Student Handbook, also known as The Mountie. Plagiarism is defined in section 3.1.1.3 (page 60). You can find a free copy at the office of student life in Moore Hall.

Q. How can I be expected to know all this? Here's a simple legal principle that applies, as far as I know, in every one of these United States: ignorance of the law is no excuse. "Sorry, officer, I didn't know stealing is wrong." This is not an acceptable excuse. Read The Mountie.

 

What if I get Caught?

Q. What could happen to me? Well, a number of things. A lot depends upon your instructor. He or she could let you off, fail you on the assignment, or fail you in the class. Your instructor also has the choice to give you an unforgivable "F." In extreme cases, you may be asked to leave the university.

Q. What's an Unforgivable F? An asterix goes on your permanent transcript. It cannot be erased. Every school you ever apply to will see it. Every job you ever apply to will see it. Your plagiarism will never leave you.

Q. So what? Gee. A mark on you record that essentially says you are a thief and a fraud. You think this isn't going to affect your future?

 

What do I do now?

Q. I've been accused of plagiarism. What do I do? The first thing you should do is find out your rights. The Mountie outlines your rights of appeal. You can also check with the office of student life in Moore Hall, or with the Ombudsman. All this information is in The Mountie. There are a few things you should know:
  • You have 15 calendar days to respond to your instructor's charge.
  • Your instructor then has 5 days to decide upon a sanction.
  • If you have evidence that the charge is unwarranted, or if you have an excuse that might mollify your instructor, consider an appeal.
  • Most importantly, tell your academic advisor. He or she will be able to help you navigate the system. The Ombudsman will also help you.

The process is long and involved. By the time you finish with your second or third appeal, you'll sincerely wish you had taken the time to find out more about what plagiarism means and how it can hurt you.



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