American Education System: Plagiarism
A Quick Guide to American Academia
This week we’re continuing with our series focusing on things I’ve learned on my education journey that I wish all international students knew on the front end. I’ve divided them up into 5 sections:
Absolutism vs. Relativism (spoiler: America is pretty relativist)
Plagiarism
Peer Relationships & Networking
Plagiarism
This is a BIG one. Plagiarism is using content that has been used previously or elsewhere without citing the source appropriately. Most institutions have basically a zero-tolerance policy on plagiarism. This means you can be kicked out immediately or could be placed on academic probation if you plagiarize. Even accidentally. Most schools have software embedded into their grading system that compares submitted assignments to other work (including published books/articles, your own previously submitted work, or work submitted simultaneously by other students).
So, here are a few pointers to keep you in the clear:
Pointer #1: Be careful to quote and cite all your work.
Pointer #2: Be VERY careful about letting others “borrow” your assignments before they have been submitted (speaking from experience!) - I recommend helping classmates verbally without giving them your own work to avoid any risk of accidental plagiarism or allegations of cheating.
Pointer #3: If you use a template or an example paper given by the teacher, be sure to double check that all template content is gone before you submit your version.
NICOLE CHIKUNGWA • ZIMBABWE
Nicole has lived in Arkansas and Tennessee and is now toiling for a PhD in Clinical Psychology in California. She is an avid reader, she knits recreationally, and she sings (mediocrely) for fun. Nicole is in her element during long conversations and extended periods of solitude, but she can party like the best of them if the occasion calls for it.
