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Academic Integrity: Plagiarism

This guide has been created to provide you with quick access to resources on the topic of Academic Integrity.

What is Plagiarism?

As outlined in the NSCC Academic Integrity Policy (2017), plagiarism is "presenting, in any format, someone else’s ideas, presentations, writing, artistic work, or creations, whether verbal, print, structural, design or electronic, in whole or in part, as one’s own, by failing to credit the source"

This includes the use of material received or purchased from another person, website, or other source or prepared by any person other than the individual claiming to be the author. The use of material received through purchase is also known as “contract cheating.”

Plagiarism can be intentional or occur through carelessness.

Reference

NSCC. (2017, October 1). Academic integrity policy. https://www.nscc.ca/about/publications/policies-procedures/policies/academic-integrity-policy.asp

How to Avoid Plagiarism

Bainbridge State College. (2010). Plagiarism: How to avoid it [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/2q0NlWcTq1Y

For NSCC supports,

Strategies and Supports to Avoid Plagiarism

Know Your Course Work Plan

  • Carefully review your course work plan which includes information about assessments and your course schedule.
  • If you are unsure about expectations, ask your faculty.

Work Independently

  • Clarify what is expected in group work or projects and create a positive working relationship with your team members.
  • Be aware of what is acceptable and unacceptable collaboration.

Time Management

  • Don’t wait until the night before to begin an assignment.
  • Learn about time management strategies to help you organize, plan and schedule your school work.

Acknowledge Others

  • Always acknowledge someone else's ideas and words in your assignments, research papers, etc. by including a citation.
  • Use the citation style requested by your faculty. APA Style (7th ed.) is a common citation style used at NSCC.

Organize Your Research

  • Keep a working draft of all your assignments and track your sources.
  • Learn more about the Research Process.

Talk To Your Faculty And Supports

  • Talk with your instructor
  • For research and academic integrity assistance, visit your Campus Library or ask a question online using Library Live Chat.

Follow Intellectual Property and Copyright Requirements

  • Refer to Copyright @ NSCC to learn more about your copyright responsibilities.

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Academic Integrity in the News

Practicing integrity in our academic work should not stop when we leave NSCC. It is essential that we continue to demonstrate this fundamental value in our professional lives. Below are some cases of plagiarism that have significantly impacted the careers and futures of those involved: