Plagiarism FAQ’s
1. What is plagiarism and why should I care about it?
Plagiarism is taking the words and thoughts of others and using them as if they were your own because you fail to give credit to the other person. Plagiarism is a major form of cheating that should be avoided when you are completing assignments or posting on discussion threads.
2. How do I give credit to someone?
At WCU, you are expected to credit your sources through APA guidelines. This means you’re responsible for citing the sources used to write your assignment or discussion response. You also have to include all of your sources on a separate reference page. See the example below:
In the writing assignment or discussion post:
Example of a paraphrase in the body of …show more content…
• Repeat a class and submit the same work you completed the first time without getting permission from your instructor.
5. What is the difference between collaboration and cheating/plagiarism?
Collaboration with fellow classmates is not only allowed, but encouraged! However, there is an important distinction between collaborating and cheating/plagiarizing. Collaboration is NEVER allowed on tests or quizzes. Tests and quizzes must be completed individually and without outside help.
• Collaboration is working with another classmate, friend, family member, etc. to discuss ideas, thoughts, and get suggestions on how to improve work or accomplish a task.
• Collaboration is discussing assignment details and bouncing ideas off of one another on how to best complete the assignment.
• Collaboration is NOT working together to submit the same assignment in a course that does not include authorized group work. Submitting the same assignment as another student is plagiarism.
• Collaboration is not sending a completed assignment to a friend, classmate, etc. to “use as an example” or to “get ideas”. If the friend, classmates, etc. attempts to turn in your completed assignment as their own, both students may face consequences with the university. Protect your …show more content…
Will I fail an assignment or discussion if I plagiarize?
It is possible to not only fail, but you may fail the class or face harsher sanctions. You are strongly advised to read the Academic Honor Code to understand what is expected of students.
9. What is self-plagiarism?
You end up plagiarizing yourself when you include your own words and ideas from another class without citing yourself. Yes, you must cite yourself like any other author.
10. What if I’m repeating a course? Can I use my work from the first class?
WCU policy states, “Students may resubmit a previous assignment from the same course only with prior instructor approval.” Be sure to ask for permission before including something you wrote in the same course that you are repeating.
11. How do I handle information that I think everybody knows?
No. Well-known facts are considered “common knowledge.” For example, it is common knowledge that America is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. You can include this fact without citing a source. Unsure if something is “common knowledge”? It’s best to cite a source if you aren’t sure.
12. Do I have to cite paraphrases, summaries, and quotes?
Yes. Summaries, paraphrases, and direct quotes must be cited. For examples of each, click
1. What is plagiarism and why should I care about it?
Plagiarism is taking the words and thoughts of others and using them as if they were your own because you fail to give credit to the other person. Plagiarism is a major form of cheating that should be avoided when you are completing assignments or posting on discussion threads.
2. How do I give credit to someone?
At WCU, you are expected to credit your sources through APA guidelines. This means you’re responsible for citing the sources used to write your assignment or discussion response. You also have to include all of your sources on a separate reference page. See the example below:
In the writing assignment or discussion post:
Example of a paraphrase in the body of …show more content…
• Repeat a class and submit the same work you completed the first time without getting permission from your instructor.
5. What is the difference between collaboration and cheating/plagiarism?
Collaboration with fellow classmates is not only allowed, but encouraged! However, there is an important distinction between collaborating and cheating/plagiarizing. Collaboration is NEVER allowed on tests or quizzes. Tests and quizzes must be completed individually and without outside help.
• Collaboration is working with another classmate, friend, family member, etc. to discuss ideas, thoughts, and get suggestions on how to improve work or accomplish a task.
• Collaboration is discussing assignment details and bouncing ideas off of one another on how to best complete the assignment.
• Collaboration is NOT working together to submit the same assignment in a course that does not include authorized group work. Submitting the same assignment as another student is plagiarism.
• Collaboration is not sending a completed assignment to a friend, classmate, etc. to “use as an example” or to “get ideas”. If the friend, classmates, etc. attempts to turn in your completed assignment as their own, both students may face consequences with the university. Protect your …show more content…
Will I fail an assignment or discussion if I plagiarize?
It is possible to not only fail, but you may fail the class or face harsher sanctions. You are strongly advised to read the Academic Honor Code to understand what is expected of students.
9. What is self-plagiarism?
You end up plagiarizing yourself when you include your own words and ideas from another class without citing yourself. Yes, you must cite yourself like any other author.
10. What if I’m repeating a course? Can I use my work from the first class?
WCU policy states, “Students may resubmit a previous assignment from the same course only with prior instructor approval.” Be sure to ask for permission before including something you wrote in the same course that you are repeating.
11. How do I handle information that I think everybody knows?
No. Well-known facts are considered “common knowledge.” For example, it is common knowledge that America is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. You can include this fact without citing a source. Unsure if something is “common knowledge”? It’s best to cite a source if you aren’t sure.
12. Do I have to cite paraphrases, summaries, and quotes?
Yes. Summaries, paraphrases, and direct quotes must be cited. For examples of each, click