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Student Plagiarism

Document Currently Under Review

Current Status: Under Review /With Editor 8 July 2009

Student Plagiarism Policy

Policy Code: LT1435

Purpose
Scope
Definitions
Policy Statement
University Responsibilities
School Responsibilities
Staff Responsibilities
Student Responsibilities
Penalties
Appeals
Responsibility
Legislative Context
Associated Documents

Purpose

To provide a systemic approach to the treatment of plagiarism in academic work at the University of Ballarat. The policy is intended to promote honesty in learning and assessment and respect for the work of others. Contravention of this policy will result in students being penalised.

Scope

This policy applies to all University of Ballarat students.

Definitions

Plagiarism: is the presentation of the works of another person / other persons as though they are one’s own by failing to properly acknowledge that person / those persons.
Intentional Plagiarism: is plagiarism associated with intent to deceive.
Unintentional Plagiarism: is plagiarism associated with a lack of understanding of plagiarism or a lack of skill in referencing / acknowledging others’ work (still a breach of this Policy).
Collusion: is the unauthorised act of a student presenting work, which is the outcome of directly working with others, as his or her own.
Cooperative Learning: is the informal process of students interacting to enhance their learning outcomes and is encouraged.
Groupwork: is the authorised act of a group of students producing either a common assessable work or an individually assessed piece of work as part of a larger project.

Policy Statement

Plagiarism, either intentional or unintentional is a practice which runs counter to the University of Ballarat’s values of effort and excellence and integrity. There is an expectation that students will prepare and submit work which is their own and which acknowledges the work of others.

University Responsibilities

  • Make accessible to staff and students the legislation, policy and procedures of the University concerning plagiarism;
  • Establish processes to support the consistent implementation of University policy relating to plagiarism;
  • Provide processes for students to appeal decisions arising from plagiarism; and
  • Provide student support through the provision of information on acceptable referencing techniques.

School Responsibilities

  • Ensure the legislation, policy and procedures of the University concerning plagiarism are known and implemented within the School;
  • Support the use of appropriate referencing techniques;
  • Provide information to students on acceptable referencing practice; and
  • Maintain confidential records of previous breaches.

Staff Responsibilities

  • Know and consistently implement the legislation, policy and procedures of the University concerning plagiarism;
  • Provide information to students about referencing requirements that are relevant to the discipline area;
  • Provide examples to students of appropriate referencing techniques and practice;
  • Ensure that students understand the difference between cooperative learning, groupwork and collusion;
  • Be vigilant in the detection of plagiarism;
  • Be aware of, and respect, the practices of other cultures / cultural backgrounds;
  • Provide transparent and consistent feedback to students about issues relating to referencing; and
  • Staff should set a good example through their own practice.

Student Responsibilities

  • Understand and comply with the legislation, policy and procedures of the University concerning plagiarism and seek help if unclear about their requirements;
  • Be familiar with, and apply, the referencing practices acceptable to the School;
  • Ensure that all sources of information are appropriately acknowledged; and
  • Take all reasonable precautions to ensure work cannot be copied.

Penalties

  • The process for hearing a complaint concerning plagiarism and the penalties that may apply are described in Statute 6.1 – Student Discipline, Regulation 6.1.1 Plagiarism

Appeals

Responsibility

The Academic Board and associated Committees, Portfolios, Schools and Departments.

Legislative Context

Associated Documents

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Student Plagiarism