Remember! If you have questions about Plagiarism and Copyright you can visit the NVC Library, the Tutoring Labs or talk to your Instructor.
Plagiarism Defined
From the Northwest Vista College "Student Responsibilities & Regulations" plagiarism is defined as:
"the appropriation of another's work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work into one's own coursework/assignment including the taking and using of ideas, passages, etc."
Source: "Plagiarism/Scholastic Dishonesty." Student Responsibilities & Regulations. Northwest Vista College, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. http://mynvccatalog.alamo.edu/content.php?catoid=3&navoid=594.
From Plagiarism.org:
Turning in someone else's work and passing it off as your own original idea.
Using information without citing where the information came from or crediting the author.
Using a direct quote without placing quotation marks around it.
Providing incorrect citation information about where you found a quote or information.
Incorporating an excessive amount of someone else's work in your paper - even if you quote it.
Source: "What Is Plagiarism?" Plagiarism.org. iParadigms, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism.
The easiest way to avoid plagiarising is to properly cite all of your resources. A proper citation includes both the in-text reference and bibliography list.
Why Do I Need To Cite My Sources?
It gives credit to the author(s).
It allows your readers to identify and find the information you used.
It lends credibility to your paper by letting others know that you put in the time and effort.
When you use a direct quote.
If you copy anything word for word to use in your paper.
When it is not your own idea, opinion or original work.
When you paraphrase or summarize another person's ideas.
Most resources protected by copyright law must be cited properly. These include, but are not limited to, books, digitalized information (eBooks), articles, photographs, choreographic (dance) works, sculpture, music, and architectural works.
When in doubt, cite it.
So What Can Happen To Me If I Plagiarise?
You can fail a class (no refunds!).
You can be expelled from school (also no refunds).
It can go on your permanent record which can be viewed by potential employers.
Phone: 210-486-4513
Email: nvc-library@alamo.edu
Text: 210-390-1112
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