The following information is taken from James D. Lester’s Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 9th Ed. 1999.

Plagiarism is the offering of the words or ideas of another person’s work as one’s own. These words and/or ideas may come from print or non-print resources including interviews, television, online databases or the Internet.

Types of Plagiarism

1.  Using another student’s work, in whole or in part, and submitting it as your own.

2.  Intentionally misusing reference sources.

An Obvious Form of Plagiarism

Copying any direct quotation from source material without providing quotation marks and without crediting any source.

A More Subtle Form of Plagiarism

Paraphrasing material or using an original idea or interpretation that is not properly introduced, rephrased and documented.

To Avoid Plagiarism

1.   Acknowledge borrowed materials within the text by introducing the quotation or paraphrase with the name of the authority from whom it was taken. At the end of the borrowed material, use parentheses to enclose the citation.

2.  Use quotation marks for all quoted material.

3.  Revise all paraphrased material so that it is presented in one’s own style and language. The simple rearrangement of vocabulary and/or sentence patterns is not acceptable.

4.  Provide specific documentation for each borrowed item. Others may need to know your sources.

5.  Provide a works cited list for every source used in your paper.

6.  When in doubt, cite sources. Seek clarification from teachers, librarians and resource center personnel.

In addition, you are an accomplice to plagiarism and are equally guilty of it when you consciously:

1.  Allow your assignment, in outline or finished form, to be copied and submitted as the work of another.

2.  Prepare an assignment for another student and allow it to be submitted as his or her own work.

Disciplinary Policy (Over Total High School Career)

1.  For a first offense in any course, counselors and the assistant principal will be notified and a report will be sent to the student’s parents. The paper or assignment will be graded zero and a subsequent conference between the student and the teacher will be held.

2.  For a second offense in any course, again the counselors and the assistant principal will be notified and a report will be sent to the student’s parents. The recommended grade for the quarter is an F. Other disciplinary action including suspension and probation may result.