University of Birmingham Intranet > Academic Services > Student Services > Student Conduct > Plagiarism > Guidance for students -- Guidance on plagiarism for students -- In 'Plagiarism' -- * Plagiarism * Plagiarism awareness starting points * Guidance for students -- * Guidance for students * Plagiarism Information for staff * Interactive plagiarism course Back to 'Student Conduct' -- -- Back to 'Student Conduct' * Defining plagiarism * A student's responsibilities -- * A student's responsibilities * 'Accidental' plagiarism * Plagiarism-detecting software * How Schools deal with plagiarism * The Learning Agreement and plagiarism * Plagiarism and postgraduate study * Student background and plagiarism * Referral to College Misconduct Committee * Appealing the decision -- -- * Confidentiality Defining plagiarism -- Plagiarism is a form of cheating and is a serious academic offence. It arises where work submitted by a student is not their own and has been taken from another source. The original material is then hidden from -- -- or by not mentioning it at all. The most common forms of plagiarism are: * copying -- * copying * self-plagiarism (also called auto-plagiarism) * collusion * fabrication or misrepresentation -- -- * unacceptable proof-reading Plagiarism may occur in a number of other forms, as well as in conventional written work. Another student may be involved, or the -- conventional written work. Another student may be involved, or the plagiarism may arise from the misuse of sources outside the University. The key is proper attribution of source material. None of the -- -- activities listed above is, of itself, necessarily wrong. Plagiarism is a serious matter for the University. If not dealt with, it will ultimately devalue all University degrees to the detriment of both students and the University. It also introduces a fundamental and -- -- It should be clear from a consideration of these two key requirements why plagiarism is unacceptable. By definition, a piece of work that has been plagiarised will never be able to meet either of the above criteria. Asking yourself prior to submission whether your work passes both tests is a useful method for determining whether there is likely -- -- criteria. Asking yourself prior to submission whether your work passes both tests is a useful method for determining whether there is likely to be a problem with plagiarism. It is ironic that students sometimes seem to go to great lengths to -- -- in jeopardy. 'Accidental' plagiarism The University accepts that students, particularly in view of the -- -- The University accepts that students, particularly in view of the severe penalties that may be applied in cases of serious plagiarism, will be anxious to avoid inadvertently submitting plagiarised work. It is, for example, possible to cite a source in the separate bibliography -- is, for example, possible to cite a source in the separate bibliography and still commit plagiarism by then incorporating a significant amount of un-attributed material taken directly or indirectly (through paraphrasing) from that source into the body of the assignment. -- -- Above all, the student body is not a single grouping and the University is aware of the need for a sympathetic approach to plagiarism, particularly in the first year of undergraduate studies and where there is no conscious attempt by the student to deceive. However, this is not -- -- ensure that you have clear guidance on what is expected of you in terms of the referencing of source material. If you are worried about committing plagiarism, always seek help and advice from your tutor, supervisor or other academic advisor within your School. Members of staff are experienced in dealing with questions about proper -- -- * Endnote information and training Plagiarism-detecting software Schools are making use of software systems, in addition to the existing -- -- You should be assured that academic judgement is always brought into play when analysing the results. A School will not take action against you for plagiarism as a result of the findings of Turnitin unless it has looked very carefully at the report obtained from the software and assured itself that there are sufficient grounds for concern. You will -- -- assured itself that there are sufficient grounds for concern. You will be able to see the relevant report and to challenge the School's case if you are accused of plagiarism following a software-based analysis of your work. -- -- However, the University reserves the right to protect the academic integrity of its degree awards by whatever means available to it. This will benefit those students who did not plagiarise. -- How Schools deal with plagiarism This is a complex area. In broad terms, these are the various stages: -- -- This is a complex area. In broad terms, these are the various stages: * If an Academic Integrity Officer suspects that plagiarism may have occurred they will undertake an investigation which would normally involve considering any evidence. This may include a report -- -- the marker or invigilator; * If, following the investigation, the Academic Integrity Officer has a reasonable suspicion that plagiarism has occurred, they will invite you to respond to the allegation and you will be invited to a meeting (the Academic Integrity Meeting); -- -- a meeting (the Academic Integrity Meeting); * Following on from the meeting, the principal academic unit will determine the level of plagiarism (if any) that it believes has arisen. There are three general categories: poor academic practice, -- arisen. There are three general categories: poor academic practice, moderate plagiarism and serious plagiarism. -- The consequences of a finding that plagiarism has occurred in any of these above ways can be found under Section 6 of the Code of Practice on Academic Integrity. -- -- on Academic Integrity. In cases where serious plagiarism is found, the matter will be dealt with under University Regulation Section 8 Student Conduct. -- -- You should consult the Code of Practice on Academic Integrity. This provides detailed definitive information on how plagiarism is dealt with. -- -- with. The Learning Agreement and plagiarism This is a bipartite contract that sets out an agreement that you, for -- -- This is a bipartite contract that sets out an agreement that you, for your part, will not submit plagiarised work and that your School, for its part, will help and support you to avoid plagiarism. It is seen by the University as a helpful expression of good faith and intentions by both sides of the academic partnership involving you and the -- -- University. Plagiarism and postgraduate study Given that you are likely to hold a First Degree already, there is an -- -- You should be assured that your School will not, provided it is satisfied that there has not been a deliberate attempt to deceive, treat any instance of plagiarism in the early stage of your postgraduate career as a matter normally requiring the imposition of a penalty. However, you must quickly come to terms with the University's -- -- dissertation element of the programme. Student background and plagiarism The educational background of students may make unintentional -- -- The educational background of students may make unintentional plagiarism more likely. Given the diversity of student background in the University, previous experience of formal education in the UK cannot be assumed. The expectations of learning and the learning styles -- -- and circumstance, as well as by individual preferences. Student work that stays close to the original source and is therefore at risk of an allegation of plagiarism may, in some cases, be the result of: * past experience of what has proven to be successful in other academic contexts but which is now a liability to the student; -- -- The University accepts that one (or more) of the above factors may play a role in a case of alleged plagiarism. Each case will therefore be treated on its individual merits and taking account of all relevant circumstances.