Plagiarism Policy: Think About Alternatives

Cite-Check: On Collaboration, Plagiarism, and Everything in Between
Introduction | Plagiarism Defined | Subtleties | Intellectual Boundaries
Public and Private Property | Hearing Your Voice | Traditions of Rhetoric | Think About Alternatives

Most people plagiarize unintentionally. They just get too much help. For those of you getting help outside class and outside the Writing Centers, you may want to make sure your "voice" is still there, but if you're considering plagiarizing a paper intentionally, here are some things to think about:

1. It may be that you're pressed for time or can't handle the work, but think about all the work involved in plagiarizing. It may seem like a quick answer, but understand there will be a lot of lying and track covering left to do. It will probably end up taking more time than just doing the paper yourself.

2. Consider also this: if you're smart enough to "get away" with plagiarism, you're probably smart enough to do well in this class. You could cheat and cheat yourself in the process, or you could take the time and energy you would spend plagiarizing and make your paper that much better.

3. If you're considering plagiarism because you need to pass and just can't seem to write a passing paper, understand there are other options.

In every case there is an alternative. Consider some of these:

1. Talk with your teacher about the problems you're having with time, or work, or making it through the class. We're actually here to help you, so you'd do better to enlist us on your side rather than working against us through plagiarism. We make much better friends than enemies.

2. Talk with an Assistant Director. There are several Assistant Directors on each campus. There's also one in charge of each course. See the list of Directors and Staff or the Who do I call about...? page for just who you can contact. In any case, all Directors can help you cope with your situation, and our doors are always open.

3. Sign up for tutoring. Our Writing Centers have tremendous success with students. Since tutors are trained specifically to work with Writing Program classes, you can be assured that the help you receive will be focused and helpful, while also making sure you don't receive "too much help," which could lead to plagiarism.

The Writing Program takes plagiarism very seriously when it happens. But we're committed to helping you so that you don't have to commit plagiarism. So, if you're considering plagiarism, or just not sure whether or not you may be getting too much help, be sure to talk to someone: your tutor, your teacher, or one of the Assistant Directors. You'll end up saving yourself a lot of trouble in the end.