Simply put, plagiarism is the submission or presentation of work, in any form, that is not one's own, without acknowledgment of the sources. Plagiarism may occur through incorrect documentation of sources, failure to cite sources altogether, or by paraphrasing improperly. Always provide appropriate citations for all quotations, summaries, paraphrases, or any other work that is borrowed from others.
When you use another person's words or ideas without clearly acknowledging the source of your information and giving proper credit, you are committing plagiarism. You must provide appropriate citations for all quotations, summaries, paraphrases, or any other work that is borrowed from others.
Plagiarism is considered unethical and in some cases illegal. At Buffalo State, plagiarism is considered academic misconduct and is taken very seriously. The library offers style guides to help students give proper credit to the works they are citing. Style guides also ensure that the necessary information is included in a citation to allow others to find the material cited.
Turnitin.com is a web-based service that instructors may use to deter and detect plagiarism. Your instructor may utilize this service for source verification of student papers. If your professor requires your class to submit papers to Turnitin.com, and you have questions about submitting your work, please contact your professor, or view the Turnitin Student Instructions. Faculty will find information about Turnitin on the Electronic Learning Office web page, Faculty Resources.
All students are expected to display honesty and integrity in completing course requirements and college academic regulations. Academic misconduct refers to plagiarism or cheating on examinations or assignments, and is inconsistent with the aims and goals of Buffalo State. Specifically, students may neither use the work of another individual without proper acknowledgment nor perform work for another individual. Other examples of inappropriate academic conduct include prior acquisition or possession of an examination or submission of false data. As a result of a sustained allegation of academic misconduct, a low or failing grade for part or all of the coursework may be given to the student, at the discretion of the instructor. No penalty for an alleged instance of academic misconduct may be imposed unless the student has been apprised of the allegation, the penalty, and the procedures of due process that are available.
