Plagiarism Resource Site

The California Aggie, UC Davis's campus newpaper, has published the number of reported cases of academic honesty for the AY 2003-04. Of the 543 reported cases, "there were 210 reports of cheating on exams, 197 reports of plagiarism and 103 reports of unauthorized collaboration on assignments. Of the cases resolved, two students were dismissed from the university; 15 suspended; 375 placed on a disciplinary status, but allowed to remain in school; and 91 found not in violation."

U of Minnesota attempts to "educate students about academic integrity" through a pilot program, Student Advocates for Academic Integrity, that enlists students to "present information to classes and student groups on the dangers of academic dishonesty."

Joel Wingard, Professor of English, at Moravian College, has made available, "Anti-Plagiarism Guide for Writing Teachers" (PDF format): "a seven-part guide" that "encourages fellow writing instructors at the downtown Bethlehem school to employ teaching practices that prevent plagiarism."

Charles Lipson, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, has authored a guide to help students avoid plagiarism. The guide, Work in College: How to Prepare Citations, Avoid Plagiarism, and Achieve Real Academic Success, will be published by the U of Chicago Press in October.

The ICAC investigation of the plagiarism scandal at Newcastle Uni continues to highlight otherwise unmentionable institutional practices that contribute to the plagiarism problem. See Matthew Thompson's article, "Failing Students Seen as Threat to Revenue."

An article in the Timesunion.com considers plagiarism as an aspect of the erosion of ethics.

The Vice Chancellor at the University of Newcastle told the ICAC anti-corruption tribunal that his level of responsibility for involvement in investigating senior staff overturning a lecturer's "zero" marks for 15 alledged plagiarists, does not extend to managing the outcome of the investigation. That is, whether the mark is actually overturned. Contrarily, he feels he only manages the unit itself and its staff. Presumely, not the actual governance of educational matters.

In East Asia, many Australian, British and United States universities often engage merchant retailers whom designate themselves as "Unicenters". It is doubtful that these provider organizations apply the same on-home-campus standards, as do the universities of origin, in the conduct of degree programs. Herein, plagiary is often covered-up. Therefore, Western universities must take immediate steps to take greater control.

Matthew Thompson, the Sydney Morning Herald's higher education reporter, is covering the ICAC's investigation into the University of Newcastle. He's also "looking more broadly into academic standards and how universities handle plagiarism." Please contact him with any experiences or information you think pertinent: email -- mthompson@smh.com.au;

A former lecturer who was at the center of the Newcastle plagiarism scandal comments on the current inquiry into the affair. Thanks to anonymous