Introduction to Rhetoric and Research

Plagiarism

The act of taking the writings of another person and passing them off as one’s own.

"plagiarism." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online Academic Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 23 Oct. 2012. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/462640/plagiarism>.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Honesty in all matters—including honesty in academic endeavors—is a valued principle at Southern Wesleyan University. Members of this community of learners (students, faculty, facilitators, staff, and administrators) are expected to treat each other as honorable unless this trust is betrayed.

Any form of academic dishonesty (including cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of documents) constitutes a serious breach of trust. No
form of academic dishonesty will be tolerated. Students are encouraged to confront offenders when academic dishonesty is observed. If the
offender does not confess to the faculty member involved, students are expected to report the dishonesty to the faculty member directly.

Faculty members are in charge of their classrooms and are encouraged to be present during exams. All community members are encouraged
to avoid increasing temptations for dishonesty. At the beginning of the semester, faculty members are encouraged to convey and to interpret their policy on plagiarism (academic dishonesty involving the use of another's material, methods, or ideas without properly acknowledging the originator).

Students are required to sign the following pledge on work turned in for credit. "I have neither been dishonest nor do I know of any
dishonesty by others on this work." Any violation in fact or spirit is considered academic dishonesty.

If a student cheats and confesses, the penalty is no credit (NC) or zero (0) on the work involved. This confession may result from the
student's own conscience or as a result of confrontation by a fellow student.

If a student admits cheating after confrontation by a faculty member, the penalty is no credit (NC) or zero (0) on the work involved and a
10% grade reduction in the course.

If there is evidence of academic dishonesty either by voluntary confession, report of another student, or on the basis of work submitted, the
faculty member should follow this procedure:
1. Notify the provost.
2. Be advised by the provost of any previous academic dishonesty by that student.
3. Confront the student in the presence of another faculty member 24 hours or more after the work is submitted. (If there is
danger the evidence may be lost, such evidence may be seized at once.)
4. Implement the appropriate discipline for the student's response, inform the student of the right to appeal, and report the
discipline implemented to the provost.
A. student's confession - NC or 0 for work involved
B. admission after confrontation by faculty member - NC or 0 on work and 10% course-grade reduction
C. denial of guilt and faculty member believes innocence - no penalty
D. denial of guilt but faculty member believes guilt – F for the course
Breeches of trust through academic dishonesty are violations of the university’s Community Expectations. Repeated or egregious violations
may result in dismissal from the university or other corrective action through the Office of Student Life.

From the 2012-2013 SWU Undergraduate Catalog, pp. 16-17.

Produced by Cape Fear Community College.

From the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay.