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1. From http://blogs.fit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/bart-simpson-plagiarize.png - accessed on 16th September 2013

2. 1 Plagiarism Collusion Fraudulent reporting of sources/work ASSESSMENT OFFENCES AT QUEEN MARY Ghost writing Exam offences appeals@qmul.ac.uk

3. Only a small minority of Queen Mary students commit assessment offences. We do not expect it of our students. When it does happen, we take it very seriously.

4. WHAT IS PLAGIARISM? “QM defines plagiarism as presenting someone else’s work as one’s own irrespective of intention. Close paraphrasing; copying from the work of another person, including another student; using the ideas of another person without proper acknowledgement; and repeating work that you have previously submitted – at QM or at another institution - without properly referencing yourself (known as ‘self plagiarism’) shall also constitute plagiarism.” QM Regulations for Assessment Offences 2013/14 Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as if it were your own whether you intend to or not.

5. At the point you submit your work, YOU are responsible for the content. “I didn’t know”… “I didn’t mean to”… “I submitted a draft by mistake”… “I don’t know how to reference”… …are not valid excuses or reasons.

6. REFERENCING Everything you write is presumed to be your own work if it is not referenced. You must show the reader which parts are not your own work. If you use other people’s work and do not reference it correctly you are plagiarising. “Work” = words, images, tables, charts, definitions, facts and figures.

7. REFERENCING: The Harvard System Words - use quotation marks: Rivlin states that “not everyone appreciates the extent to which our lives are surrounded and governed by laws of one kind or another”(Rivlin, 2006: 15). Ideas - use paraphrasing (your own words): Most people do not appreciate the lengths to which our lives are controlled by certain laws (Rivlin, 2006: 15). Always put the full publication details in your bibliography: Rivlin, Geoffrey (2006) Understanding the Law, Oxford: OUP

8. USING THE INTERNET Referencing rules apply in the same way. To reference a website you need: • The URL (web address) • The date you accessed the website www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/student-appeals/assessment-offences/index.html accessed on 16/9/2013 If you’re not sure, check with your tutor or academic adviser

9. COLLUSION All of the assessments you submit must be your own work unless you are specifically told that the assessment is a group project. Be very careful if another student asks to see your work before the submission date – you may both be held responsible.

10. HOW DOES QM DETECT OFFENCES? • Turnitin® • Google – if you found the text on the internet so can we! • Subject Expertise • ‘Signs’ e.g. changes in language, different spellings, no references

14. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM CAUGHT? • You will be investigated and given an opportunity to discuss the work. • The most common penalty for plagiarism in a piece of coursework is failure in the whole module. • You are normally permitted to resit the module the following year, though the module is capped at the minimum pass mark (40 for UG, 50 for PG). • Your transcript is also marked with an X – meaning ‘assessment offence’ in the module. • For exam offences and second offences of plagiarism the standard penalty is failure in ALL modules taken during that academic year. Every module is marked with an X.

15. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES? • You may be unable to progress into the next year, or onto the dissertation/project. • You may have to resit modules the following year, delaying the award of your degree. • Finalists and 1-year Masters students may be unable to graduate – graduation usually takes place the following year without all of your friends. • May be unable to apply for jobs or further study because you have not been awarded your degree.

16. WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID PLAGIARISM? Take proper notes you can come back to: • Title • Author • Publication Details • Page numbers • URL and date accessed • Quotations you want to use • Ideas you want to paraphrase Never cut and paste sources into a document without keeping a record of sources

18. WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID PLAGIARISM? • Plan your time. Students often submit plagiarised work, whether intentional or unintentional, during busy periods or when they are rushing to meet numerous deadlines. • Be aware of difficult times and get help! If you are having problems (illness, family problems, financial difficulties) talk to your advisor or another member of staff. • Remember it is better to submit a poor essay and get a low mark than a plagiarised one and be failed with an X.

19. WHERE CAN I GET HELP? Referencing: • Your academic adviser, tutors and other members of academic staff • The Language Centre provide support with academic writing - www.library.qmul.ac.uk/plagiarism - www.library.qmul.ac.uk/referencing - qm-web.languageandlearning.qmul.ac.uk/elss/ academicenglishonline/Files/Referencing/Referencing.html If you are having problems: • Advice and Counselling • Disability and Dyslexia Service

20. IF IN DOUBT - ASK! If you are confused about how to reference please speak to your personal tutor or other member of academic staff before you submit any work. It’s too late after it has been submitted! appeals@qmul.ac.uk