Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional presentation of someone else’s words, ideas or data as one’s own work, in written, oral or visual form. If the work of another is used, acknowledgment of the original source must be made through a recognized reference practice, and, if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. To assure proper crediting a student will acknowledge the work of others,
- Whenever one quotes another person’s actual words,
- Whenever one uses another person’s idea, opinion, or theory, even if it is completely paraphrased in one’s own words, or,
- Whenever one borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials, including images, unless such information is of such common knowledge so as not to be questioned.
All instances of academic dishonesty MUST be reported by the faculty member to the Office of Academic Affairs. Based on the severity of the violation of University rules, regulations, or policies of an academic nature, the faculty member must choose a course of action. The course of action may include a zero for the assignment, a reduction in possible points for the course, a grade of “F” for the course, or other action outlined by the faculty member. The faculty member must include his or her course of action when notifying the Office of Academic Affairs. When a student has violated University rules, regulations, or policies of an academic nature the student will not be permitted to withdraw from the course.
Upon notification from the faculty member, the Office of Academic Affairs will notify the student in writing that he or she is charged with violating University rules, regulations, or policies of an academic nature. This written notification will include the course of action the faculty member has chosen. The student then may appeal in writing the charge of violating University rules, regulations, or policies of an academic nature by beginning the Application for Formal Inquiry within five working days. Note, the deadline for starting the Application for Formal Inquiry must be adhered to or the appeals process is nullified. The beginning of the process is defined by one of the approved University representative’s signature on the Application for Formal Inquiry. If a student is given an “F” for the course, he or she may not continue to attend the course. However, if the student is issued a grade of “F” for the course and appeals within the five working days, the student may resume attending class pending the final disposition of the matter.
A student accused and found responsible for violating University rules, regulations, or policies of an academic nature a second time during his or her career at The University of Findlay may be dismissed or suspended for a period of time as determined by the Graduate/Undergraduate Student Academic Standards Committee.