Academic Integrity

Some plagiarism is intentional – this is cheating. Unintentional plagiarism can arise from an incomplete understanding by student writers of the nature of citation and referencing in the Western academic context. Poor note-taking skills and carelessness can also contribute to unintentional plagiarism. It is important to understand that even unintentional plagiarism can have very serious consequences.

There are philosophical and ethical issues related to why plagiarism is unacceptable. The development of academic knowledge relies on building on the work of others and acknowledging sources. Through referencing, you as a student writer are able to demonstrate the depth of research you have undertaken and the extent to which you have engaged with your subject. Your argument is strengthened when you can demonstrate that you have drawn on and acknowledged the work of experts in your discipline.

Ethically it is necessary to recognise that, when writing in the Western academic tradition, using material without acknowledgement is considered intellectual theft.

The ease with which material can be accessed electronically and the increased marketing of assignment materials to students is resulting in increased concern about students plagiarising the work of others for their assignments. However, at the same time, plagiarism is becoming easier to detect and software programs are available that can effectively help to identify plagiarised material.

Deakin University uses Turnitin, a software program that detects similarities in wording between assignments submitted and the program's database of published material.

Another academic offence is collusion. Collusion is acting with another person with the intention to deceive. It is unacceptable to submit the work, or part of the work, of someone who studied the subject previously, even with their permission. It is also unacceptable to have someone else write any part of an assignment for you.

In order to avoid plagiarism and collusion, you need to acknowledge the source of every idea, opinion, finding, quotation and piece of information in your assignments. You do this through referencing.This requirement applies equally to direct quotes, paraphrases and summaries.

A paraphrase is the rephrasing of a short passage from a source in your own words, changing the sentence structure and the vocabulary.  In a summary you identify the main points and record this in your own words. Summarising are paraphrasing are essential processes for learning because they require you to clarify your understanding. They can also show you where you are not quite clear about something.

You should always check your unit guide for specific referencing requirements for each assignment.

• It is important to develop skills which will help you to avoid plagiarism and collusion in the papers you submit for assessment.
• It is vital to understand the why and how of referencing.
• You need to know how to discuss the ideas and findings of others using summary and paraphrase. You are also required to have an understanding of when and how to quote directly.
• Taking notes in your own words is a good strategy because it requires that you understand the information, data and ideas from your sources and ensures that their words do not inadvertently find their way into your assignment.
• Good time management and planning skills will help you complete assignments properly.
• You need to understand what is expected of you in written assignments.

Current consequences of plagiarism and/or collusion include:

• a reprimand
• a fine not exceeding $500
• allocation of a zero mark for the task or another such mark, as appropriate
• allocation of a zero mark for the unit or another such mark, as appropriate
• a suspension from studies for up to one year
• exclusion of the student for a minimum of one year.

You need to be aware of Deakin University's policy on plagiarism and collusion as well as the disciplinary consequences. The University's policy is available on The Guide.

Deakin students are not permitted to recycle their assessment work, or parts of assessment work, without the approval of the Unit Chair of that unit. This includes work submitted for assessment at another academic institution. If students wish to reuse or extend parts of previously submitted work, then they should discuss this with the Unit Chair prior to the submission date. Depending on the nature of the task, the Unit Chair may permit or decline the request.