Plagiarism/Internet Plagiarism
Plagiarism is academic theft. It is the use of another’s idea or words without proper attribution or credit. An author’s work is his/her property and should be respected by documentation. Plagiarism from the Internet is no different from traditional plagiarism, and is in fact often far easier to catch with the use of technology available to instructors and administrators. It is a good idea to ask each instructor how they require sources to be noted and what constitutes “common knowledge” in their field to avoid possible problems.
Credit must be given:
UCSB History Professor Sears McGee advises: “Generally, if a student writes while looking at a source or while looking at notes taken from a source, a footnote should be given.” Each professor should announce his/her specific requirements to guide students in their research. Students who do not receive such guidance from their professors should request it from each of their course instructors.
Collusion
Any student who helps another student to perform any of the above acts is subject to campus discipline for academic dishonesty. There is no distinction between those who cheat and plagiarize and those who willingly allow it to occur.