As we creep dangerously closer to the end of the semester, let’s stop for a moment and think about academic decisions that you will be making. Penn State takes violations of academic integrity very seriously, and therefore so should you. To make sure we’re all on the same page, here are some examples that may not appear at first glance to be violations of University policy, but in fact – are.
- You realize that the topic for the final paper in one of your classes is very similar to a paper that you wrote in high school. With not a lot of time left, you decide to simply hand that paper in after making a few minor changes. VIOLATION: You’ve just plagiarized yourself. You can’t turn in work that has been previously submitted for another class without first talking to that professor.
- Your roommate took the class that you are currently taking in a previous semester. She still has all her old tests from that class and offers them to you to help you study, saying she’s heard the professor uses the same tests every semester. You take them, thinking what a great help that is. VIOLATION: Possessing exam materials is against the code of conduct.
And many more… Just think carefully about what you do in these last few weeks. A mistake now could cost you all you’ve worked so hard this semester to achieve.
Until next time… For the Glory – Know the Code!
