5.5
Avoiding plagiarism

In order that students successfully complete their degrees it is vital that the University provides students with enough information to avoid committing plagiarism offences. Throughout the year the Education Officer, Tom Christian, has had students requesting representation at appeal hearings regarding plagiarism. The Education Officer was concerned about the lack of knowledge students appeared to have regarding plagiarism and how to avoid committing an offence. Representatives discussed the issue at a meeting of Education Forum and the conversation highlighted there is variation across departments regarding how students should reference their work and avoid committing plagiarism.

The representatives felt that joint honours students can be at a disadvantage because referencing practice varies across departments and students are not always clear which method to use. Several representatives expressed concerns that departments do not explain what plagiarism is to first year students which makes it difficult for students to know how to avoid it and be successful in their work. English Language (in the Department for European, Cultural and Language Studies) and the English department were highlighted as demonstrating good practice in relation to how to reference. Both departments explain what plagiarism is and how to avoid it in the module guidelines and create a dossier including guidelines on plagiarism.