What is it, and why is it important to be aware of and avoid?
Plagiarism is the act of using another's ideas and words as one's own whether done knowingly or unknowingly. Citations and plagiarism are often spoken of hand-in-hand because knowledge of citations will give a student the tools to avoid plagiarism. It is important to avoid plagiarism because it violates academic integrity, is unethical, and also undermines students' learning and building of their own knowledge and ideas.
"Plagiarism
Students must use their own words and must document the source of anything written in any paper or assignment. Direct quotations must be cited as such. Students must paraphrase material in such a way that the style and language are distinctively their own; merely rearranging words or making minimal changes in wording is plagiarism even if documented. Students are encouraged to get ideas or suggestions from other sources when the instructor permits."
