I graduated from a large university one year ago with a bachelors degree. Today I was looking back on my computer at some of the old essays, and I released that I had “self plagiarized” on one occasion–I used sections from one of my essays I wrote from one class, and later used sections of that essay for a different class. At the time I didn’t realize this probably isn’t okay (I just assumed it was my own writing so I could use it how I want). Both essays were submitted on courseweb, and it was never caught by anyone. I checked my schools academic dishonesty policy and it does not mention “self plagiarism” as being an offense. However, I’m apprehensive that this might be found out in the future and I’ll get in trouble. Should I be worried about this? Or is it not a big deal since it was my own thoughts/writing that was being reused?
It is okay to use your own thoughts over again. I don’t see this as a problem.
By definition you can’t self-plagiarize, can you?
Yes, you can. Have to cite yourself any reuse of papers for another class must be with permission of prof.
I can’t speak to whether OP should be worried? Are you in grad school or work force?
Since there is nothing you can do, let it go.
I am currently in grad school. The self plagiarism happened while I was an undergrad student two years ago—it probably won’t be found out since I already graduated, it happened so long ago, and if someone did by chance find out I’m guessing it won’t be a big deal since I plagarized myself…I honestly didn’t know it’s not allowed! But my particular school doesn’t have self plagiarism listed as a violation (I know some schools do list it as one)
Self-plagiarism is also plagiarism, unfortunately. But I don’t think that you are waiting for any problems, you already graduated from the university. But in general, we need to be careful with this and always check our work on the plagiarism checkers such as Unichek plagiarism checker and others. I also had such a story and therefore I now always do it.
Good luck!