I had an analytical paper to write on a book. We spend 2-3 weeks discussing this book in class, and I would often take notes on the book to prepare for class discussion, including using internet sources. Unfortunately, my class notes and notes from the internet sources blurred together and when I went to write the paper, I stupidly used some of the Internet sources with very weak paraphrasing.
I received an e-mail this morning from the Academic Honor Code advisor that the professor of this class, for which I had to write the paper, reported me for “suspected honor code violation.” Now I have to meet with the two of them, according to her it will be a 10-15 minute meeting. I e-mailed her back asking what the charges against me were (before I realized what I had done) so I could prepare for the meeting and she said “I don’t have any information. You do not need to prepare as it is just a conversation.”
Kind of freaking out. I really don’t know what to expect at this meeting and how to present my case.
Sadly you are probably only going to get a stern talking to but KNOCK IT OFF …years ago you would have definitely gotten a big fat ZERO or worse like an Incomplete and have to repeat the whole class. Too much collaboration and the Internet are killing you kids.
In today’s age of Internet research, taking scrupulous notes on all research. Inadvertent plagiarism is all too common these days and easy to catch with software. Be honest and take your medicine. Anything else will lead to more trouble.
First off, be aware that these go much better if you own up to it (assuming cases where, like this one, you actually did it).
Generally, especially for inadvertent plagiarism, first offenses are seen as a learning opportunity—you’ll probably get a zero on the assignment or something like that, but it’s mainly a chance for you to figure out your weaknesses and move on from there.
A second offense, though, yeah, you’d get the book thrown at you, and for good reason.
@doggfrogg You should learn to cite sources properly. Usually they teach this in high school.
But yes, I agree with the other posters - just own up to it. You will likely receive a 0 for the assignment; repeated or more serious cases can lead to failure in the course or dismissal from the university. So don’t do it again.
Talk to them, explain you paraphrased a few articles and didn’t cite properly and you weren’t purposefully trying to cheat. If it’s a first time offence, you might get a 0 on the assignment, but probably not an expulsion.
Just FYI, were none of your notes things other people said in class? You’re supposed to cite those too so unless you thought you were paraphrasing your own personal thoughts it was technically plagiarism regardless of the fact that it came from the Internet instead of class.