Plagiarism has become an ever increasing feature at campuses across the country and the University of Maryland is not immune from this trend. Nevertheless, there are steps that faculty members can take to minimize the occurrence of plagiarism. Kibler & Paterson (1988) have summarized several strategies developed by Hardy (1982) and Fagan (1984) that discourage plagiarism.
- Limit the topics on which students can write.
- There are a large number of research paper mills that provide students with complete papers. Limiting the topics on which students can write makes it more difficult to locate a prepared paper.
- Have students submit a tentative bibliography which identifies the resources they intend to use.
- Require that the students submit a detailed outline of their paper well before the due date.
- Require that students turn in a rough draft and notes with the final paper.
What is the Honor Pledge?
The Honor Pledge is a statement undergraduate and graduate students should be asked to write by hand and sign on examinations, papers or other academic assignments not specifically exempted by the instructor. The Pledge reads:
I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment or examination.
The Pledge was adopted by the University Senate on April 9, 2001, and approved by the president on May 10, 2001.
The University Senate asks instructors to consider requiring students to write the statement on examinations and assignments worth 20 percent or more of the course grade. The Student Honor Council administers compliance with the code with the goal of promoting a community of trust on campus. This pledge was initiated by students and endorsed by majority vote of the Student Government Association. The writing and signing of the pledge is not mandatory but is an attempt to invoke a sense of pride in the university's high academic standards.
