What do you do when charged with plagiarism at college or university?

Question

I was recently charged with plagiarism and I must say that I am guilty. I admit that I was wrong and deeply regret it. Is there anything I can do to avoid expulsion?

Answer 1

First, you need to check your university's policy on plagiarism.

Often, for a first offense, an F for the assignment, or for the class, is the usual consequence. Second offenses more often result in expulsion.

Second, when you meet with the professor, with the judicial board, with the dean, or with whatever body is designated at your university to adjudicate cases of plagiarism, TELL THE TRUTH.

We've all heard every single excuse. We've all seen students try to shirk responsibility for the offense. Mercy is most likely extended when students are both truthful and remorseful.

Answer 2

I would check your university guidelines and say what the proper procedures are.

There might not be a lot you can do to avoid explusion. However, if there were extenuating circumstances, you might be able to explain it to the dean or the committee that handles plagerism.

You are at their mercy and there might be nothing you can do. However, just confess and explain yourself.

I've heard of situations can vary. Some schools hold the rules to the letter and expel students. I read somewhere that a student was put on a probation period and had to go to a writing tutor to follow the progress of his writing. I believe he was even commended by the tutor for his work and effort.

I had a friend who had plagerized because she had waited till the last minute to do her project AND she was sick. Luckily the professor gave her an F for the class and she was allowed to make it up by taking it again. The other option was to appeal to the academic committee and basically go through a trial, although I had heard that if you go to the committee it's over.

Good luck

Answer 3

Hello,
Sorry to hear about your problem. How serious was the plagiarism. I was warned for plagiarism last year but it was mostly due to improper citations. I admitted that I had rushed through the work and did not properly cite. Did you do that or did you copy someones paper? I was given a warning and am very paranoid about doing papers now.
You can tell your professor the truth. Dont start trying to make lame excuses. I dont know if what i've said will help. but i hope so.
good luck.

Answer 4

To what extent was your plagerism?
Admit it to your professor, and see if you can take an F in the class to avoid expulsion. Then, offer to retake the class, and have the university's english tutors help you properly cite your work, and guide you along the way.

I think that if you admit you're wrong, and want to take corrective steps to make sure that it doesn't happen again, I think that will show your board a lot. If it was a time management issue, show them that you're willing to make adjustments accordingly.

Definitely be careful of your answers. Plagerism affects you where ever you go. Good luck dude.

Answer 5

Always remember that their are consequences to our every action in life.If their is ever any doubt about doing something you KNOW is wrong it probally is wrong!That is called conscience and maybe a little angel sitting on our shoulder telling us right from wrong.You are at the mercy of the board ,choose your answers carefully .Perhaps they will have mercy on you since it is late in the semester???I doubt that,but you might ask to present the paper again or be given another chance and do whatever they want.It is time to be Humble and take it like a man.Learn from your mistakes and never be guilty of such again.Be a better person from this bad experience.Never do that again and discourage anyone you know from ever doing it.We all make mistakes but if we are smart we never do the same thing twice.Good Luck

Answer 6

Re submitting your paper with proper citations or even re writing it depending on the depth of your plagarism would probably be your best first step. However, expulsion policies vary from school to school and I'm sure the extent of your "crime" will impact the repurcussions...

Answer 7

At my college, you would get an F in the class and that would be it. I guess it depends too if you are undergraduate or graduate. Just be remorseful. Lame excuses will make the University mad.