1.4 Appropriate Assessment
1.4.3 Exploring better ways of alerting students to the dangers of plagiarism and provide guidance and support to enable students to avoid plagiarism
Summary of Strategy
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Strategic Aim |
(Ongoing) Action |
Appropriate bodies and student representatives |
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1.4 Appropriate Assessment |
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1.4.3 Exploring better ways of alerting students to the dangers of plagiarism and provide guidance and support to enable students to avoid plagiarism |
§ Encourage plagiarism to be taught out of the system and a mature use of Plagiarism Detection Equipment (PDE). |
§ CUSU AAO § CUSU FLO through: § Plagiarism Steering Grp § General Board EC § Student FBMs |
Strategy
1.4.3 Exploring better ways of alerting students to the dangers of plagiarism and provide guidance and support to enable students to avoid plagiarism
The stated aim 4.1.5 (c) of the ULTS under 'Appropriate Assessment' is to 'explore better ways of alerting students to the dangers of plagiarism and provide guidance and support to enable students to avoid plagiarism'.
The Board of Graduate Studies has well developed plagiarism policy, with clear guidelines in their graduate handbook, tutorial plans and disciplinary measures. The Board of Examinations have a less coordinated and developed approach. Progress however was made in May 2007 when the University organised a Plagiarism Awareness Day and launched an awareness website, after the CUSU Academic Affairs Officer made a request to the General Board's Education Committee in March 2007. A necessary development however is for referencing skills to be incorporated into the teaching courses in Faculties and Supervisions, and for the raising of awareness of the value of good academic techniques.
The use of plagiarism detection equipment known as 'Turnitin' must be monitored. It is imperative that it is only used in cases of suspected plagiarism when adequate consent is given by students. The equipment should be valued for its use as a tutorial tool in teaching students how to avoid plagiarism and learning how to overcome accidental plagiarism. During May 2007 the Board of Graduate Studies and Board of Examinations decided to and followed advice not to use the equipment after concerns were raised by CUSU. It is important that the General Board's expressed intention is pursued of teaching plagiarism out of the system rather then by punishing it out.
Ongoing Action: Through sitting on the University's Plagiarism Steering Group and Student Faculty Board Members the CUSU Academic Affairs Officer will encourage for plagiarism to be taught out of the system and a mature use of Plagiarism Detection Equipment.
Return to CUSU Strategic Aim One: Improving Learning Opportunities for Students