Avoiding Plagiarism

The most serious offense you can make when writing academic papers is plagiarism.

Put simply, plagiarism consists of using someone else's ideas or research in your work without giving that source proper credit. Plagiarism is more serious than getting a bad grade; plagiarism could lead to your expulsion from Rice.

In order to avoid plagiarism, please be sure to cite your sources within your paper according to proper documentation styles. The following sites will help you better to understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it:

• Avoiding Plagiarism
  This site details what plagiarism is and how your professors are able to easily detect plagiarism within your papers.

• Anti-Plagiarism Checklist
  In addition to this useful checklist and links to proper documentation styles, this site also clears up what is and is not considered plagiarism.

The Rice Honor Code is taken very seriously and all accusations of plagiarism go before the Rice Honor Council, made up of representatives from the student body and the faculty. Check out the Honor Council's web site to learn more.

 

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