Plagiarism

“I've got two students doing an independent study with me. They were both in a class of mine that I taught when I was full time. Even though I am part time and supervising independent study is not part of my job (nor am I getting paid extra) - I agree to take responsibility, meet with them, supervise them, recommend readings and read their papers. I felt that since they had worked hard in my class and one (I'll call her K) had really contributed (more than her friend, C, who is the other student doing the independent study) and is taking a Senior seminar with me this Fall, that I ought to do it.

We discussed their topics and how they would proceed. Things seemed to be going well when I asked them to email the draft of the paper they said they had done. I explained that I would read it carefully give them careful feedback about how to proceed. They agreed, but it didn't come. I kept checking in with K who said that C had promised to send it... she relayed excuses like "C said she must have sent it to the wrong address." Finally it came, along with excuses about trouble typing and getting the email address wrong. I let K know and she seemed relieved, saying that she was getting really annoyed and said she'd just send it in herself.

Well, I got the paper and it didn't reflect the reading they said they were doing. Then I noticed some of the sentences didn't sound like them. So I started taking phrases from the paper and searching them on google, and through other means. It looked like the whole thing was plagiarized from a couple of on-line "research" papers.

I'm really pissed, because it looks like I spent more time on their paper than they did - and because I extended myself because I believed in the learning process and in their enthusiasm. They are seniors with a good GPA. I think they procrastinated and then panicked. I've emailed them and asked them to produce something to show me what they contributed to the paper.

I'm debating on how to handle it. I'm thinking about a range of things from turning all the evidence over to the Dean and the Department chair and throwing the book at them to knocking them down at least one full letter grade and demanding original work without any extension. I suppose a lot depends on their attitude, and if I can get a convincing picture of who is the guilty party (beyond my prejudices that come from knowing one much better than the other).

In some ways, I have their academic carreers in my hands. I don't want that power (and that ticks me off, too). Unless I feel pretty certain that K was innocent in all this, I will have to change my mind about writing recommendations (this is her third, or fourth? course with me and she did well in them all). Or maybe I should tell them I am taking a poll on TT as to what the consequences should be (letting them get a look at TT before hand would heighten the terror) - j/k.

Anyways, I post this mostly to vent - but also to warn people that plagiarists do get caught. There are tools available beyond google to search texts using phrases or keyword combos to bust cheaters.”

“That's sad. Turn 'em in.”

“pedxing, meet with them and confront them before making the decision. They certainly should face some level of consequence for their poor judgement, just like in life. But the level of consequence should be decided after you have had a chance to gauge their attitudes about the situation. Just my immediate take.”

“No mercy.”

“Attitudes can be faked too.”

“head”

“No better time to learn about accepting consequences for your actions than when you're young.

You've wasted enough time on this, ped, turn it all over to the Dean and let him take it from there.”

“Well, as I've always said, honesty is the key to a student/teacher relationship. If you can fake that, you're in.”

“"Sorry girls, your fate will be decided by a small mob of internet derelicts..."

Yeah -- that oughta work.



BTW, Chili.... Cliff Claven is looking for you.”

“Wow, ped.

Quite a delima. Bottom line is that you are the only one who can balance fairness with equity on this one.

And no, in this context, "fairness" and "equity" are not the same. Fairness concerns their individual academic careers.

"Equity" concerns the health of the system as a whole.

Good Luck.”

“Grade their papers as though you were a fool that they took, (give them a D-)and then at the last minute, say, "pardon me, but because those were plagarized, I have to knock them down just another half a grade." Wahlah! Big "F".

I agree with Bit. Turn em in.”

“But seriously... If you want to give them a break (and its seems you do) offer to let them "withdrawal/failing" at the last minute or you'll be forced by your own standard of ethics to report your findings. Let them choose between the F and the X.
Of course, this all may be a set-up and your integrity is being tested by some all-seeing LaRouchian kinda organization, which controls the academic world.”

“I'm with c bat. Wait until you talk to them.

I suppose you may have to go back and look at some of the work "K" has done in the past, but it sounds like it is possible that one of them has put the others future in your hands.

It also sounds like you actually care. Just turning it over to the dean, the innocent one if there is one may not get fair treatment.”

“It's par for the course - don't be overly dramatic about and save yourself an ulcer. Sheesh. I've dealt with this several times when I used to teach undergrads. What I did: confront the student with another prof present, and ask them why I shouldn't throw the book at them. If they answered contritely and sincerely and were willing to admit to it and accept the consequences, then I usually offered a choice: an 'F' for that paper or to withdraw from the class. If I got b.s. in reply to my questions, I handed it over to the department chair.”

“Well, aside from the paranoid stuff at the end, wild chlid has an interesting solution.

Should you decide to be merciful, the best you should offer them is the chance to withdraw/failing, if your uni offers that. I wouldn't give them another chance to waste my personal, unrecompensed time any further.”

“ped - If that were to happen to me, I would gather the evidence and print it out. Nowadays, keids try everything to get away with stuff. Whose to say that they haven't been doing this there whole carrer? I really feel that if you don't "nail'em to the wall", you'd only be showing them that they can get away with it again. If they (or one of them) truly respects you as a teacher, they will understand your course of action. If the one is guilty by association, that will teacher them to pick better people (or not to go along with that agian) in the future. I've had some doosies in my time (when I taught) and I always found that I recieved better respect by being firm and than by being lax. The trouble you're going to have is being comfortable with your decision. Be at pease with it, what ever you choose and GOOD LUCK!!”

“I wouldn't give them another chance to waste my personal, unrecompensed time any further

Oh good grief. I never had a plagiarizer (who took an F) turn around and plagiarize again in the same course - nor have I ever heard of it happening. I suppose it could happen, but a responsible educator keeps the fallibility of people in his mind and the importance of a person's education to their future. Besides, you'd probably be able to spot the kind of person who would cheat again after you were lenient.”

“I've dealt with this several times when I used to teach undergrads. What I did: confront the bastards and offer an "F" if they were ugly, or an "A" if they'd agree to a session of vigorous, no-holds-barred lovemaking on my desk.”

“I hate to admit it, but that sounds like a good solution.”

“Well, without knowing anything more about these two students, Dr. Laura's suggestion could have some dangerous side effects.”

“Yah...have you ever seen "Wild Things"?”

“"head"
wild chlid
01:02:19 PM
12/02/03

The question seems to be whether you get the "head" or the Dean does for these students to get their pass.

It would appear that you seen to think that one may be redeemable and the other less so.

Are you able to discuss this 'off record' with the Dean and see if the Dean is prepared to give them a chance. That chance is to reject the work and have them earn a zero for that assignment, but no furthur punishment for that act of plagarizm.
Kind of hard to have them possibly kicked out of school for one error of judgement, but they have to learn that there is no profit in stealing others work. Kill their grade on this assignment only is about the smallest downside available.”

“Talk to them - that's all you can do. Put the evidence in front of them and give them a chance to explain it.”

“Where's the resident racist college educator with his all-knowing perspective?”

“THe problem here is that there is no good excuse for plagiarism. It's blatent cheating, poor decision making, laziness and disregard for their own educations.

If they had run into a serious problem with the due date, I'm sure they could have worked something out with you. This was just taking the easy way out and it should be punished.

Today they plagiarise, what is it tomorrow and are the consequences more severe. They knew when they did it that there were ramifications if caught.

I agree that letting them withdraw would be the least you should do for them. At least that way they can rethink their actions and still get a good education. Hopefully a little wiser for it all.”

“Today they plagiarise, what is it tomorrow and are the consequences more severe.

Indiana John
01:41:17 PM
12/02/03

Yeah, next thing you know they'll be committing all kinds of heinous and anti-social acts, like throwing babies off bridges or kicking their dogs or putting their elbows on the table when they eat. Stop 'em now while you still can.

Heck, just ignore the plagiarization, tell them to do a non-plagiarized paper, and forget about it. They're young and stupid. Let 'em have a break.”

“ouch, that has got to hurt the ol' feelings. i would never have done that to a teacher i had asked to help me with my independent study. isn't it usually your favorite teacher you'd ask to do something like that?

so, why do you think K might be innocent, if "they" were supposed to have done the paper together?”

“No, Dr. P whatever, I'm not talking about kicking dogs or throwing babies here. I'm talking about thinking you can get away with things and cheating your way through life.

What if next time it's skimming a little taxpayer money off the books, or skimping on a report that holds the safety of a space shuttle crew, or fudging their way through the safety features on your next automobile.

It's more an attitude than an action and it's way too prevelelent in today's society.”

“Wait a minute... Was this a "draft" and not a final paper? Did they cite sources? Was the intent of the draft only to outline what THEY WILL BE writing for the paper? Does that make a diff???”

“What if next time it's skimming a little taxpayer money off the books, or skimping on a report that holds the safety of a space shuttle crew, or fudging their way through the safety features on your next automobile

Yeah, I'm sure a life-full of cheating will be thwarted by this single incident.”

“Maybe not Mutt but they will think twice next time. Maybe they'll think about their actions teach someone else the lesson they learned and then you've started something haven't you. Rome wasn't built in a day you know.”

“if i were a teacher and a student i liked and helped out on a one-on-one basis plagiarized a paper, i'd be insulted. i think i would feel like that person took advantage of my passion and my life's work. that's a pretty personal thing to do. i don't think i'd care so much about stopping someone from cheating later on in life, as i would about vengeance. LOL! kidding. sorta. i don't mean i'd try to make them miserable, but depending on the particular relationship, it might be hard not to have hurt feelings. teaching isn't like auditing someone at the IRS.”

“Okay, but I think that can be accomplished without necessarily handing out the maximum punishment.”

“Mutt seems to have the right of this in my eyes.

If they're confronted and are willing to accept responsibility for the plagiarism, they get another chance. If not, turn em in.”

“I think a good spanking is in order.

Maybe three or four.”

“So, are they not punished at all then?”

“...and then...”

“... deleted scenes from Castle Anthax, of course.”

“R”

“Has hell frozen over? Are pigs flying? Phaedrus and I agree? Wow.”

“They should receive some level of punishment regardless of their attitude during confrontation. If they accept responsibilty and show remorse then kill the assignment and have them start over or something. Maybe W from the course, I dont know. If their attitude sucks turn 'em over to the dean and let them face full punishment.”

“Let them explain. I was accused of plagerism by one of my history professors in my senior year. When the professor confronted me with the charge, I was astonished. He asked for proof that I'd written the paper (80 pages on the Von Schliefen Plan), and that I had to give it to him within 24 hours. 1 hour later, I brought the man all my notes, and an attitude. When he saw the notes, he knew I hadn't plagerized a thing. He didn't even look at the notes in detail. I asked him where his evidence was that I plagerized. His response..... "I was sure that you didn't produce this type of work." Needless to say, his reputation is the worst prof in our department proceeded him, and it took much self control on my part not to get into a verbal arguement with the guy.

Plagerism is very serious Ped. I'd present what evidence you have to them, at the time they fulfill your evidentiary request. If one or both plagerized, send it to the Dean. The folks out there who bust thier a$$es should not have thier effort compromised due to cheaters, nor should folks that work hard have to defend themselves from baseless allegations.

Good luck!”

“It was a draft paper. I would gather the evidence, call them both in for a meeting, tell them what you've found, give them a chance to explain and then scare the bejesus out of them. Don't give them a decision on what you're going to do before they leave your office. Give them a couple of days to sweat. Make your decision based on their response. Make them aware how easy it was for you to determine that they plagarized. Maybe K had no idea. Maybe she did.

My guess is that whatever you decide to do, they'll never plagarize again. It will also let them know you feel betrayed and used. I'm not sure I would continue to supervise their independent study.

Bummer.”

“And then... spank me.”

“

I've got two students doing an independent study with me. They were both in a class of mine that I taught when I was full time. Even though I am part time and supervising independent study is not part of my job (nor am I getting paid extra) - I agree to take responsibility, meet with them, supervise them, recommend readings and read their papers. I felt that since they had worked hard in my class and one (I'll call her K) had really contributed (more than her friend, C, who is the other student doing the independent study) and is taking a Senior seminar with me this Fall, that I ought to do it.

In trying to understand your first paragraph, I reduced it to what I considered to be relevant and was left with this:

I've got two students doing an independent study with me. ... I agree to take responsibility, meet with them, supervise them, recommend readings and read their papers. ...

First, I suspect a typing error and believe "I agree" should be "I agreed." Next, I don't understand your responsibility. Either they are doing this under you, you are just helping them or both. Confusing is your "with me." Should that be "for me?" But since you later talk about grading them, then the first sentence appears to cover the situation. In this case I believe you would automatically have the responsiblility to read their papers. So I am confused. (Please bear with me or ignore me. I am trying to understand the situation.)

I suggest, if the papers have been submitted to you for grading, then grade them. If time remains for them to resubmit their paper(s), return the graded papers and allow them the remaining time to revise them and resubmit them. Since you are unhappy, withdraw from further assistance.

I further suggest that you do talk to them about the situation. And, before you fail the students, I suggest that you do talk with officials higher in the hierarchy.

Would footnotes identifying the sources of the information make a difference? (I was taught to footnote anything that I did not know previously, when writing a paper.)

Let me try this again. Are they your students or not your students?
BTW, I'm giving you a D-- on your post! (for confusing me so much.)”

“You think that story is something? Hell, I was thrown out of college for cheating on the metaphysics exam; I looked into the soul of the bastard sitting next to me.”

“Doctor Laura, we understand. You were at a severe disadvantage withut a soul of your own.”

“You've wasted enough time on this, ped, turn it all over to the Dean and let him take it from there."
bitpusher
01:03:10 PM
12/02/03

Tsk tsk tsk... Making assumptions, are ya?



Some have said this already... If this was the final piece, turned in for a grade, I would have a difficult time giving them any slack. But, this is a draft which gives you the ability to decide how to handle it. Since they still have time to fix this situation, I would address it w/ them. Don't show them your evidence right away. Ask them to tell you why they think you're upset. See if you can get either/both to admit it. Then, if necessary, produce your evidence. Lastly, like skiracer said, don't tell them what you're going to do right away. The torture will likely scare them outta ever doing something like this again.

Bottom line is that plagerism is serious. No student can claim to be unaware of the risk they're taking when they decide to plagerise. So, even if you decide to be lenient, don't be too lenient. There's no excuse for what they did.

I'm an Eng/Lit major. I've written tons of papers in my time. I have always rec'vd good grades (pat pat pat). I spent hours reading, researching and writing...I'd hate to know that the person next to me is getting the same A that I get by copying someone elses work. I'd also hate to know that some student, years down the line, is getting the same A that I got by copying my work. Would really tick me off!”

“But Tarabull,..emulation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

“Well, my encounters with plagiarism haven't been at the senior, independent study level, just the good ol' freshman comp level -- but my policy is clear in my syllabus -- if I catch you plagiarizing in a paper, you flunk the class and I refer you to the academic VP for whatever he is in the mood to do (he may do nothing, and that is out of my control).

That said, I do carefully document the plagiarism to make sure that I can prosecute a case on evidence should my decision be grieved by the student. If I can't make it air tight, well I have to be careful. I do call the student in to give them a chance to explain why there are problems with the paper. If there is an explanation that is actually plausible (none offered to date on the one's I've flunked), I may consider just flunking the student on the paper, not the whole course. But this is serious stuff in the academic setting. The student better learn it at the freshman comp level so pedxing doesn't have to deal with it when they are seniors.

This happens about every other year so far in my 12 years of college-level teaching.”