Consequences of Plagiarism and Cheating in College
Plagiarism is a serious issue that many people, especially students, are not fully aware of. Although some may try to deceive their professors, most cases of academic dishonesty result in severe punishment. The consequences of plagiarism can vary depending on whether you are a student or a teacher, but they are equally undesirable. Here are some of the outcomes that college and university students may face:
- Receiving a failing grade for the assignment with no chance of improving it.
- Failing the entire course automatically.
- Being summoned to a disciplinary hearing.
- Being assigned extra assignments to determine whether you have learned from your mistake.
- Being expelled from the institution.
Basic Information About Plagiarism
Many people are concerned about whether plagiarism is illegal. While there are instances where it may result in legal penalties, such as when a student presents someone else’s work as their own in its entirety or uses uncited ideas in funded research for a book, most of the time this is not the case. However, this does not mean that one can get away with it. Plagiarism involves intentionally or unintentionally using other authors’ ideas without giving them credit, and presenting them as your own. You may not even be aware that you’ve committed plagiarism, which can be even more damaging. There are different types of plagiarism, some of which are more severe than others, but one thing is certain: if you engage in it and get caught, you’ll wish you never did it because it’s just not worth the trouble.
Students Who Plagiarize: What Each Punishment Entails
Let’s discuss the consequences of plagiarism for students in more detail. As we mentioned earlier, there are five main consequences:
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Failing a project: Professors have a strict policy against plagiarism, and even a small amount of it can result in failing the entire project. Sometimes, you may not even have the option to resubmit it. Even self-plagiarism, which involves reusing your own work without proper citation, is unacceptable.
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Failing the term: In some universities, if you’re caught plagiarizing, you may fail the entire term. This can be a devastating consequence, especially after working hard for months.
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Disciplinary hearing: If you’re caught plagiarizing, you may have to attend a disciplinary hearing where you have to explain your actions and why you did it. This can be a humiliating experience, and you’ll be labeled as a student with a disciplinary record.
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Additional assignments: To make up for your mistake, the committee may assign additional tasks for you to complete to prove that you’ve learned your lesson. While this can be an opportunity to redeem yourself, it can also be time-consuming and affect your other assignments.
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Expulsion: This is the worst consequence of plagiarism. If you’re caught, you may be expelled from the university, and you’ll have to start all over again. This is a significant loss of time, money, and effort.
In summary, plagiarism can have severe consequences that can negatively affect your academic career. It’s important to check your work for plagiarism and use proper citation to avoid these consequences.
Plagiarism Consequences That Academics Face
Plagiarism can have even more severe consequences for academics than it does for students. Academics are held to a higher standard of honesty and integrity, and if they are caught plagiarizing, the repercussions can follow them for the rest of their professional lives. Journals are likely to refuse to publish their work, no matter how original it may be, and investors may avoid supporting them altogether. Losing the ability to secure funding for their research can be the end of an academic career.
The damage to an academic’s reputation can also have serious consequences. They may not be considered for promotions or bonuses, and they could even lose their job. Other academics may not take them seriously, and rumors of their plagiarism could spread. Many academics caught in plagiarism have had to resign and start anew, unable to continue their careers in the field.
Legal Consequences of Plagiarism
Copyright infringement can have serious legal consequences, particularly when it comes to stealing someone else’s work. If you use someone’s text or ideas without their permission and claim them as your own, you can be sued and required to pay damages depending on the nature and severity of the infringement. You may also face expulsion or termination, and criminal charges may be brought against you if you refuse to accept responsibility. In some states, plagiarism is considered a crime and can result in a prison sentence of up to one year, along with hefty fines of up to $50,000.
Given the gravity of these consequences, it’s important to be cautious when using others’ ideas and to avoid plagiarism. Proper citation is key, and it’s important to follow academic formatting guidelines when citing sources. When using direct quotes, be sure to use quotation marks and clearly indicate the source. Additionally, utilizing a plagiarism checker can help ensure that your work is original and free of any unintentional plagiarism.
Get Rid of Plagiarism in Your Essays in Several Minutes
Now that you’re aware of the consequences of intentional plagiarism in academia, it’s not worth risking it for temporary gain. To ensure the authenticity of your work, utilize a free plagiarism checker. This tool can highlight any problematic areas, provide a percentage of originality, and suggest alternatives like synonyms or professional services to help you eliminate plagiarism from your essay. Stay vigilant, check yourself, and avoid plagiarism at all costs.