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SES Plagiarism Coversheet

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If you use other peoples work, words, ideas or diagrams without acknowledging them as the source, you are guilty of plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious offence and will result in disciplinary action against offenders by the University Disciplinary Committee. Wwhich could result in suspension or even expulsion from the University.

What is Plagiarism?

• turning in someone else's work as your own
• copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
• failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
• giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
• changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
• copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not (see our section on "fair use" rules)

Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed, and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually enough to prevent plagiarism. (Source: http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_what_is_plagiarism.html)

To prevent any allegation of plagiarism against their work students are required to:  Read the UKZN Plagiarism Policy

(Extract from the policy: Section 1.4)

1.4.1 Read, understand and respect the University plagiarism policy and procedures.

1.4.2 Familiarize themselves with the concept of plagiarism and observe the conventions of referencing and academic writing made available through the teaching processes.

1.4.3 Develop the academic literacy required to avoid plagiarism.

1.4.4 Request assistance from staff for any concerns about plagiarism in their own writing.

1.4.5 Ensure they do not submit work that can be considered plagiarised.

1.4.6 Attach the required signed declaration with each piece of work that is submitted for assessment purposes.

1.4.7 Ensure they do not deliberately or negligently allow their work to be copied.

1.4.8 Ensure that ideas generated in group discussions are expressed in their own words.

1.4.9 Utilize the plagiarism identification software programmes prior to submitting their work for assessment and is compulsory for postgraduate students prior to submission of their thesis/dissertation.

The School of Environmental Sciences requires Students to sign and Submit a Plagiarism Coversheet with all work submitted. This is a pre-requisite for the work to be marked. By signing the plaigiarism coversheet, student acknowledge that they understand what plagiarism is and that the work they are submitting is their own.