Ohio State’s rules on academic conduct are based on the value of originality and individual achievement. It is extremely important to know the rules and standards in place at Ohio State so that you do not unintentionally violate the Code of Student Conduct.
The Code of Student Conduct outlines behavior that is allowed and not allowed (in and outside the classroom) at the university.
Copying and unauthorized collaboration
When you complete an academic assignment, the expectation is that it is your own original work. Never copy work from another student, or allow another student to copy from you. Unless your course instructor has given permission for you to collaborate with other students on an assignment, work alone. If you are not sure if you are allowed to collaborate, ask the professor for clarification.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s words or ideas, presenting them as your own. If you copy someone else’s writing—from a book, website or even a friend’s homework— and put it into your own writing without giving credit to the original source, that is considered academic misconduct. This does not mean you shouldn’t incorporate words others have written into your own writing, but rather it is important to master the rules of citing appropriately and effectively.
University Libraries maintains an excellent online guide to the correct use of sources and citing, Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research. Always ask your professor about how they want you to cite sources you use in your work.
Consequences
Failure to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct has serious implications for international students’ academic and immigration status. Instructors who believe that academic misconduct has occurred in their class will refer the students involved to the University Committee on Academic Misconduct (COAM). When COAM finds a student in violation of the Code of Student Conduct, disciplinary and grade sanctions are imposed; in the most severe instances, sanctions can include suspension or dismissal from the university, which can lead to loss of legal status in the United States. Students who are charged with academic misconduct can meet with the academic liaison for international students at the Office of International Affairs to discuss possible immigration consequences.
Learn more about avoiding and preventing academic misconduct.