Avoiding Plagiarism

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is the uncredited use of another person's work or ideas.  Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional, and can have serious consequences.  

How do you avoid plagiarism?

Make sure you always use other's information ethically.  Copying work, whether it is a whole paper or only a sentence, is plagiarism and a huge disservice to yourself and your learning.  Here are some tips to help you avoid unintentional plagiarism, or the misuse of sources:

• • Take careful notes!

    • Don't just copy and paste information! 

    • Take notes in your own words.

    • Use quotation marks when copying information directly.

  • Keep track of your sources!

    • Create citations as you use a source.

    • Use our Citing Sources page and Source Tracking Sheet for help!

AHS Academic Ethics Policy

Ashland High School strives to provide a program of academic excellence and the 

opportunities for each individual student to excel. In keeping with this goal, a high standard of 

academic ethics must also be maintained. Students will thereby learn to value and 

demonstrate ethical behavior, will be better prepared to deal with such expectations outside 

the school environment, and will be assured that the integrity and value of their academic 

achievements will not be diminished.

Plagiarism

Cheating in any form or plagiarism (copying another’s work and calling it one’s own) is a 

serious breach of academic ethics and will incur the following:

• 1st offense – Teacher will call parent, a written discipline referral to administration, a zero

on the work/test and an extended detention.

• 2nd offense - Teacher will call parent, a written discipline referral to administration, the 

equivalent of two zeros on the work/test and an extended detention.

• Additional offenses will result in more severe disciplinary action. 

The Code of Academic Ethics elicits the following responsibilities of the groups listed:

Responsibilities of students:

• To maintain a personal standard of academic ethics.

• To understand clearly the instructions, classroom management and rules and 

expectations of their individual teachers.

• To in no way participate or give the appearance of contributing to any cheating, copying 

or plagiarizing.

Responsibilities of teachers:

• To communicate clearly their classroom management policies and expectations.

• To expect and maintain a high standard of academic ethics.

• To deal with any breaches of academic ethics