ITT Plagiarism Statement

The Institute of Technology Tralee Anti‐Plagiarism Policy and Procedure document approved by ITT, Academic Council 18th November, 2013 states that "The Institute of Technology, Tralee is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism undermines academic integrity and conflicts with the academic culture of the Institute. It also gives those who engage in plagiarism an unfair advantage over their colleagues. The Institute is committed to using transparent and fair processes to deal with allegations of plagiarism misconduct when they arise. It is the responsibility of all students to inform themselves fully on how to avoid plagiarism and to ensure the integrity of their work."

Definition of Plagiarism

As outlined in the Institute of Technology Tralee Anti‐Plagiarism Policy and Procedure document approved by ITT, Academic Council 18th November, 2013, "Plagiarism ,as that term is under stood and applied by the Institute, is the presentation of the work of another (or of others) as one’s own work, without acknowledgement, in order to gain academic credit. It applies to text, graphics, tables, formulae, code or any representation of ideas in print, electronic or any other media. Plagiarism is regarded as a disciplinary matter. Plagiarism can of course result from a deliberate decision to cheat; but it can also occur through carelessness, without any fraudulent intent. It is crucially important for students to familiarise themselves with correct referencing practices and the nature and boundaries of plagiarism. “I did not intend to plagiarise” is not a good excuse"

Click here to link to Institute of Technology Tralee Anti‐Plagiarism Policy and Procedure document.

Institute of Technology Tralee, Student Handbook 2016/2017: Student Rights & Responsibilities. Section 2.1 | Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is an essential component of third level education. All students must follow principles of intellectual honesty and standards to earn their qualification. Whether an undergraduate or post-graduate student, all examinable elements (eg: continuous assessment (CA), project work, reports, dissertation, thesis, etc) must be the student’s own work. It is accepted that in the production of assignments, students will use textbooks, journals, material accessed from the Internet, or other sources. Students must reference and acknowledge correctly by following standard referencing practice. Students must indicate when any material used is being quoted directly and citing the source. Students must acknowledge also the influence or inspiration of other sources even when they are not being quoted directly. The assignment bibliography should incorporate reference to all other people’s works and ideas using the standard referencing practice. Failure to comply with this standard may constitute an act of plagiarism.

Prior to submission of any work which contributes to the students grades, the onus is on the student to ensure they have complied with the referencing guidelines (available in the programme handbook or from the Lecturer (internal examiner) or on your Blackboard)

2.1.1 | Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the representation of another person’s ideas or work as one’s own without appropriate acknowledgement in order to gain academic credit. Plagiarism applies to text, graphics, tables, formulae, code or any representation of ideas in print, electronic or any other media. Plagiarism whether intentional or unintentional is a serious academic offense.

2.1.2 | Fabrication

Fabrication is defined as the falsification of data or information in any formal academic exercise. This includes making up data to back up arguments or inventing quotations. Data falsification is where false claims are made about research performed, including selective submitting of results to exclude inconvenient data and/or generating bogus data. Fabrication is a serious academic offence.

2.1.3 | Collusion

Collusion is the presentation by a student of an assignment as his/her own which is in fact the result in whole or in part of unauthorised collaboration with another person or persons. All students involved in alleged collusion will be subject to investigation. This includes students willingly supplying unauthorised material (colluders) in the act of academic misconduct.

2.1.4 | Dealing with Academic Dishonesty or other academic offense(s) or misconduct

All suspected  cases of plagiarism will be dealt with through the Institute's Anti-Plagiarism Policy and Procedures. Where other types of academic dishonesty or other academic offense(s) by students is suspected these will be handled directly between the Lecturer and the student (possibly with the assistance of the head of department, school and/or other member(s) of the department) if the lecturer deems the issue to be of relatively minor significance. Otherwise, where there is sufficient evidence of academic dishonesty or other academic offense(s), whether intentional or unintentional the matter will be referred to the Examinations and Assessments Review Committee (EARC; see RR.B.2.6.2).

EARC will investigate documented instances of alleged plagiarism, fabrication, collusion or other breaches of academic integrity notified to the Office of the Vice President Academic Affairs and Registrar. After a full investigation by the EARC, the student may be disqualified, expelled or another sanction imposed as deemed appropriate by the Committee. Until the allegation of academic misconduct (plagiarism, fabrication, collusion or other breaches of academic integrity) against the student/graduate has been proven, all parties associated with the issue and subsequent investigation are required to observe confidentiality. A breach of confidentiality in relation to these matters will be regarded as a serious matter.

Excerpt taken from the Institute of Technology, Tralee, Student Handbook 2016/2017: Student Rights & Responsibilities.