Ohio State's rules on academic conduct are based on the value of originality and individual achievement. It is essential 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, it is expected to be your original work. Never copy work from another student or allow another student to copy from you. Unless your course instructor has permitted collaboration with other students on an assignment, work alone. If you are unsure if you can collaborate, ask the professor for clarification.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is using someone else's words or ideas and 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 writing without crediting the source, that is considered academic misconduct. This does not mean you shouldn't incorporate words others have written into your writing, but rather, it's essential to master the rules of citing appropriately and effectively.
University Libraries maintains an excellent online guide to correctly using sources and citing. Always ask your professor 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 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 violating 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 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.