Plagiarism Software – Turnitin

The university has in place an industry standard anti-plagiarism software (Turn-It-In). The software is capable of analysing submitted student work and identifying plagiarised content in relation to (a) published material on the web (b) data repositories maintained by the providers, and (c) against other submitted work by fellow students. The software use is obligatory and must be followed by all instructors and students.

Plagiarism and Academic misconduct

Distance learning students as well as conventional students are subject to disciplinary control.

Plagiarism is defined as the appropriation of material, ideas etc which belong to another person.

 - Specifically, when students make use of university sources (LMS, SMS, Library, and Virtual Laboratories) they are bound by the Acceptable Use Policy of the University, which prohibits them from using these services in illegal or deceitful activities.

- The university places more emphasis on the abidance of the ethical code than the academic performance of the student. Plagiarism, impersonation, copyright violation are strictly punished.

- For the students’ assistance, special software packages that evaluate the assignment and inform the students of the plagiarism rate are made available by the university.

- The academic advisor guides the students and informs them about the tolerated/permissible limits that they can incorporate into their assignments as well as the appropriate means of referencing them.

- Students who are suspected of the above offences (plagiarism, impersonation, copyright violation) will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee and, if found guilty, may be suspended, expelled or end their studies.

Turn it in software for dealing with plagiarism:

Frederick University has implemented the Turnitin software to monitor plagiarism. The software is able to analyse assignments submitted by students and to detect plagiarism content in relation to:

  1. published material on the internet
  2. data repositories maintained by providers
  3. other assignments submitted by their fellow students.

The examination process will be conducted transparently and the student will have access to the plagiarism report in order to have the opportunity to rectify improper use.

  • The use of the software is mandatory and must be followed by all instructors and students.
  • The Software Usage Policy as defined by the Distance Learning Committee:
  • The university has adopted the “seven word” rule
  • The allowable percentage of plagiarism is 20% as a limit of textual similarity and as a general guideline
  • Deviations on the above limit are acceptable, given that they are justified and that students are aware of these limits in advance.
  • The assignment that has been submitted within the permissible limits, is under the evaluation of each instructor in accordance with the university guidelines.
  • Plagiarism limits on textual similarity concerning thesis reports are decided by the Department Council.
  • Instructors must take into account the percentage of plagiarism in their assessment.

Instructors have the responsibility to inform their students for the existence of the software and its usage policy.