With the boom of technology, students are finding easier ways to plagiarize and cheat on papers, exams and standardized tests. Unfortunately, some students have found creative ways to cheat on exams.
Whether it is with a cheat sheet or by obtaining an old test from a classmate, cheating only hurts the student. Plagiarism is another way that students can complete school work quickly, but with advances in anti-plagiarism software such as “Safe Assign,” taking credit for someone’s work as your own is becoming harder and harder to do.
Joe Henderson, UTM Director of Student Conduct, said that many students face the temptation to cheat.
“Plagiarism and cheating at UT Martin is a problem, but fortunately, not a huge problem. Because of quick and easy access to the Internet, cell phones and iPads, students are often tempted to cheat. The major offense we see in the Office of Student Conduct is plagiarism. The majority of the plagiarism instances that happen on campus are committed by freshmen,” Henderson said.
He went on to say that he is not sure if freshmen are simply unfamiliar with correct ways to research information or if they may have used the “copy and paste” practice in high school, and now it has continued into their college career.
“Luckily, the vast majority of UT Martin students are honest and hardworking. If a student is feeling the pressure to plagiarize because of time constraints, an overloaded schedule or simply because they do not know the proper ways to research information, the Writing Lab on campus is free and the staff is always willing to help,” Henderson said.
After interviewing two UTM students who wish to remain anonymous, both admitted to cheating at some point in their college career. Writing answers on a hand and wrist or sneaking glances at a partner’s paper are still common ways students cheat, but the cell phone is the next major factor in cheating. The easy access and inconspicuous ways of hiding the device are leading to more students being tempted to look up answers. The camera phone has also played a huge role in cheating and has brought about changes in policies concerning standardized tests. Before, a student could simply snap a picture of a test booklet and email it to others. Now, the strict prohibition of all electronic devices during tests has made that practice much harder.
However, if a student is caught cheating and plagiarizing, the Office of Student Conduct will take action. In the instance that a professor notifies the Student Conduct Office about an infraction, Henderson and his staff will request a copy of the paper or test in question, the professor’s syllabus and an outline of the plagiarized material (i.e. where the information came from).
“If you are called into our office, please tell the truth so that we can understand what is going on. Telling the truth can only help you,” Henderson said.
Though every scenario is different, if a student is found guilty of cheating or plagiarizing, that student is often suspended for a specific amount of time. There is a University Council at UTM, which is made up of faculty, staff and students who meet to discuss the infraction and punishment. After a probationary period, the student is allowed to return to campus, but if they commit another offense of cheating or plagiarism, then the student will be expelled from UTM permanently.
For questions about policies and procedures concerning cheating and plagiarism at UTM, the Office of Student Conduct can be reached at 731-881-7704.
